FAMILY BUSINESS: “We are set apart because we are a family-owned and operated business, and in addition to our quality work, we care. We have personal interaction with our customers. They have our complete attention and dedicated personal service.” Gary Selleck, president and owner of C & C Family Roofing, is proud of the company’s longstanding reputation and his team of dedicated employees.
By Jean Stratton
December is off to a frosty start, and not only is it important to keep warm inside, it is necessary to be sure that the exterior of the house is ready to withstand the elements.
A roof overhead. It is one of the most important aspects of personal shelter, it keeps the wind, rain, and snow at bay, unless shingles are blown off in a storm, there is a sudden leak, or, in a worst case scenario, hurricane force winds send a tree crashing down, causing a catastrophe on the roof.
Then, you need the experts and professionals!
Whether it is an emergency repair, time for a new roof, or a general roof inspection, C & C Family Roofing is ready and able to help. In business for 31 years, the company is headquartered in Hatboro, Pa., and has recently opened an adjunct location in Pennington.
A Little Desk
“My wife Rhonda and I started out with a little desk in our basement,” says president and owner Gary Selleck. “I had a background in roofing and construction, and I had always wanted to have my own business. I decided it was time to make that decision.”
He has never regretted it, he adds. “I always loved the work, and I still love what I do. It’s all about hard work and wanting to work. And you know the saying, ‘If you love what you do, you never work a day in your life!’ I look forward to coming to work every day.”
That involves more administrative responsibilities today than climbing up on the roof as he once did, but it is immensely satisfying to him.
Named for the Selleck’s two children, Cole and Chelsea, C & C Family Roofing now has 25 employees, a team of roofing professionals who have many years of experience. Selleck is glad to have them and vice president and partner Chris Weselovs by his side. And he is very proud that his son, Cole, is also now part of the business, to represent the second generation in the family operation.
C & C Family Roofing’s work is primarily residential, covering wide areas of Pennsylvania and, now, Mercer County in New Jersey. Their projects include houses and roofs of all sizes and styles. Selleck also explains that the company installs an entirely new roof, not a covering over an existing roof.
“This is important because you need to see if there is any damage under the roof, and repair that before putting on a new roof,” he says.
Black and White
Most of the roofs are shingles, with a combination of fiber glass and asphalt, points out Selleck. “We do some slate, but it is much more expensive.”
A variety of colors, patterns, and styles are available, he adds, and currently, black roofs are very popular. “You’ll see a lot of black roofs on houses with white siding. The black and white look is a favorite right now. Although you will see some tan roofs too.
“The materials today have become stronger, better, and more durable,” he continues. “There are even algae-resistant shingles now that help to prevent roof discoloration. Roofs can typically last 30, even 50 years. Of course, elements can be a factor. Sun is especially damaging, and even the placement of the house can have an effect.
“The biggest challenge we face is the weather,” he says. “Extreme heat in the summer, and cold and storms in the winter. On very cold days, there can be expansion and contraction, causing the shingles to crack.”
If necessary, the company will provide repair work, including around the chimney, and will install a chimney top, if needed. Free inspection year-round is available.
A typical time frame for a new roof is one to two days, or two to three for a very large house. Careful oversight of the project is emphasized by the company, he reports. “There is always a foreman on the job overseeing the work and answering any questions.”
Important Investment
A roof is an important investment, and C & C Family Roofing offers payment arrangements. “Prices vary depending on the size of the roof and materials,” points out Selleck, “and we offer financing.”
Siding is also an important part of the company’s business and for many years, vinyl and other types of siding have been a popular alternative to painting the house.
“Vinyl siding is most often seen today,’ says Selleck. “Different versions are available, with some that can even look like wood, brick, or stone. There are also many colors, with white and earth tones in demand now.”
In addition, fiber cement siding is another choice. Known for its resistance to fire, rot, and termites, it is a long-lasting option for customers. In addition, the company offers stucco remediation to provide existing stucco a new lease on life.
When customers order a new roof or siding, they also receive new gutters. And, as Selleck points out, “In addition to new gutters, we have a separate gutter cleaning service. It’s very important to keep gutters free of leaves and other debris. The rain water needs to flow through freely. If not, it can back up and rot the wood and cause other damage.”
The company has a very loyal customer base, with many people requesting a new roof or other services. “We have many repeat customers,” he says. “Perhaps we had done their roof years ago, and now they are ready for a new one. Also, word-of-mouth and referrals are our No. 1 source of business. People refer us to their friends and neighbors, and then we have new customers. We are very grateful to our loyal supporters.
“Nothing Like It”
“I really enjoy it when someone comes up to me unexpectedly, years later, and says, ‘You did my roof 10 years ago, and it is as beautiful today as it was on the first day.’ The feeling you get with that — there’s nothing like it!”
Selleck certainly believes that C & C Family Roofing is doing something important, and he looks ahead to continuing to provide his services.
“We look forward to keeping going, doing what we do, and serving the public. We are also very happy now to be serving Princeton and Mercer County, and expanding our work into New Jersey.
“Remember, we are here for you. The homeowner should not get on a ladder to clean the gutters or check the roof. Leave it to the professionals. And, for us, to have stayed in business for 31 years, we must be doing something right!”
C & C Family Roofing provides services Monday through Saturday. For further information, call (609) 316-6364. Visit the website at roofdoc.com.