Frequently Asked Questions

One of the best things with working with a roofing contractor Seattle today is that many now offer financing options. This means even when you can’t afford a new roof outright, you can take advantage of terms that will let you work with your budget comfortably, letting you get the roofing system you want without putting too much stress on yourself financially.

We will schedule a time for a full roof evaluation. The evaluator will get on top of the roof and check the condition, looking for any signs of leaks, poor flashing or missing shingles. We will take pictures of any areas we find. If possible, we will get in the attic and look for any signs of moisture, sheeting damage or rot. We will sit down and show you copies of our license, bonding and insurance and walk through any recommendations we have for your home. If replacement work is necessary, we will provide a down to the penny estimate during the evaluation.

We typically replace roofs between 18 and 22 years of age. This is most often when signs of wear or deterioration begin to show. You do not necessarily want to wait until a leak has begun that can cause damage to the interior of your home. We are happy to provide a thorough roof evaluation at no cost to you.

Yes. We can install gutters, facia, skylights, venting, flashing and more with a replacement roofing project.

We also install siding, windows, entry doors and more!

We try for a 1 to 1 ratio of intake air to exhaust air. In most circumstances we will recommend a ridge venting and soffit venting solution. This is a good venting solution and generally more attractive. Ridge vents are more effective because they are installed at the peak of a roof’s ridge, allowing for warm air to best escape from the attic. In limited cases we will utilize traditional “mushroom” style vents.

Polar Bear represents the top 1% of all roofers as a CertainTeed Select ShingleMaster. We are able to offer extended CertainTeed 50-year warranties through our 5-star ShingleMaster program. CertainTeed recognized Polar Bear as #1 in Washington State in 2019 for most registered SureStart warranties.

The number of days that any given roof replacement project will take will obviously vary depending on the size and complexity of the roof job itself. Factors like site access, the need for plywood, and any rot issues can impact the projected timeline. Ask your project manager to get a close estimate…but know that many roofs are completed in a day or two while more complex projects tend to be 3 days to one week.

It’s easy to assume that a handyman can repair your roof because they are, well, handy around the house. However, a handyman’s roofing experience is nothing compared to what a professional roofer can offer, no matter the scope of your roofing requirement. For best results then, trust only a roofing contractor Seattle to take care of your needs.

How much you should pay for roof repair Seattle mainly depends on the extent of the damage to be addressed. The more extensive the damage, the higher the cost. However, there are other factors that contribute to roofing costs as well, like the type of roof you have and roofing permits. To better understand your roofing estimate, don’t hesitate to ask your contractor for more details.

Fabric awnings can be expected to last up to 10 years, depending on their quality. Overall, it’s not impossible for awnings to last 15 years, especially when built by a trusted awning contractor using durable materials and given proper care and maintenance.

It depends. If you are getting a new roof from a roofing contractor in Seattleafter already filing several claims, your insurance premiums can increase to mitigate risks for your insurance provider. If it’s your first claim, however, you can expect your insurance rate to stay the same. If it does change, it won’t be much. On average, you actually stand to enjoy discounts after getting a new roof because the project makes your home safe and sound on the overall.

An awning is primarily designed to provide shade, keeping the sun out of building structures. This not only provides protection from glare, but helps prevent excessive passive heating that can drive cooling costs up as well. Top-quality products from an awning contractor also helps limit fading on furniture, flooring, and other interior surfaces.

It’s not possible to fix a leaking roof from the inside because you have to address the problem at its source, which is usually found outside the house, for roof repair in Seattle to be effective. Indoor fixes can be done, but they are temporary solutions.

Take advantage of financing options offered by your roofing contractor in Seattle! You can also choose to delay your replacement project to save up some more, provided your safety and security will not be compromised.

You want a siding contractor Seattle you can trust, someone who will put you first. A licensed, experienced siding contractor is standard but you want to work with someone who’s commitment goes beyond the end of the job. With our customer-oriented approach, quality products and exceptional craftsmanship, Polar Bear Exterior Solutions can guarantee your utmost satisfaction.

Polar Bear installs James Hardie siding. James Hardie is the most popular brand of replacement siding in America. Polar Bear is a James Hardie Elite Preferred installer.

James Hardie manufactures their traditional fiber cement siding with a pre-painted surface called Colorplus.
When you invest in Colorplus you get a beautiful factory baked on finish that lasts longer than traditional painting. Between coats the finish is cured in the factory for an even stronger bond that resists peeling, chipping and cracking.
Pre-painted Colorplus Hardie siding retains the look of wood and its all one uniform color for a much more attractive finish.

For best results, exterior improvement contractors will recommend that you replace your siding and windows together. However, if you are unable to do so for whatever reason, get Polar Bear windows first. Different homes have different requirements though so don’t hesitate to get in touch with an exterior solutions pro to get an assessment and help you better decide.

It’s your best bet to go for light neutrals because they complement a range of trim colors well, making your siding attractive to a larger number of potential home buyers. Typically, asking a siding contractor in Seattle for wheat- or tan-colored siding is ideal.

Your siding contractor in Seattle will recommend neutral colors, blues, whites and warm earth tones as your best bets for exterior house colors if you are selling. This is because they are not overwhelming, making it easier for buyers to see themselves in your property.

There is not one best window for everyone. The best windows to get are those that will address your needs and preferences exactly. Fortunately, Polar Bear windows are available in a range of options, allowing you to zero in on what’s best for you. Need help figuring out what to choose? Our experts will be more than happy to assist you. Talk to us today!

We install replacement windows in both double-pane and triple-pane styles. We can install all types of windows including fixed windows, sliders, single and double-hung windows, casement windows, sliding glass doors and unusual window shapes including trapezoids and round windows.

We typically install Simonton window products, Ply-Gem windows and Pella brand windows.

Yes. All the windows we install are custom made to precisely fit the existing opening.

Sizes – We create custom windows to fit any existing opening in your home. Custom sizes provide the perfect fit for accurate installation and performance.

Interior & Exterior Colors – Choose from a variety of colors to customize the look of your window and create curb appeal.

Hardware Finishes – Select from a wide range of hardware finishes to complement your home’s design including satin nickel, oil rubbed bronze and more.

It’s time to get Polar Bear windows when your old windows have damaged frames, are letting in drafts, have broken glass, and are difficult to operate. You can also replace your windows if they are already unsightly and worn out from years of use and exposure to the elements.

Yes…we are licensed, bonded and insured.

We carry a $2,000,000 Certificate of Liability policy #00077796-2 which expires 6/12/21.

We have a Washington State Contractors License #POLARBE780QB and a $12,000 bond with the State of Washington.

Polar Bear is a 5 Star ShingleMaster with Certainteed Roofing Corporation and we are a Certainteed MetalMaster. These are Certainteed’s highest credentialed levels. To become a Select ShingleMaster, the company owners have trained and certified all supervisors and shingle installers, and agreed to abide by the terms and conditions in the Certainteed “Code of Ethics and Professional Practices,” and have qualified as a fiscally responsible owner.

Start times on projects vary by the time of the year and the amount of work in process we have at any given time. Generally roofing can be started within a few days to a couple of weeks. Siding is often 3-5 weeks out and windows generally 4+ weeks to allow time to manufacture the replacement windows. Ask your evaluator for the start and finish timing for your project.

When we talk about growth at Polar Bear we do think about our “top line” sales growth like many companies…but we are most proud of helping promote growth within the individuals that make up the company.

Our goal has never been to be the “biggest” contractor—we want to be the best. It is very important that our employees and our families can all be proud of the Polar Bear name.

In the next 5 year we see Polar Bear Exteriors steadily (and responsibly) growing our overall sales and possibly expanding into some new markets.

Our business philosophy can best be summed up by our company mission statement and philosophy:

Mission Statement

To improve the efficiency, beauty and resale value of our customers’ homes, while providing them an experience that is unparalleled in the industry.

Company Philosophy

As long as we take care of our customers, everything else will take care of itself.

We only offer products and brands that we know we can put the Polar Bear reputation behind and that have industry-leading warranties.

We represent the TOP 1% of all roofers as a Certainteed Select ShingleMaster. Residential roofing is our top selling division and we are able to offer extended Certainteed 50-year warranties through our 5-star ShingleMaster program.

We exclusively install James Hardie ColorPlus siding and are a James Hardie Elite Preferred Contractor.

We also carry Simonton and PlyGem windows, Codel and Pella—all brands that add a lot of value to our customers and come with great manufacturer warranties.

We have about 55 employees currently. Our departments include our production department focused on roofing, window and siding installation and also sales, marketing, finance and accounting.

We hire only people of the highest caliber that take pride in their work and have a passion for doing the job right. All of the installers who will be working on your home are trained and experienced. Quality and attention to detail are the key values of our workmanship.

Justin Smith and Nate Harrington founded Polar Bear Exterior Solutions in 2011 at the height of the great recession. Jason and Nate had worked together at a local window company that just was not doing things right for their customers. Together they had an extensive background in marketing, sales and installation and decided they could better serve homeowners by going into business for themselves.

Polar Bear was initially focused on the installation of energy-efficient windows, insulation and solar PV systems. Over the years we shifted our focus to the quality exterior products including windows, siding and roofing.

Awnings are primarily used to provide shade but they can withstand some rain to a certain degree. However, an awning contractor will tell you that retractable units should be closed during heavier downpours.