BEDFORD— With May designated as National Home Improvement Month, it’s the perfect time for homeowners to assess the health of their homes, starting from the top down. Dan Gerkin, owner of Gerkin Construction in Bedford, is encouraging residents to give their roofs a close look as warmer weather arrives.
“Your roof is your home’s first line of defense,” Gerkin said. “Taking care of it now can save you thousands in repairs down the road.”
Spot the Warning Signs Early
Gerkin says there are a few telltale signs that your roof may need maintenance or a full replacement. “Missing shingles or visible bumps are red flags,” he said. “Also, if you see granules building up in your gutters or notice excessive fading on your shingles, those are signs of wear that shouldn’t be ignored.”
Smart Roofing Choices for Indiana Weather
For homeowners in southern Indiana, where storms and seasonal swings are common, Gerkin recommends the Owens Corning Total Roofing System with laminate shingles like Duration. “They use a patented SureNail® technology with a cloth strip embedded in the nail line,” he explained. “That gives the shingles superior wind resistance and prevents them from blowing off.”
Duration shingles also come with a 50-year warranty, and homeowners can opt for a comprehensive 20-year warranty that covers materials and workmanship without proration. For those considering metal roofs, Gerkin advises going with standing seam systems—also known as concealed fastener roofing—for durability and aesthetics.
Why Local Matters
While big-name roofing companies may offer flashy deals, Gerkin believes there’s no substitute for working with someone local. “That’s my name on the truck,” he said. “I stand behind our work. People know me—they’ll see me at the ballpark or the grocery store. And if there’s ever a problem, I’m just a phone call or a quick drive away.”
Gerkin Construction’s strong community ties are visible around town, with sponsorship signs at local gyms and baseball fields. “We get most of our business from word of mouth,” he said. “Chances are, we’ve already done work for someone you know.”
Don’t Ignore the Drips
When it comes to detecting roof leaks, Gerkin says many issues go unnoticed until it’s too late. “Leaks are tricky—they often can’t be seen by the untrained eye,” he said. “That’s why all of our inspectors are trained under me and through Owens Corning. If something looks off, even slightly, it’s best to have it checked. Leaks never fix themselves.”
As Home Improvement Month kicks off, Gerkin encourages homeowners to walk their property, look up, and take note of anything unusual. “A small repair now could prevent a major headache later,” he said.
For more information or to schedule a roof inspection, call Gerkin Construction at 812-583-1318 or stop by their office at 2718 R Street in Bedford.
