FAQ

Asphalt Shingles: The most common roofing material due to affordability and durability. There are several different quality levels and a lot of different manufacturers. It is important to know what you are getting, for the price. These can range from "builder grade shingles that will probably only last you 10 years to the highest quality shingles that can last 50+! Metal Roofing: Offers longevity and energy efficiency. This option is becoming more and more popular in the Fox Valley Area due to the expected lifespan of these roofs. As well as the closing gap between the costs of a "traditional" asphalt roof. These also come in a variety of options from Standing seam, corrugated steel, metal shingles, hidden fastener vs exposed fastener systems. Wood Shakes/Shingles: Provide a natural, rustic appearance. We don't get to install this roof type very often in Appleton Wi, but when we do it is certainly a statement piece! This is historically a great option for a roof, however you have to be very careful of the installation. As is true with all shingles, these are especially water shedding, not water proof. It is critical to have the correct underlayments in order to keep your roof protected and functioning properly. This is a pretty costly option due to the amount of labor hours needed for a correct installation. Slate Roofing: Known for its elegance and longevity. This is a very similar statement as made with the wood shakes/shingles. The main difference is that these are heavy! But also a very good and long lasting option. Clay or Concrete Tiles: Offer durability and aesthetic appeal. I would copy and paste the Slate roofing tab here as well. The main difference between the two are the appearance. Synthetic Roofing: Mimics the look of other materials at a lower cost. Synthetic roofing options have been trying to break into the market, but have been making slow progress. At Nickols Roofing and Gutters we have stayed clear from this product in general because we have not seen the proven results yet. Some of our biggest concerns are how long does it actually last, and how long until the color fades. Low Slope Roofing: There are a lot of different options when it comes to low slope roofing as well. We stick to EPDM rubber roofing. We are not a commercial roofing company, instead we specialize in covering residential low slope roofs, which are typically around 5 Squares or less. (500 sq ft.). With this being the case a lot of the other materials are not as ideal for what our customers need. Our goal is always to take care of our customers and offer the best options available for what they need.

The lifespan of a roof varies depending on the material. Generally, asphalt shingles last around 20-25 years, while metal and slate can last 50 years or more. Factors such as weather, maintenance, and installation quality also affect roof lifespan.

Look for signs of damage such as leaks, missing shingles, cracked tiles, or visible wear. If your roof is older and experiencing frequent issues, it might be time for a replacement.

In some cases, yes, but it's generally recommended to remove the old roofing material to assess the decking and ensure proper installation. Layering new materials over old ones can lead to uneven surfaces and reduced lifespan.

Regular roof inspections, prompt repair of damaged areas, and proper attic ventilation are essential to prevent leaks. Keep gutters clean to ensure proper water drainage.

Proper attic ventilation helps regulate temperature and moisture levels, preventing excess heat buildup and moisture-related damage to the roof and attic space.

What to Look for in a Roofing Contractor By Nickols Roofing & Gutters LLC The Coverage You Need, The Care You Deserve. When it comes to choosing a roofing contractor, it can feel like everyone is saying the same thing. Every roofer claims to be the best. Everyone promises top-quality materials, unbeatable value, and professional service. So how do you really know who to trust? The truth is, there are major differences between contractors—and those differences can cost you thousands of dollars and years of roof life. At Nickols Roofing & Gutters, we believe it’s our job to help you make an informed, confident decision. Whether you choose us or not, here are some real-world insights from years in the field. We proudly serve homeowners across Appleton, WI, and the greater Fox Valley, including Neenah, Menasha, Oshkosh, Green Bay, and anywhere within a 50-mile radius. If you’re local, this is for you. 1. Company Size Does Matter—But Context Is Key Bigger isn’t always better. And smaller doesn’t always mean personal. The right contractor size depends on what you’re looking for. Roofing is a relatively low-barrier industry, which means many new companies pop up overnight. A lot of them are started by roofers who leave another company thinking, “I can do this better on my own.” Sometimes they’re right—but often they’re not ready. We see it all the time: talented installers who haven’t learned the business side yet. They mean well, but they quickly become overwhelmed by scheduling, communication, unhappy crews, and financial missteps. They overbook and underdeliver. Some of them do good work—if you’re lucky. But in many cases, these companies disappear within a few years, leaving homeowners with no recourse when problems arise. 2. Beware the “Business-Only” Contractors On the other end of the spectrum are the sales-heavy, business-only companies. These are the ones who look incredibly polished, speak with confidence, and flood the internet with five-star Google reviews. They promise top-of-the-line warranties and fast turnaround. Here’s the catch: many of them have never actually installed a roof. Instead, they operate as roofing brokers—selling jobs and hiring the lowest-bid subcontractors to do the work. They rely on those subs to “do the right thing,” but those crews are often the exact type we described above—overworked, underpaid, and under-managed. The result? Flashy promises on the front end, real headaches on the back end. Missed flashing. Over-reliance on caulk. Poor ventilation. Bad valley installs. And when something goes wrong? It’s hard to get answers, let alone real solutions. 3. New Construction Builders: Cheap and Fast Over Quality Another red flag we often see: new home builders. They tend to earn consumer trust quickly, but rarely prioritize roofing quality. Most use the cheapest materials and hire low-bid roofing subs to keep costs down. Once the roof is on and the house is sold, they’re gone—and you’re left holding the bag. We routinely replace new construction roofs 10–15 years earlier than we should, simply because corners were cut during the initial install. It’s a short-term win for the builder and a long-term loss for the homeowner. 4. The Nickols Roofing Difference: Experts Who Care We’re not trying to scare you—we’re trying to prepare you. There are good roofers out there. But true roofing experts are rare. At Nickols Roofing, we bridge the gap between craft and care. We don’t just know how to install a roof; we know how to manage your project, guide your decisions, communicate well, and deliver on our word. We set proper expectations upfront—not just to win the job, but to deliver real value. We use top-tier materials and train our teams thoroughly. We stand behind our work, because we’ve built a business on doing what’s right, not what’s easiest. We believe caring for people well starts with telling the truth, doing the work right, and being there when you need us—before, during, and after the job. 🚩 Red Flags to Watch For in a Contractor: No permanent office or business address More talk than knowledge about roofing systems Hesitation to explain their flashing, underlayment, or ventilation methods Limited photos of actual jobs they’ve done (or all stock photos) Overuse of caulk instead of proper installation Poor or generic contracts Vague answers about who will actually install your roof Unrealistically low bids that feel “too good to be true” Unrealistically high bids or heavy discounts. 📍 Serving Appleton & the Surrounding Communities Nickols Roofing & Gutters is based in Appleton, WI, and serves the surrounding areas of Neenah, Menasha, Kaukauna, Oshkosh, Green Bay, and more—within a 50-mile radius. We know the challenges Wisconsin homes face—from harsh winters to spring hail—and we build our roofs to last. 👷‍♂️ Let’s Talk About Your Roof If you’re looking for a roofing contractor in Appleton or anywhere in the Fox Valley, we’d love the opportunity to earn your trust. Our team is honest, experienced, and committed to doing right by our customers. Contact us today to schedule a free, no-pressure inspection. Whether you need a repair, a replacement, or just an expert opinion—we’re here to help. 🔍 FAQ: Choosing a Roofing Contractor in Appleton, WI Q: How do I know if a roofing contractor is legitimate? A: Look for proper licensing, insurance, local reviews, a physical business address, and a track record of satisfied customers. Q: What areas does Nickols Roofing serve? A: We serve Appleton, Neenah, Menasha, Oshkosh, Green Bay, and surrounding areas within a 50-mile radius of Appleton, WI. Q: What makes Nickols Roofing different? A: We combine expert craftsmanship with honest business practices. We’re locally owned, highly experienced, and deeply committed to treating people right.

Regulations vary by location, but many areas require a permit for roof replacements. Your roofing contractor should be familiar with local regulations and can assist in obtaining necessary permits.

The duration varies based on factors like the size of the roof, weather conditions, and complexity of the project. On average, a roof installation can take anywhere from a few days to a week.

Regular inspections, gutter cleaning, trimming overhanging branches, addressing minor repairs promptly, and maintaining proper attic ventilation are key to extending your roof's lifespan.

Roof flashing is used to prevent water from seeping into vulnerable areas, such as roof valleys, chimneys, and vents. Properly installed flashing helps prevent leaks and water damage.

Roofing is a complex job that requires specialized skills and tools. While minor repairs might be possible, full replacements are best left to professional roofing contractors to ensure safety and quality.