In September of 2014, Athens Now ran an advertorial about Top Job Roofing and Construction. Our intention was essentially to welcome them to the community, and cheer them on as they decided to join the ever-growing group of customers who are starting their own business, and breathing much appreciated life into the local economy. They have done well, and there is good news to be celebrated.
It is our pleasure to announce that recently, Top Job was awarded the Master Elite certification by GAF, the largest roofing manufacturer in America. Only 2% of all contracting and roofing firms have been granted this certification, and in Limestone County, Top Job is the first and only. It is an “invitation only” designation, subject to strict scrutiny, investigation and guidelines, and one of the highest awards in the industry. With the Master Elite classification, Top Job can offer the Golden Pledge Warranty on certain materials as well as the job itself, all of which is good for 25 years. In addition, the warranty on some roofing systems lasts for 50 years.
“GAF looked at our work record, checked our supply companies, credit, and made sure we never cut any corners,” said co-owner Steve Ridinger. Zeb Lewter, the other co-owner, also mentioned that Top Job is now in a position to offer financing for jobs up to 55 thousand dollars. “One company does not run a credit score, and one company does. The interest rate is 12%,” he said. Steve was quick to add that “12 months is same as cash, with 0% down, and no payments for 12 months.”
In addition, they are members of the National Roofing Contractors Association, the Limestone County Chamber of Commerce, the Better Business Bureau, have the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval, and are considered Master Roofers. They are also what is known as Green Roofers, a certification that demonstrates that their methods are eco-friendly.
I learned some things about roofing during our time, one thing being that what are known as “architectural roofing materials” have to be nailed in six specific locations per shingle, or they can slide off the roof. All felt must be removed in order for the job to be done right, and not everyone does that. Top Job uses synthetic felt, which provides a much better moisture barrier. “75% of our installs this year used the architectural grade materials,” Steve said. He then added, “We are paying more per roof in our contracts than anyone else. We use lead boots instead of rubber gasket boots.” The result is simply a much better product, with a higher level of customer satisfaction.
Top Job also puts professional “starter strip” at the edge of the roof, rather than do what many companies do, and that is flip around a shingle tab to make a strip. The problem is, there is no seal on the makeshift strip, and it can peel up far more easily. The professional starter strip greatly increases a shingle’s ability to withstand high winds.
Storm season is upon us, and for the last several years as we have had to contend with Nature’s wrath, bargain-rate roofing companies have come out of the woodwork, offering “unbelievable prices.” One of the reasons they can do that because their roofers are not covered by Workman’s Comp, and the State of Alabama only requires that roofing companies guarantee their work for one year. “All our roofers are covered by Workmen’s Comp,” they told me. What you as a consumer may not know is, if a worker gets hurt on your property, and does not have insurance coverage, you as the homeowner are liable.
Top Job provides 10-50 year warranties and itemized statements as part of the contract process prior to beginning the job. The contractors are certified, and the shingles used for each job are made locally in Tuscaloosa.
Top Job offers monthly specials, as well as special discounts for members of our Armed Forces, Educators, and Emergency Response Personnel, (active, retired and their surviving spouses). They also offer incentives for referrals. This year they are going to be what is known as Silver Sponsors at the Limestone County Chamber of Commerce Home and Garden Show, to be held for one day only at the County Event Center on March 15th. If you are looking for a local roofing and contracting company with membership in the best national trade related certifying organizations, Top Job Roofing and Construction is going to be your best choice, because Steve and Zeb will make your job their “top priority.”
Top Job Roofing and Construction
803 South Jefferson St Athens, AL, 35611
256-232-5559
www.topjobroofinginc.com
They are also on Facebook and Twitter
By: Ali Elizabeth Turner
