Capstone Roofing, Inc. installs all types of roofing systems for residential and commercial clients in Napa, Sonoma, and Marin Counties. The family-owned and operated company maintains three crews of experienced technicians so it can complete projects as quickly as possible, and its knowledgeable consultants walk clients through each step of the roofing process to make sure they get systems that fit their needs and budget.
Owner Nathan DuCharme says Capstone Roofing’s detail-oriented approach to roofing work has been a crucial aspect of its long-term success. “We have two goals on every job: do high-quality work and try to leave the residence cleaner than it was when we arrived. We like the challenge of installing an entire roof and then making it seem like we were never there.”
Capstone Roofing emphasizes clear communication throughout its clients’ roofing projects, which Mr. DuCharme says is important for building relationships based on trust. “Communication is essential—if we’re running late, we’ll call the customer to keep them in the loop, even if it’s only going to be a few minutes. We want our clients to know that when we’re working on their jobs, they’re our number one priority.”
“We treat our clients the way we’d want to be treated: with courtesy, respect and professionalism. Every project is equally important to us, regardless of its size, so we focus on doing an excellent job and making sure the customer is 100 percent satisfied.”
When taking on a roofing project, the best way to avoid unexpected expenses is to understand your warranty.
If you’re considering a new roof for your home or business, you’re smart to think about warranty coverage and compare guarantees from various products and installers. However, warranties aren’t always as good as they may first appear. Nathan DuCharme, owner of Capstone Roofing, Inc. in Santa Rosa, says many homeowners struggle when it comes to understanding roof warranties. “Most people hear ‘lifetime warranty’ and think they’re good for 50 years, which isn’t the case unless you get an extended warranty from a certified contractor. Most lifetime warranties only offer about 10 years of 100 percent coverage. After that, the coverage falls off pretty dramatically.”
Ask about warranty coverage
Most warranties are set up to protect manufacturers and installers, so consumers need to be savvy when choosing a new roof and taking warranty coverage into account. The best way to verify coverage is to discuss the details with your roofing contractor before signing any contracts. Get details in writing and ask these questions:
· What type of warranty covers my roof? Is it for materials only or does it extend to labor?
· What doesn’t the warranty cover?
· What is the term of the warranty? Is it prorated? When does full coverage end?
· What can void the warranty?
· What do I need to do to maintain warranty coverage?
· If there’s a warranty claim, is the installer or manufacturer responsible for the repair/replacement?
Learn your responsibilities
Not following through can void your warranty or dramatically shorten the life of the coverage. Your responsibilities may include regular roof inspections, routine maintenance, installation by a manufacturer-certified contractor, use of certain installation methods or materials, reporting problems within a certain time frame, and pre-installation scans or other inspections.
Warranties are only as good as the installers
Most warranty coverage doesn’t extend to installation errors. Hiring an installer without the right expertise and training can nullify your warranty coverage, whereas hiring a certified installer may extend your warranty. Make sure the company you hire has the tools, expertise and ability to do the job right.
Few roofing contractors earn the prestigious Diamond Certified award, which means they’ve been independently rated Highest in Quality and Helpful Expertise. Even fewer also have a service record that spans four decades, but that’s exactly the case for Capstone Roofing, Inc. “I learned the roofing trade from my father—he’d take me to jobsites when I was a kid, and by the time I was 15, I was helping with installations,” says owner Nathan DuCharme. “He started this company in 1989, and I took over in 1999 so I could carry on the tradition of providing our clients with high-quality roofing work.”
Capstone Roofing installs all types of residential and commercial roofing systems for clients in Napa, Sonoma, and Marin Counties. The company maintains two crews of experienced technicians so it can complete jobs as efficiently as possible, and its knowledgeable consultants walk clients through the roofing process to make sure they get systems that meet their needs.
Unlike less experienced roofing contractors whose lack of training or equipment forces them to extend projects past the agreed-upon timelines, Capstone Roofing has the in-house capabilities to complete jobs quickly—usually in just one day. “There aren’t many roofing companies that can finish an entire job in one day, but we utilize our large crews to get it done,” says Mr. DuCharme. “We like surprising our clients by making it seem like we were never there. They come home from work and we’re already gone, but they have a brand-new roof.”
Ultimately, Mr. DuCharme sees his dedicated employees as one of Capstone Roofing’s most important attributes. “More than half of our employees have been with us for at least 15 years, which means our crew members have good long-term working relationships,” he says. “We don’t have any problems with quality control because we’ve all been working together for so long. Everyone knows what they’re doing and works well together.”
