In 2016, Tanner Tennyson was an estimator for a large contractor and saw roofing prices rise 30% with the same quality of products and the same level of service. “I had worked for the third-largest roofing company in the world. I knew what the best products were. The market took a big price hike and continued using subpar products, so Integrity was born.”
Tennyson built a brand and team that aimed to honor homeowners, bringing commercial grade products to the market sold at residential prices. The company grew so much that IRC bought a building for its showroom in November 2017 on Viking Way in Poulsbo.
When Tennyson came up with the idea to start IRC, he understood that there were some important questions homeowners were asking while searching for a roofing contractor.
What does the market offer?
What is the true longevity of any given roofing product?
What is the return on investment on certain products?
Cedar Shake Roofs and Our Advice
The benefits: Cosmetics Appeal – Natural shake roofing is beautiful and has rich dimension, variegated colors, and natural wood texture. The different widths and lengths create a staggered look with deep shadow lines, so no two shake roofs look the same, providing a coveted, unique tailored look. Arguably, the most beautiful product for a roof, turning a house into a home.
The history: Old growth cedar trees are tight grain, creating a dense, strong material, which can merit a 50-year lifespan, as it continually emits natural oils, which preserve the wood. Unfortunately, these trees have been milled, but the material was still being installed widely into the 1990s and early 2000s.
The performance: Cedar shake roofs still in existence were derived from younger trees, are thinner, less dense and therefore less waterproof (easily rot); the shakes curl and cup due to oxidation and are susceptible to wind and fire and are expensive to maintain. While these products are beautiful when new, they are now becoming known as a financial burden.
Our suggestion: Take control of your real estate. Besides your family, your home is likely your largest investment; protect the investment and do so, on your terms. Prior to selling your home, get an inspection performed, and if you need a new roof, you decide on who performs the work and the price you are willing to pay. Otherwise, when you are in the process of selling, a value may be given to reduce your sale price. That value may be higher than you may have been able to get the work done.
Whether you’re planning on staying for several more years or selling in the near future, taking action on your roof; educating yourself is the best way to making a sound financial decision that is best for your family.
“Americans own their homes on average for 8-10 years, and sometimes a complete re-roof isn’t always in a homeowner’s best interest. We want to educate, so people can make the best decision for their family.”
What do signs of roof damage look like, and how can a homeowner determine what services they need? Some signs are hard to see from the ground but can be quite visible from a safe distance.
- Leaks – Note any dark markings around penetrations of your roof, including skylights and pipes. Most leaks start around existing penetrations and can be visible from the attic. In more grave scenarios, drywall rot and damage would be a result of leaks. Skylights usually cause problems; make sure to look at the surrounding walls, ceiling, and humidity within the panes of glass.
- Moss – Living in the Pacific Northwest provides its fair share of wet weather. But when moss starts
forming on a roof, it holds moisture against the roof surface and over time in freezing climates can cause damage to the shingle. - Cracked, bald shingles (or brittle and breaking shake) – Granule loss on asphalt shingles is the number one biggest problem causing inspectors to lower the price of your home pre-sale. When the rocks come off a shingle, it indicates a loss of structure and integrity of the shingle. Shingles may also crack over time as a result of the aging and oxidation process, creating more entrances for moisture to penetrate the roof.
A roofing estimator can look in-depth into these concerns and assess other signs from physically being on the roof. Photos from these estimates are also helpful for both the contractor and the homeowner to have an idea of what scope-of-work may be involved.
Finding the right contractor
When seeking out a licensed and bonded professional to provide services on your roof, there is value in a company that prioritizes safety for roofing crew and homeowners. A contractor with high standards for its employees likely indicates a high standard for their brand, service, and materials.
But why is that important? People often desire the best cost, but often, the infrastructure of the company and, therefore, the service is subpar.
The focus on developing a top-quality roofing service success fully helped Integrity become a household name for roofing. Providing additional services naturally became the next focus when the remodel division opened up last July. Since then, IRC has maintained the of face-to-face interactions with homeowners. Customers can expect their thorough estimates within a day with a line of communication to the estimating team for any questions.
Helping homeowners understand major investments like roofing and remodeling is part of IRC’s creation and core values. Building trust is crucial when it comes to these investments. With a bigger presence in the community and a growing staff, IRC continues the same sharp focus on helping customers as it did when the company was a one-man show.
Integrity Roofing & Construction is an active member of the Western States Roofing Contractors Association and the National Roofing Contractors Association and uses only the best Malarkey roofing products.
“Modern home with an 18-year-old roof
in need of repair. I contacted Tanner after
multiple estimates. He appraised the problem,
offered a TPO solution including repairs, and
had the entire project completed that weekend,
on a budget, and without hassle. A pleasure to
deal with, honest, and forthright. It’s five stars
for my experience with Integrity Roofing.”
– resident, Richard L.