Certified Inc. Named One of the Best

Certified Incorporated was named one of the best roofing contractors in the Maryland, Virginia, Washington DC area in the latest 2011 issue of Washintonian Magazine. Let us show you why Washingtonian Magazine, Angie’s List, & Washington Consumer’s CheckBook consistantly give us top marks for roofing. Give us a call today at 301-854-2764.

Energy Efficient Roofing

How energy efficient is your home? Certified Inc. is now offering Energy Star rated roofing products that can help you save on your energy bills, as well as get you money from the Federal Government. Call today for more information on our energy efficient roofing materials. 301-854-2764.

Visit the websites below for tools to help you determine the energy efficiency of your home and find more ways you can save money.

• ENERGY STAR can help you with conducting home energy audits. Check out the Tax Credit Information and FAQs.
• The US Department of Energy can help you calculate R-values in your area.
• Stay on top of energy costs with the Alliance to Save Energy.
• Reduce your carbon footprint by learning about Building Science.
• Learn more about the benefits of cool roofs from the Cool Roofs Rating Council.
• View a table or map of state, local, utility, and federal incentives for renewable energy and energy efficiency on the Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE).

Getting Started On Your New Roof

Once you have made some preliminary decisions about your roofing needs, here are some things to consider when beginning the process. 

1. How to Find a Maryland Roofing Contractor

Qualified Maryland roofing contractors should have the appropriate licenses for the state of Maryland.  Specifically a Maryland Home Improvement Commission License. Each state has its own license requirements.  If the contractor does not offer proof of their license, call your local Maryland contractors board to find out.

Your roofing contractor must be properly insured with both workers compensation and general liability. 

Be sure to get references from the roofing contractor’s previous clients to determine their level of workmanship.

2. What caused your roof to be damaged in the first place

Was your roof damaged due to wear from the elements such as wind or moisture?  

Are your roofing problems due to improper design?

Has your roof not been properly maintained over the years?

3. Information about roofing styles, materials and maintenance requirements

The most common roofing styles are gable and hip.  Other, more unique styles include mansard, bonnet and shed. 

There are two categories of roofing materials, pitched and flat. Pitched roofing materials include slate, metal, tile and shingles and shakes.  Flat roofing materials include tar, rolled roofing, rubber and gravel.

Preventative maintenance is key to making needed repairs before you have a roofing emergency.  Have your roof inspected twice a year by a professional roofing contractor.

4. How to create proper roof ventilation

Proper roof ventilation is important to prevent ice dams and it will lower your energy costs because you will not be needlessly heating or cooling your attic space.

Proper roof ventilation can be achieved with the correct amount of net free air space in your attic. You will need intake and exhaust ventilation installed to achieve net free air space (1 ft2 of ventilation per 300 ft2 of attic floor space).

5. How to protect your roof and home from harsh weather and ice dams

Your roof will be protected from ice dams with proper ventilation which keeps the roof’s surface at a constant temperature, not allowing ice dams to form at the eaves.  Also, waterproofing underlayment will help protect your roof from water damage and leaks.

6. How to protect your family from lead poisoning

Dangerous lead particles can be found in attic and roofing space.  When you are considering replacement or repair to these areas, you must contact a decontamination crew to clean up and dispose of the harmful dust.  Do not try to do the clean up yourself.

When you are ready for your roof replacement in Maryland, Northern Virginia, or Washington D.C. give Certified Incorporated a call at 301-854-2764.