I began in roofing sales after working in FiberTite?s Marketing Department for 3 years. I?ve learned a lot along the way, and I believe I have some insights that might help anyone?whether they?re established in the industry or just getting started.

• Always keep learning. Even roofing experts are constantly learning something new as technology changes and processes improve. This industry is constantly evolving, creating new opportunities to expand ones knowledge.
  
  
• Implement a process. Our company uses the IMPACT sales process, which focuses on listening to the customer and catering to their needs, instead of spitting out facts about your product. Whatever tool you use, a formal process makes selling consistent and measurable.
  
  
• Find a mentor. Even after learning a solid sales process, I took to the streets and started shadowing and training with established salespeople. I went on hundreds of sales calls to assist the needs of architects, consultants, building owners and contractors. Everyone sells a bit differently, but there are several ways to deliver key messages effectively.
  
  
• Learn your territory. Geographically speaking, roofing is very different across the map. In each area, certain products dominate the market. Some parts of the country may be less familiar with your offerings than others.
  
  
• Knowledge is power. When I wasn?t busy traveling with salespeople, I was busy traveling with FiberTite?s technical experts. Those reps are a wealth of knowledge, helping me build a vocabulary and understanding that helps me connect with clients. I even made a personal dictionary for roofing terminology after picking the brain of one of our experts.
  
  
• Doing is knowing. I could read all the technical data in the world, but until I got out and actually spent time on roof tops and inspected roofs, I couldn?t completely understand it. Seeing how each product and system worked in real-world applications completely broadened my understanding of the roofing industry. I didn?t just learn about FiberTite systems, I also learned about competitors? products like PVC, TPO, Modified Bitumen, and where each system fits within the industry.
  
  
• Advocate for your customer. The final step (the step I am currently in now) is to apply what you?ve learned to become a valuable resource to your customers. Help them understand the value of your product and what differentiates it?and ultimately why it best meets their needs.

I?ve been told that once you are in the roofing industry, you can?t get out. It?s easy to see why. The roofing industry is constantly growing and evolving to accommodate for the demand of customers seeking long-lasting roofing materials. It?s a fun and dynamic industry. With patience and persistence you can become very successful. Good luck in your journey!

If you want to learn more about FiberTite or our sales process, please contact us.

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When people think about keeping their house safe, they tend to think about a security system or door locks, but not a gutter system. Gutters do aalot to keep your Houston home safe and sound. They help direct water away from your roof and away from the foundation of your home. This contributes to preventing leaks and foundation damage, particularly when water can suddenly freeze, causing cracks and damage. Before you install gutters, there are some considerations you need to think about. Here is what you need to know before you install gutters at your Houston home.

Choose the Right Company

Get a Quote

Before starting the gutter installation process, you will want to have some idea of how much the project will cost. Your roofing company should provide you with an accurate and reasonable price estimate before work begins. If they refuse to provide you with a quote, that should be a big red flag.

Gutters Should Compliment, Not Distract

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Solar roof panels were once seen as a futuristic luxury?something reserved for rich homeowners in California or the desert (where it?s naturally sunnier) and only achievable with a willingness to install clunky, unattractive hardware atop your house. In other words, for D.C. and Maryland homeowners, going solar was often prohibitively expensive and practically unfeasible.

That was then. This is now: Solar roof tiles are not only reasonably affordable but also are not the beast to install that they once were. DMV homeowners can upgrade their roofs to include this fantastic, green feature without many of the technical headaches they might have encountered even just a few years ago. Here is a quick primer on going solar:

Rack-Mounted Systems

The solar roof tiles you likely are most used to seeing are part of rack-mounted systems. Brackets are attached to an existing roof, and the array is then installed atop the brackets. Rack-mounted systems seem like the simplest method to go solar, but the approach can result in some problems:

• If care is not taken, or if the installer isn?t also an expert with roofing systems, the roof can be damaged and require costly repairs down the line.
• Animals can nest underneath the arrays, again resulting in possible roof damage.
• The rack can interrupt the flow of water on the roof, thus creating a situation in which leaks might form.
• The array doesn?t look like part of the home but, rather, a bizarre add-on that sticks out like a sore thumb.

The image of a rack-mounted system usually is the deal-breaker (after cost) that keeps homeowners from installing solar roof tiles. Fortunately, a better alternative has emerged?.

Integrated Systems

Integrated solar roof tiles do exactly what the name says?they integrate into a home?s new roof. Low-profile (yet sturdy) tiles offer a sleek, barely three-dimensional look so that your house doesn?t appear as if you?ve added hardware to it. A black, monochromatic finish subtly blends into most roofs, unlike the multiple colors of traditional solar arrays that scream ?eyesore.? No wires are exposed with an integrated system, and a protected perimeter keeps out both moisture and critters. These modern solar roof tiles give homeowners peace of mind that their homes are protected, retain their aesthetic, and provide an energy benefit.

Finding a Qualified Contractor

An important factor that homeowners must consider when installing solar roof tiles is the expertise of the contractor. As already stated, an inexperienced installer may not take care to protect the integrity of your roof?particularly if you are adding a rack-mounted system. A nice benefit of an integrated system is that manufacturers prefer contractors they trust to install their solar roof tiles. These contractors already are experts with the manufacturers? other products, so turning to them to also install integrated systems is only natural.

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Affordability

Perhaps the biggest barrier that homeowners perceive about solar is that it will be prohibitively expensive. True, solar roof tiles do come with a cost, but at least with an integrated system, you are also purchasing a new roof at the same time. In other words, if you were already going to invest in a replacement roof, taking the next step to integrate the latest solar technology isn?t going to be quite the jump in price that you might think. Also, the federal government and Maryland offer rebates to homeowners who choose solar, thus adding to the affordability.

Other Considerations

The green factor is a significant reason why homeowners may choose solar roof tiles, but the return on investment is also attractive. Although your initial costs for solar are not minor, the savings realized in the form of lower energy bills are a clear benefit. Average homeowners can enjoy a 50 to 75 percent drop in their monthly energy bills with solar. With integrated systems, contractors handle everything, from each component of the roof to the electrical connections, so that all you need is a sunny day to begin harnessing energy. Contact a professional roofer that specializes in solar to learn more.

Have you investigated installing solar roof tiles on your home?

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