Goodnight Hurricane Irene...

Hurricane Irene has come and gone at the Jersey Shore and beyond. We spent a lot of time doing as much as we could to help homeowners battle the storm. Thanks to all who turned to us to provide last minute services like boarding up windows and stretching tarps. We were glad to help!

If you watched any of the dramatic footage from the Carolina coasts, you saw that the first thing to go in the storm was roof shingles. The news reporters focused their cameras on the roof tops and waited. At first, shingles were flapping in the wind, and when the storm came ashore, entire sections of shingles were ripping off and flying away.

And while many of the upcoming repairs at the Jersey Shore and Philadelphia will be simple, it is a good time to check for other structural damage to the roof including cracks or rotting wood. Gutters should also be checked to make sure they have not been loosened and will fall at a later date, as well as chimneys, vents and windows. A post-storm check of your building is an essential step to peace of mind.

You may also want to consider replacing your old roof now to protect your investment before the next storm lands.

Thanks again to all who called us to prepare for Hurricane Irene at the Jersey Shore. Please remember that we are standing by to help if you experienced any damage during the storm, or want an estimate on a new roof. In the meantime, here's Willie Nelson with his rendition of the classic Goodnight Irene, Enjoy!

Beware rip off roofers!

One of the biggest problems that we see at Madera and Sons is roofers who did such a terrible job that we are called to come in and fix the problems. We have heard all kinds of horror stories from our customers including contractors who switched to inferior grade materials after the contract was signed, to problems that occurred after the new roof was installed such as leaks in walls and basements. We have even heard about roofing contractors who cause damage to a roof to convince customers that work is needed.

Often, the contractors will try to defend themselves by saying 'You just can't please everyone.' But we believe that you can! And there are plenty of things you can do to make sure that you are going to get the services you really need.

The first thing you should do is request multiple bids for the work. We are happy to inspect your roof and provide you with an accurate estimate, and encourage you to find other contractors who will do the same. Since most contractors can purchase materials for the same cost, and the cost of labor is generally the same, you will need to be wary of bids that come in too high or too low compared to the majority of estimates. Too low and you may be buying shoddy materials. Too high and you may be getting ripped off for labor charges that are unwarranted.

Ask for credentials, proof of insurance and references. Qualified contractors are happy to offer these for your review.

And beware of storm chasers! Often, after storms come through an area and cause normal damage, roofers will be out in force offering free inspections or pointing out problems that don't even exist. These people will take advantage of a homeowner's fear.

At Madera and Sons, we pride ourselves on our many happy customers. We have the credentials to prove we are the best and the testimonials to show that our customers rely on us to do the job right. Whether you need a roof or fiberglass deck in South Jersey including Atlantic City, Margate, Ventnor, Longport or Ocean City, or Philadelphia and the surrounding area, we can help.

Roof Research

The internet is an amazing resource for doing research on practically any subject. When a person wants to find a roofing contractor or an expert in fiberglass installation, they are using the internet, whether they live in Philadelphia or Cape May. There are hundreds of ways to search for a contractor online and to find out about the latest technology and materials. At Madera and Son, we are working to reach out to our customers online.

Often, we link to the online experts who are publishing important information to use when choosing a roofer in Philadelphia, Atlantic City or anywhere in South Jersey. One of our first blogs features an amazing video of the effects of a storm on your roof. Click here to watch this amazing film. 

But today we are linking to the Popular Mechanics guide to roofing, complete with terrific illustrations and plenty of informative copy. Click here to check it out! This is a fantastic article for anyone who wants to learn about the nuts and bolts of roof construction and becoming an expert on what to look for in a reputable contractor.

Today's consumers have never been more informed. Remember that Madera and Sons is the leading company for roofing and fiberglass installation from Philadelphia to Cape May. Call us today!

Fiberglass shower pan experts

You have probably seen every type of outdoor shower if you live at the Jersey Shore. Outdoor showers are a big part of survival at the beach, allowing people to cool down and wash away the half-ton of sand that they bring back with them. As fiberglass shower pan specialists in South Jersey, we have seen everything from a garden hose held up with wire hangers to a lawn sprinkler tacked up with roofing nails!

And while necessity is the mother of invention, the latest trend in the industry is a custom fitted and expertly installed fiberglass shower pan. These projects are so elegant that you are basically bringing the beauty and function of your indoor shower to an outdoor setting. Madera and Sons offers fiberglass shower pans for shore communities, as well as, homes with swimming pools and lake houses throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

The installation is sturdy and will last a lifetime. Fiberglass shower pans are easy to maintain and cleaning is a breeze. Fiberglass shower pans with custom installed stalls are an excellent investment for home owners who want to add value to their property. They are custom fabricated on-site, so each one is a 'perfect fit.' Since they are custom built, features like benches, supply nooks and odd-angles are easy to install.

So call Madera and Sons for fiberglass shower pan installation. We are experts in fiberglass in Atlantic City, Ventnor, Margate and Longport, as well as shore towns to Cape May and the Mainline in Philadelphia. We are roofing and fiberglass experts.

Be prepared for hurricane season

We are not in the business of doom and gloom. There are plenty of places to find bad news these days. So please take this information for what it is worth.

According to AccuWeather and experts in the field, we are looking at one of the worst hurricane seasons in history. The experts have their reasons, and you can read all about the science of making this claim when you click here, but the bottom line is to be prepared for some major storms.

This means having the supplies you need in case of emergency and being prepared. You can find some important information on getting an emergency kit together at the Ready America web site when you click here.

Now is the time for roof and structure inspections before the season starts. Loose shingles and leaks that can easily be fixed now can lead to disaster down the road. We want to help keep the roof over your head, especially during hurrican season.