Are you confident your roof can withstand another Northeast Ohio winter?

By Patricia Nugent

Summer may have gone by in a blink but fall in Northeast Ohio blows in and out like a tenacious nor-easter.

Before the big chill settles in, now’s the time to be proactive in battening down the hatches and making sure your roof will weather another winter. Just because it might not be showing signs of leaking doesn’t mean it’s in optimal shape.

“Our roofing experts can get up on the home and inspect every component to the system,” says Bob Potocar, who owns Barbera Home Improvement, a staple in the local roofing industry for more than 40 years. “Our crews are happy to recommend repairs, when possible, to give a homeowner another year or two before replacement becomes necessary.”

BHI is diamond-certified by Atlas shingles, one of the top manufacturers in the industry.

“Thanks to advancements in the composition of shingles, with the addition of copper, whatever roof you install should last longer than your previous one,” he says. “In addition to experience, expertise and product, one thing that separates us is how we interface with the insurance company adjustors to make sure claims are accepted and people get what they deserve.”

Year-Round Installation Including Windows
“Over the year, to meet demand, we’ve hired more installers for vinyl siding and windows,” Bob says. “We work with ProVia, a made-in-Ohio, top-of-the-line product. To us, it’s important that things that would be an expensive upgrade in other brands are included as standard with ProVia. Oftentimes people don’t realize we can install windows or siding any time of year.”

Siding has come a long way in terms of selection and style. Bob reports some of the most popular brands have luxurious woodgrain finishes that look like classic cedar shake. They’re as durable as they are good-looking and will never need painting.

“This is also the time of year, with the leaves already turning, we install a lot of gutter guards,” Bob says. “Why not make last year the last year you cleaned your gutters? Our surgical-grade, micro-mesh guards can handle as much as 60 gallons of water per minute. Water flows safely through your gutter system as it should, and leaves and debris simply sit on top and blow off.”

Community Involvement
When it comes to having a soft spot, Bob admits his is being a dog lover.

For many years the company has partnered with Companion Pets of Cleveland, giving them free space at its headquarters, raising funds and awareness of their efforts.

“The mission of this charity is to keep pets and their owners together in difficult financial times,” Bob says. “It supplies pet food, basic care items and subsidizes veterinary care when needed. The organization also rescues puppy mill dogs, or abandoned dogs from the streets, which is pretty amazing. We encourage people to donate funds or bring in dog food for the food pantry or care items.”

Bob says he loves going out into Cleveland neighborhoods and meeting with homeowners who associate BHI with the adorable Woof and a Roof videos on their website.

Headquartered at 5376 Ridge Road in Parma, Barbera Home Improvement will go to homes and businesses throughout Cuyahoga, Lake, Geauga, Medina, Lorain and Summit counties. Call 440-843-8987 or visit BHIRoof.com.