Local Business: Preferred Roofing

When homeowners think about a new roof, they often think about what they can see: shingles, metal, color and curb appeal. But according to Preferred Roofing owners Zach Richey and Amanda Carter, some of the most important parts of a roofing project are the ones you’ll never see from the driveway.

That philosophy is at the heart of their family-owned company: do the job right, communicate clearly and build a reputation homeowners can trust.

BUILDING A DIFFERENT KIND OF ROOFING COMPANY

“We’re proud to serve Rabun County and build lasting relationships with the homeowners and businesses who make this community such a great place to live and work.” - Zach and Amanda

Zach Richey and Amanda Carter

Zach entered the roofing industry in 2016 after accepting a project management position while in college. The opportunity eventually took him throughout the Southeast working catastrophic storms, where he gained valuable experience and learned the industry from the ground up.

Roofing brought together several things he enjoyed—construction, sales, problem-solving and working directly with people. But the longer he worked in the industry, the more he saw an opportunity to do things differently.

He didn’t simply want to install good roofs. He wanted to give homeowners a better experience from the first inspection through installation, cleanup and follow-up.

That vision became Preferred Roofing, a family-owned business built around integrity, quality, communication and accountability. “We wanted to build a company around quality workmanship, communication, and doing what we say we’re going to do,” Zach explains.

A ROOF IS MORE THAN WHAT YOU SEE

One of the biggest misconceptions homeowners have is that all roofs—and all roofing estimates—are essentially the same. They aren’t.

Two contractors can quote the same home while proposing very different roofing systems. Preferred Roofing evaluates much more than the visible material, looking at decking, flashing, ventilation, underlayment, valleys, penetrations, drainage and other details that must work together to protect the home.

That’s why Zach cautions homeowners against making a decision based solely on price. “The lowest price isn’t necessarily the least expensive roof over its lifetime.”

Shortcuts such as reused flashing, damaged decking left unaddressed, improper fastening or inadequate ventilation may save money initially but can create expensive problems later. It reinforces one of Zach’s most important messages: a roof is only as good as the person installing it.

Even premium materials cannot compensate for poor workmanship. Experience, attention to detail, reputation and a contractor’s willingness to stand behind the finished roof matter just as much as the product itself.

BUILT FOR NORTH GEORGIA

Roofing in Rabun County and the North Georgia mountains comes with unique challenges. Heavy rain, humidity, wind, tree coverage, falling limbs, occasional snow and ice, steep rooflines and complex mountain-home architecture can all affect how a roofing system performs.

Preferred Roofing works with both architectural asphalt shingles and quality metal roofing systems, recommending materials based on the individual home, budget, roof pitch and long-term goals. The company is also a CertainTeed ShingleMaster certified contractor.

Local experience matters because the right roof isn’t simply about choosing a material—it’s about choosing and installing a complete system designed for the conditions it will face.

AFTER THE STORM: DON’T WAIT FOR A LEAK

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make after a storm is assuming everything is fine because there isn’t water coming through the ceiling. Storm damage isn’t always visible from the ground, and a roof can be compromised long before water reaches the living space. Preferred Roofing recommends professional inspections following significant storms or whenever something seems unusual.

When storm damage occurs, homeowners should protect the property, document the damage and have the roof evaluated by a qualified contractor. Preferred Roofing also offers free emergency tarping services when immediate protection is necessary. Most importantly, homeowners shouldn’t feel pressured into making an immediate decision.

QUALITY IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN NOBODY IS LOOKING

Ask Zach what quality workmanship means, and his answer sums up Preferred Roofing’s philosophy: “Doing the parts nobody sees with the same level of care as the parts everybody sees.”

A successful project goes beyond installing a roof correctly. The property should be respected, communication should be clear, the jobsite should be clean and the homeowner should feel confident about the investment they made. “The best compliment is when a customer recommends us without hesitation.”

FAMILY, BUSINESS & RABUN COUNTY

For Zach and Amanda, Preferred Roofing is also very much a family business. They have four boys—Zach, Grayson, Silas and Cohen—who are already eager to become part of the company one day.

Choosing Rabun County wasn’t simply about finding a place to operate a business. It was about finding a community where they could build their company, raise their family and become part of the place they serve. “We chose to operate our business in Rabun County because we believe in the people, the community, and the values that make this area special. It’s a place where reputation matters, neighbors look out for one another, and quality work still means something.”

Those values closely mirror the principles behind Preferred Roofing itself. “We’re proud to serve Rabun County and build lasting relationships with the homeowners and businesses who make this community such a great place to live and work.”

For Zach and Amanda, what they’re building is about more than today’s projects. It’s a business, reputation and potentially a legacy their children can one day be proud to carry forward.

A REPUTATION BUILT ONE ROOF AT A TIME

As Preferred Roofing grows throughout Northeast Georgia and the surrounding region, Zach and Amanda want that growth to remain intentional. The goal is to serve more people without sacrificing the quality, customer service and personal accountability that helped build the company.

For Zach, seeing the Preferred Roofing name recommended from one homeowner to another is one of the most rewarding parts of the business. “You can’t buy that kind of reputation. You have to earn it one project at a time.”

Ultimately, the legacy Zach and Amanda hope to create is simple: integrity. Years from now, they want homeowners to hear the Preferred Roofing name and be able to say: “They did exactly what they told me they were going to do.” And if there’s one piece of roofing advice Zach wants every homeowner to remember, it’s equally simple: don’t wait for a leak to start paying attention to your roof.

By the time water reaches your ceiling, a problem may have been developing for months or even years. “Your roof protects almost everything you own underneath it. Take care of it before it gives you a reason to.”

Contact us for a FREE Quote | 706.970.1223 | www.preferredroofsolutions.com