Finding the Best Roofing Company with Mike Kane

In this episode of the Chaparosa Roofing podcast, Roofing By The Square, we sit down with Operations Manager Mike Kane to explain what to look for when hiring a roofing contractor. Mike walks through practical advice for homeowners, including licenses, warranties, ventilation, repair vs. replacement decisions, and how to avoid red-flag contractors while answering the most common roofing questions.

Repair vs. Replacement: How to Tell the Difference

Small problems usually call for a repair. Typical repair jobs include fixing a leak around flashing or a chimney, patching torn underlayment beneath tile, or replacing a few cracked or missing shingles. Tile roofs are unique because the tiles themselves are mostly cosmetic — the underlayment beneath them does the waterproofing. As Mike explains, “You’re going to see a lot of repairs when it comes to tile roofs because the tile doesn’t actually protect the roof. It’s actually the underlayment underneath.” Many tile issues can be fixed simply by lifting tiles, repairing the underlayment, and resetting the tiles.

By contrast, a full reroof is needed when damage is widespread or the roof is near the end of its useful life. With shingles, patch repairs often look different than the rest of the roof and may be unsightly, so a full reroof may be the better long-term option. Look for signs like shiny shingles (which means granules are worn off), exposed mat or paper, widespread curling or cracking, large sections blown off in a storm, or recurring leaks. If your roof is roughly 20–30 years old (depending on material and install quality), replacement is often the smarter choice.

Why Ventilation Matters — And What “Balanced” Means

A well-vented attic keeps heat and moisture from building up under your roof. Without proper airflow, hot air cooks shingles from below, underlayment and decking can warp or rot, and energy bills go up because your cooling system has to work harder. As Mike puts it, “All that heat’s rising. So, with shingles, it’s just going to start making them warp and curl and deteriorate a lot faster. Same thing with the plywood underneath your decking, your sheeting.” Proper ventilation also helps prevent mold and extends the life of your roof.

“Balanced ventilation” means you have roughly equal intake and exhaust so air moves in at the eaves and out at the ridge. Intake vents at the lower edge of the roof (soffits) bring cool air in; ridge or upper vents let hot air escape. When set up correctly, this creates a steady flow that protects roofing materials and is often required for certain extended manufacturer warranties.

What “Platinum Preferred” Means for Your Warranty

Chaparosa Roofing is proud to be certified as an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor — one of the highest tiers in the industry. That status is only awarded to contractors who meet strict installation standards, complete training, and use approved products and best practices (including balanced ventilation). The practical benefit for homeowners is stronger warranty options and manufacturer backing that add an extra layer of protection beyond the contractor’s workmanship guarantee.

Many extended warranties from top manufacturers are transferable to a future homeowner, which can increase resale value. As Mike explains, “We’ve been around well over 50 years. We’re not going anywhere, but things happen, right? So, if we do get shut down, Owens Corning is going to back that.” Warranty terms vary, so always confirm registration deadlines, transfer rules, and what exactly is covered. Working with a certified installer helps ensure you qualify for the best available coverage.

Why Choosing a Licensed, Local Contractor Matters

Hiring an unlicensed or fly-by-night crew may look cheaper at first, but it can cost you more in the long run. Unlicensed contractors can create permit issues, use inferior materials, skip required prep work, and be hard to reach if problems arise. Mike warns: “So, when you’re using somebody that’s not licensed or just doesn’t want to do it right or uses the wrong materials, you’re going to end up doing it twice.”

A licensed local company like Chaparosa Roofing handles permits, follows code, uses quality products, and stands behind their work — which means less chance of surprise bills or failed workmanship. Ask potential contractors for their license number, proof of insurance, written estimates that list materials and ventilation, and clear warranty details. If a crew won’t explain the products or the ventilation plan, treat that as a red flag. A good contractor educates you and answers questions rather than just pushing a price.

The Real Cost of “Cheap” Roofing

Cutting corners often leads to repeat work. For example, a coating applied over a dirty surface won’t stick and will fail quickly; cheap materials or skipped prep work mean early leaks, repeated repairs, and ultimately higher lifetime cost. Do the math: paying a little more now for proper prep, quality materials, and skilled installation usually saves money later.

Think in terms of value, not only initial price. Proper flashing, good underlayment, balanced ventilation, and experienced installers matter just as much as the visible shingles or tiles. When you account for fewer repairs, longer life, and stronger warranties, quality installation almost always delivers better ROI.

Maintenance: Simple Steps That Prevent Big Problems

A little maintenance goes a long way. Mike suggests, “I would suggest yearly, if not every other year, roof maintenance.” Use inspections to clear debris from valleys, remove leaves and pine needles, inspect flashings, and look for signs of wear. Keep gutters clean so water can drain freely; clogged gutters cause standing water and can rot the roof deck.

If you notice any localized damage — missing shingles, cracked tiles, or water stains inside — call a pro right away. Early repairs are typically quick and inexpensive compared to letting damage spread.

Final Thoughts — Make the Right Choice for Your Home

Whether you need a spot repair, a roof replacement, or help understanding warranty coverage, the best first step is a professional inspection. Chaparosa Roofing brings local experience and industry-backed certifications to every job, and we’ll explain your options in plain language so you can make the right call for your budget and long-term needs.

Ready to get your roof checked? Call Chaparosa Roofing at (760) 240-0088 or request a free estimate on our website. We’ll inspect your roof, explain the findings, and recommend the most cost-effective path forward. Protect your home — don’t wait until small issues become big problems.

If you enjoyed this episode of the “Roofing By The Square Podcast,” check out our other episodes.