After breaking numerous weather records along its path, Hurricane Irma made its final landfall on September 10th in Collier County, Florida, the headquarters of Gulf Western Roofing. The storm ran straight up the spine of Florida after that, affecting nearly everyone affiliated with GWR to some degree: our employees and their families, our vendors, our trade partners, and our customers. Continue reading “Hurricane Irma Severely Impacts Florida”
Of course preparing before a storm is critical in protecting your home and family from disaster; but knowing what to do after a hurricane can be equally as important. Continue reading “Recovering After the Storm”
2017 GULF WESTERN ROOFING HURRICANE RESPONSE PLAN
Peninsular Florida is one of the most beautiful parts of one of the most beautiful states in the nation. We’ve got plenty of sunshine, mild winters, tropical summers—it’s no wonder our area is one of the most desirable places in the United States in which to live or vacation.
Continue reading “Hurricane Response Plan”
Basic physics behind light and colors tells us that dark colors absorb more of the light spectrum while lighter colors reflect more of it.
So just how much of an effect does the color of a roof have on interior temperatures? Continue reading “Does Roof Color Really Matter?”
It is with great sadness that we recognize the untimely passing of one of our own, Javier Medina.
Javier worked with the Gulf Western Roofing team as a Field Supervisor. With over 18 years of roofing experience, Javier proved himself to be hardworking and diligent, carefully overseeing the completion of new construction projects in Southwest Florida. Continue reading “Remembering A Friend”
Hot and sunny days are usually what come to mind when we think of Florida’s summer weather. But that’s only part of the picture. Summer also brings heavy rainfall and severe storms. Intense wind, rain, and thunderstorms have the potential to destroy your home. This summer, be sure to protect your home from damage with these suggestions. Continue reading “Safeguard Your Home and Roof Against Summer Storms”
When you stop to think about it, we really do ask a lot of our roofs, don’t we? Consider this: a roof has to sit outside in all kinds of weather 24 hours a day, seven days a week. And after years of doing that, we expect it to not just protect us, our families, and our belongings from the elements- we expect it to look spectacular as well. Continue reading “How Florida’s Weather Can Affect Your Roof”
Tile roofs are a Florida favorite for their incredibly durable construction and aesthetically appealing design. And with Florida’s unique climate, tile is sought after for its natural resistance to sun damage along with its superior protection against rot. Continue reading “Tile Roofs”
Rick Vaske, a Cincinnati, Ohio native and now Florida Full Time Resident since 2006.
Over the past several years Vaske has been working on developing solar education for students and the entire staff of Gulf Western Roofing, to help ensure safety and proper installation. His quest was to also be on the cutting end of industry-leading products as well as the sales staff to better educate customers.
This effort has resulted in Vaske to become a NABCEP Certified Sales Executive & NABCEP Certified Solar Installer and NABCEP Certified Exam Practitioner.
Taking solar education to a new level became Vaske’s goal as we rewrote the solar curriculum for The Department of Education. Vaske is the proud owner of The Florida Solar School where he teaches this curriculum at The Fort Myers Technical College for the Photovoltaic & Solar Thermal Design and Installation Course where they utilize Vaske’s Best Selling Solar Book: “Understanding The Power of Solar”.
Vaske believes that solar is truly making an impact in the world and it is his goal to leave this planet a better place for his young daughter, Mia. That is why sits on the Board of Directors for The SWFL Future Forestry Foundation, where Vaske works to plant a tree for every solar system installed.
It’s hard to keep Vaske from talking about sustainability and his passion for solar, so he has combined it with his original passion of radio. Catch Rick every Sunday morning as the host of Watts Up Radio on Sunny 106.3 WJPT.
Vaske has led Solar Install Companies to the following awards: six-time winner of the Lee Building Industry Association “Green Home of The Year” for Design & Installation, Parade of Homes “Best Upgrade” for Design & Installation of Multi-Solar System Install, two-time winner of Florida Weekly’s “Best Solar Company” and Vaske has been featured four-times in Florida Weekly’s “Market Pulse”.
With solar on the rise, many unqualified companies, sales associates and installers are joining the industry. This is putting homeowners and consumers at risk of being sold inferior products and receiving unsatisfactory installations. This along with copious amounts of misleading information on social media, and the Internet, Vaske felt it was important for homeowners and business owners who are interested in solar to get the TRUTH and the FACTS about solar, so they can make educated and cost-saving decisions.
