Customer Testimonial: Mark Stemm

Deciding on a roof replacement can be one of the most stressful home improvement projects for any homeowner. When Mark discovered extensive hail damage to his aging roof, he knew temporary repairs wouldn’t be enough. Initially, he worried about the potential costs and disruption to his daily life. However, his experience with Roof Revivers transformed what could have been a nightmare into a surprisingly smooth process.

He had attempted minor roof repair solutions over the years, but the severe weather damage ultimately made a complete replacement necessary. Working through insurance claims was another challenge the Stemm family faced, though they eventually found that quality roofing service made all the difference. Their journey from damaged roof to dream home protection offers valuable lessons for any homeowner considering similar projects.

This success story shows how the right contractor can turn a daunting roof replacement into a rewarding home improvement that adds both protection and value. Let’s explore how Mark navigated his roofing challenges and achieved impressive results.

The Client’s Roofing Problem

Mark first noticed the warning signs after a particularly severe hailstorm last spring. Water stains had begun appearing on his upstairs ceiling, and shingles were visibly cracked or missing entirely from his 20-year-old roof. What started as occasional leaks during heavy rainfall quickly became a persistent problem demanding immediate attention.

A roof beyond repair

After several patch-up attempts, Mark realized he was fighting a losing battle. Multiple contractors confirmed what he feared—his roof had deteriorated beyond the point where repairs would be effective. Granules from his asphalt shingles filled his gutters, and the underlying decking had begun to soften in several areas. The repeated cycle of patching one section only to find new leaks elsewhere made it clear that piecemeal solutions weren’t working.

“We kept thinking we could stretch it another year,” explained Mark. “But each storm made the situation worse, and we were risking damage to our home’s structure and our belongings inside.”

Initial concerns and budget worries

Facing the prospect of a complete roof replacement, the Stemm family's primary concern was financial. They hadn’t budgeted for such a major expense, and the quotes they initially received ranged widely, causing additional stress. Furthermore, they worried about the disruption a roof replacement would cause to their daily lives, particularly with a home-based business.

Their insurance policy covered storm damage, yet navigating the claims process seemed daunting. Would their claim be approved? Would they need to pay a large deductible? These questions weighed heavily as they contemplated their next steps.

Why he needed a full replacement

Three factors ultimately convinced Mark that a full roof replacement was his only viable option:

• The widespread nature of the damage made spot repairs ineffective and potentially more expensive in the long run.

• His energy bills had increased significantly, suggesting the roof was no longer providing proper insulation.

• A home inspector pointed out that continuing to delay replacement could lead to structural damage, mold issues, and decreased property value.

“We realized we weren’t just protecting our home—we were making an investment in its future,” noted Mark. “Once we accepted that reality, our focus shifted to finding the right company to handle the job.”

Additionally, the Stemm family learned that modern roofing materials offered significant advantages in durability and energy efficiency compared to their original roof. This knowledge helped transform their perspective from seeing the project as an unwelcome expense to viewing it as a valuable home improvement.

Choosing the Right Roofing Partner

After determining a full replacement was necessary, Mark faced his next challenge: finding a trustworthy contractor for his roof replacement project.

Researching local contractors

Mark began by searching online for “roofing contractors near me,” carefully examining Google reviews from the past 3-6 months to gage current customer experiences. He also sought recommendations from neighbors who had recently completed similar projects. Mark explained, “I wanted someone with a physical office in my area—not just a P.O. box—and a local phone number that showed they were established in our community.”

This local focus was crucial since contractors familiar with area building codes ensure proper installation and permit compliance. Moreover, Mark checked the Better Business Bureau website to verify each company’s standing and confirm no outstanding complaints existed.

What made this company stand out

From his shortlist of five contractors, Mark invited three for in-person consultations. Roof Revivers immediately distinguished themselves through several qualities:

• Proper licensing and insurance documentation they willingly provided

• GAF Master Elite® certification, placing them among the top 2% of roofing contractors

• Transparent, itemized estimates with no hidden fees

• Strong workmanship warranties beyond standard manufacturer coverage

“Their representative took detailed notes during our first meeting and asked thoughtful questions about my concerns and timeline,” Mark recalled. “Unlike others who seemed rushed, they treated my project as a priority.”

The importance of clear communication

Clear communication ultimately sealed the Stemm family's decision. Regular updates throughout the project proved essential for coordinating their schedule around installation day.

“I appreciated how they explained complex roofing terms in plain language,” Mark noted. “They established a communication schedule and never left us wondering what was happening next.”

This open dialog helped prevent misunderstandings and created trust. The contractor provided a dedicated project manager who remained accessible for questions and promptly addressed concerns. Consequently, Mark felt confident in his choice even before work began—a feeling that would be validated throughout the entire roof replacement process.

From Planning to Installation

Once Mark selected Roof Revivers, the project moved forward with remarkable efficiency. His experience highlights the critical steps between signing a contract and completing a successful roof replacement.

Inspection and material selection

First of all, Roof Revivers conducted a thorough roof inspection, examining not only the exterior shingles but also the attic space to assess underlying damage. This comprehensive evaluation revealed areas of rotted decking that needed replacement before new roofing materials could be installed.

For material selection, Mark chose architectural asphalt shingles that offered excellent durability in his climate zone. “I wanted something that would stand up to our region’s weather patterns while complementing my home’s style,” explained Mark. The contractor helped him understand how different materials would perform in his specific environment, where temperatures range between 40-85°F during optimal installation seasons.

Timeline and weather considerations

With materials selected, planning the timeline became the next priority. As a result of the contractor’s recommendation, Mark scheduled his installation for early October—an ideal time with moderate temperatures that ensure proper shingle sealing and adhesion.

“I learned that attempting installation during extreme weather conditions could compromise my roof’s longevity,” Mark noted. His contractor explained that rain would make surfaces slippery and dangerous, while excessive heat or cold could affect material flexibility and adhesive performance.

Installation day: what happened

On installation day, the materials arrived early morning, and the crew immediately set up protective tarps around the property. Subsequently, they began removing the old roof in sections, cleaning up debris as they progressed. Following this, they discovered additional areas of water damage that hadn’t been visible during the initial inspection.

Handling unexpected issues

In fact, finding hidden damage is common during roof replacements. The project manager promptly documented the issue with photographs and discussed repair options with Mark. Thanks to clear communication and transparent pricing, the additional work caused minimal delay to the overall project timeline.

“What impressed me most was how they handled problems,” Mark reflected. “Nothing was hidden or glossed over—they showed me exactly what needed fixing and why.”

The Results and Customer Experience

The transformation of the Stemm family’s home after their roof replacement proved remarkably dramatic, exceeding their initial expectations in both appearance and value.

Before and after: visual transformation

Immediately noticeable was how the new architectural shingles created dimension and visual interest that the old, flat shingles lacked. The uniform precision in the new shingle layout and crisp edges highlighted the quality craftsmanship. “It was like seeing my house with fresh eyes,” remarked Mark. The removal of dark streaking and algae that had previously marred the roof created a clean, vibrant appearance that complemented the home’s exterior features.

How the new roof improved home value

Beyond esthetics, the roof replacement delivered substantial financial benefits. Studies show homeowners can expect to add between $12,000 to $15,000 to their home’s resale value with a new roof [1]. Indeed, real estate experts suggest a new roof can provide a return on investment between 60% and 70% [2]. For the Stemm family, this translated to immediate equity growth plus long-term savings through improved energy efficiency.

Customer testimonial: in his own words

“What impressed me most was how they handled everything from start to finish,” shared Mark. “Their crew was professional, courteous and genuinely concerned about my satisfaction. They protected my landscaping during removal and cleaned up thoroughly afterward. Most importantly, they delivered exactly what they promised—on time and on budget.” Mark especially appreciated how the transferable warranty added further value, providing peace of mind that future homeowners would benefit from their investment as well.

Conclusion

The Stemm family’s roofing journey offers valuable insights for homeowners facing similar challenges. Their experience demonstrates how a potentially stressful home improvement project can become manageable with proper planning and the right contractor. Throughout their process, several crucial factors contributed to their success.

First and foremost, Mark recognized when repairs would no longer suffice and made the difficult decision to invest in a complete replacement. Additionally, their thorough research when selecting a contractor paid dividends through quality workmanship and transparent communication.

Weather considerations proved equally important to their project’s success. They wisely scheduled the installation during optimal conditions, thereby ensuring proper material performance. Unexpected issues inevitably arose, yet the contractor’s professional handling of these surprises prevented significant delays or budget overruns.

Most compelling evidence of their success appears in both the visual transformation and financial benefits. The new architectural shingles dramatically improved their home’s appearance while simultaneously increasing its market value. Furthermore, the energy efficiency improvements will continue providing cost savings for years to come.

The Stemm family’s experience highlights why proper contractor selection stands as perhaps the most critical decision in any roofing project. Their careful vetting process led them to a company that delivered exceptional results while minimizing disruption to their daily lives.

Homeowners can certainly learn from Mark's approach to roof replacement. Rather than viewing such projects as unwelcome expenses, considering them as valuable investments changes the perspective entirely. After all, quality roofing not only protects your most significant asset but also enhances its value and appearance.

The peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is properly protected against the elements remains perhaps the greatest benefit of all. The Stemm family now enjoys this security, along with the knowledge that their thoughtful approach to roof replacement yielded both immediate and long-term rewards.