👉 Choosing a Contractor Guide

Read This Before You Hire a Contractor

My name is Nick Lehrter, owner of BlueSky Exteriors.

I’ve been around construction my entire life. Long before I ever started this company.

Throughout college, I spent my spring breaks working with the Christian Appalachian Project (CAP), building homes, installing roofs, and doing siding work in communities across Kentucky and Tennessee. That’s where I learned what doing things the right way actually looks like.

Living in Iowa, I experienced firsthand what storms like the 2020 derecho can do. Not just to homes, but to homeowners. I saw how many people were taken advantage of, misled, or rushed into decisions they didn’t fully understand.

So I built BlueSky differently.

We slow things down. We explain everything clearly. And we do the job right the first time—no shortcuts, no confusion, no pressure.

Some homeowners don’t realize what actually gets skipped during a roof or siding job… until it’s too late.

Corners get cut where you can’t see
Cheap bids = hidden shortcuts
Materials get reused that should be replaced
Problems don’t show up until months later

Drip Edge

There are contractors who will reuse old drip edge instead of replacing it.

I’ve even heard a contractor say, “We make the most money on the work we don’t do, but still charge for.”
This is one of the most common corners that gets cut.

Drip edge is critical—it directs water away from the edge of your roof and protects against rot, leaks, and long-term damage.

Make sure your contractor replaces it.
It’s not optional—it’s a required part of a properly installed roofing system.

Underlayment (Felt)

Old felt underlayment is often damaged—and sometimes reused.

That’s a problem. Damaged or layered felt can trap moisture, leading to rot, mold, and long-term structural issues.

We’ve seen roofs with multiple layers—sometimes three or even four. When that happens, it becomes nearly impossible to properly inspect the wood decking underneath.

If there’s hidden damage or rot, it can go unnoticed and unaddressed before the new roof goes on.

A proper roof replacement means removing old underlayment and starting fresh.
It ensures everything underneath is solid, dry, and built to last.

This applies to both roofing and siding projects.