Frequently Asked Questions

We recommend a professional roof inspection at least once a year, plus after any major storm. WNC weather — wind, hail, ice, and heavy rain — can cause damage that isn't visible from the ground.

Yes. Highlander provides free estimates for standard residential roofing projects in Franklin, Highlands, Cashiers, Sylva, and surrounding Western NC areas. Specialty assessments (forensic or insurance-specific) may include a fee — we'll let you know upfront.

Most residential inspections take 45 to 90 minutes, including a walk-through with you afterward to review findings and photos.

It depends on the age of the roof, the extent of the damage, and the underlying decking condition. Many leaks can be repaired affordably. Get My Questions Answered for a project-specific assessment before assuming a replacement is needed.

Yes. We frequently repair roofs we didn't install, including correcting workmanship issues from storm chasers or out-of-state crews.

Timing depends on the roof condition, weather, access, and current scheduling. For active water intrusion, call during staffed business hours and explain what is happening; outside office hours, send a request for follow-up.

Most residential roof replacements in WNC take 1 to 3 days of on-site work, depending on size, pitch, and material. Complex metal or specialty systems may take longer.

Asphalt shingles (CertainTeed), standing-seam and exposed-fastener metal, synthetic slate and shake, and specialty systems suited to the WNC climate and elevation.

We strongly recommend a full tear-off and replacement. Roofing over existing layers hides decking issues and can void manufacturer warranties.

Document any visible damage with photos, avoid climbing on the roof yourself, and call Highlander to request a free estimate for storm-damage repair. We'll review the situation and explain the appropriate next step.

It depends on your policy, the cause of damage, and the age of the roof. Many WNC homeowners are covered for wind, hail, and falling-tree damage. We'll help you understand what's likely covered, but your carrier makes the final determination.

We can document observed roof damage, provide photos and a contractor scope, and coordinate with an adjuster when appropriate. Your carrier makes coverage and claim decisions; Highlander does not act as a public adjuster.

You can start by requesting a free Highlander estimate. We'll review the roofing concern and explain the appropriate next step before you decide how to proceed with a claim.

Active interior leaks, missing roofing after a storm, tree impact, or another condition allowing water into the home needs prompt attention. Call (828) 524-7773 during staffed business hours; for an immediate life-safety hazard, contact emergency services.

Yes. When safe weather conditions allow, we can tarp a damaged roof to stop further water intrusion until permanent repairs can be completed.

Metal is an excellent choice for many Western NC homes — it sheds snow and ice well, performs in high winds, and can last 40+ years with proper installation. We'll help you decide if it's the right fit for your home and budget.

Metal typically costs more upfront than asphalt shingles, but lasts longer. The exact difference depends on the system you choose. Get my written estimate for a side-by-side comparison.

We specialize in CertainTeed shingles as a CertainTeed ShingleMaster contractor. Other premium brands can be sourced on request.

Quality dimensional asphalt shingles typically last 25 to 30 years with proper installation and ventilation. Premium shingles can last longer.

Yes. Highlander installs and repairs TPO, EPDM, metal, and modified-bitumen systems for commercial properties throughout Western North Carolina.

Absolutely. We schedule commercial work to minimize disruption — including evenings, weekends, or phased crews when needed.

Franklin, Highlands, Cashiers, Sylva, and the surrounding Western North Carolina counties — Macon, Jackson, Swain, Haywood, and nearby.

Yes. We protect landscaping, gutters, siding, and the work area with tarps and equipment placement. We clean up daily and perform a magnetic nail sweep at completion.

Yes. We install seamless aluminum gutters and gutter guards as part of roofing projects or as standalone work. Contact us for a project-specific quote.

Heavy mountain rainfall and steep terrain make proper drainage critical. Well-designed gutters protect your foundation, siding, and landscaping from water damage.

Home additions, renovations, outdoor living spaces, decks, porches, sunrooms, and exterior improvements. We focus on projects that benefit from the same accountability and craft standards as our roofing work.

Yes. Highlander Building Services operates under an NC General Contractor license, fully insured.

Most additions take 8 to 16 weeks from groundbreaking, depending on size, complexity, permitting, and material lead times. We'll provide a project-specific schedule before work begins.

Yes. Highlander offers in-house design services through our paid, three-phase Design & Consultation Agreement — scope, plans and 3D views, then a permit set — so your project is fully defined before construction pricing is finalized.

Decks, screened porches, covered patios, pergolas, and outdoor entertaining spaces designed to handle WNC weather and complement the character of your home.

Yes. Sloped lots are a Highlander specialty — we engineer foundations, drainage, and framing for the realities of mountain terrain.

Franklin, Highlands, Cashiers, Sylva, and the surrounding Western North Carolina region — including Macon, Jackson, Swain, and Haywood counties.

We focus on Western NC so we can stand behind every project. For projects outside our standard area, contact us and we'll let you know if we can help.

Financing may be available for qualifying projects. Availability, terms, and approval are determined by the lender; ask Highlander about the options currently available for your project.

Highlander backs our workmanship with a written warranty, in addition to the manufacturer warranties that come with your roofing or building materials. Specific terms vary by project — your estimator will walk you through everything before signing.

Lead times vary by season and project type. Storm work and active leaks are prioritized. For planned roofing or construction work, your estimator will give you a realistic start window when we provide your estimate.

Daily site cleanup during the project, a final detailed cleanup, and a magnetic nail sweep on roofing jobs. We leave the property the way we'd want our own home left.

Permit requirements depend on the jurisdiction and scope. When permitting is required and included in Highlander's scope, the project team coordinates the applicable permit and inspection steps.

Yes. We install, replace, and re-flash skylights and sun tunnels as part of a roof replacement or as standalone work. On any re-roof with existing skylights we recommend replacing them at the same time so the flashing is fully integrated with the new roof.

Almost always. Most 'leaking skylights' are actually flashing failures at the curb. We diagnose the real source, re-flash to spec, and only recommend a full skylight replacement when the unit itself has failed.

Yes. Highlander offers in-house design through a paid, three-phase Design & Consultation Agreement: scope discovery, plans and 3D views, and a permit-ready set. This is how we make sure your project is fully defined before we finalize construction pricing.

Design fees are quoted per project after we understand scope. We don't publish generic pricing because a small deck plan and a full addition design aren't the same project. Contact us and we'll walk you through the phases and what to expect.

Yes. If you already have designer or engineer plans, we can price and build from them. If plans need refinement or a permit set, we can also step in through our design phases to finish them.

The easiest path is to request a free estimate or consultation online, or call (828) 524-7773. A local team member will reach out to discuss your project and the appropriate next step.

Just the basics: the property address, what you're seeing or want to build, and your rough timing. If you already have plans, photos, or an insurance claim number, share those too — but none of it is required to get started.

That's a great time to reach out. Early conversations help us right-size the project, flag anything that could affect budget or timeline, and — if design work is needed — start you on the right phase.

Absolutely. Most construction and outdoor-living projects start without plans. We'll listen to what you want, walk the property, and recommend whether you're ready for construction pricing or need to move through our design phases first.

Yes. If your plans are complete, permit-ready, and reflect the finishes and specifications you want, we can move straight to a construction estimate. If anything is missing, we'll flag it up front rather than surprise you during construction.

Very common. We'll review what you have, tell you honestly what's usable, and recommend the design phase that gets you from where you are to a build-ready set.

Call (828) 524-7773, request a free estimate or consultation online, or use the contact form on the Contact page. Someone from our local Western NC team will follow up personally.

Our office is staffed during standard business hours, and we respond to storm and active-leak calls outside of hours when possible. The fastest response is usually a phone call — voicemails after hours are checked first thing.

Yes — two. Our Franklin and Sylva showrooms are both open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with roofing, skylight, gutter, and siding samples on display. Walk in or call ahead so your estimator is on site when you arrive. Addresses and directions are on our Locations pages.