Tip: Roofing Contractors
Having to replace or repair your roof can be an overwhelming prospect. It’s one of the biggest projects you may have to consider for your home and can be expensive and time consuming.
Here are six additional tips for hiring a roofer:
Make sure you understand the full scope of the project. What exactly is the roofer going to do? Will they be doing spot repairs or replacing the whole roof? Will they be removing the old roof or covering it with the new roof? Make sure you understand the pros and cons of the solutions and that everything is detailed in your contract.
Ask about clean-up and waste removal. Confirm that your contractor will be responsible for taking away all old materials and cleaning up your site after their work is complete.
Consider your gutters and landscaping. A roof job will require the use of ladders that can cause damage when leaned against your gutters or stuck in your landscaping. How will your roofer protect against damage or fix things after the job is done?
Plan for bad weather. What happens if there is bad weather while your roof project is underway? Ask your roofer about what they will do to protect your home in the case of rain or snow.
Check your insurance coverage. If your project is for fixing damage, check your homeowner’s insurance to see if your project is covered and how you should proceed if it is. (You also want to check your contractor’s insurance coverage for things like worker’s compensation, property damage, and personal liability.)
Different contractors for different roofing systems. Roofing contractors may be certified to install specific types of roofs. You can check with the manufacturer to see if your contractor is certified for their system.
Clearly written proposals that are detailed and broken down into separate line items are a good sign that the contractor is being thorough and has prepared an accurate estimate.
The following is a partial list of items your estimate or proposal should include:
The type of roof covering, manufacturer and color
Materials to be included in the work, e.g., underlayment, ice dam protection membrane
Scope of work to be done:
Removal or replacement of existing roof
Flashing work, e.g., existing flashings to be replaced or re-used, adding new flashing, flashing metal type
Ventilation work, e.g., adding new vents
Who is responsible for repairing/replacing exterior landscape or interior finishes that are damaged during the course of the work? Make sure that it contains language addressing who is responsible for any damage that occurs as a result of the work.
All items of concern and work to be done should be included in the contract.
Installation method
Approximate starting and completion dates
Payment procedures
Length of warranty and what is covered, e.g., workmanship, water leakage
Who will haul away the old roofing materials and/or project waste (e.g. extra materials, packaging, etc.)? Is there extra charge for this service?
There are also ways you can extend the life of your roof:
Clear dead or overhanging branches. Have a professional tree service evaluate the branches hanging over your roof and decide whether or not they are a risk. If the branches are dead, that increases the chance of them falling onto your roof. In addition, heavily shaded areas of your roof can retain moisture, which sometimes leads to mold. Regular trimmings of overhanging branches will help your roof dry in a uniform manner.
Inspect for hail damage. After strong storms, especially hailstorms, have a licensed insurance adjuster or contractor inspect your roof. Dimples and cracks on the shingles are key indicators that hail damage has occurred.
Keep your eyes and ears open and remove debris. Homeowners should inspect their roof regularly and monitor for hail damage. Ground-level inspections can be done by the homeowner. You should also keep your gutters clear. If there’s debris that needs to be removed, either call a professional or be very cautious when getting up on your roof.
Finding the right roofing contractor can be tough.
As the highest part of a house, a roof protects anything that’s beneath it – your family and personal investments. Your roof also plays a huge role in keeping water out and making sure that you live comfortably. However, because people don’t see their roof every day, they rarely follow measures to maintain its good condition. This is why most roofs deteriorate and never reach their maximum lifespan.
If you require a roof repair or replacement, you need to find the best roofing services in your area. You should not only look for a roofing company that’s affordable, you want to make sure that the contractor can satisfy your exact needs. Any repair, big or small, will be able to help you enjoy a longer lasting roof for your home if done correctly.
Things Before Hiring a Roofing Contractor
Local physical office
Does your prospective roofing contractor have an office in your location? A contractor that doesn’t have an office you can conveniently visit is a major cause for concern.
Multiple quotations
When it comes to getting a roofing job, Angie’s List recommends that you get at least three bids from multiple contractors. Too often, homeowners are in a hurry to get a quick repair only to be frustrated later on because they’ve been over charged
Previous work samples or references
You will be able to get a good picture of how well a roofing contractor completes a roofing task by asking for samples and references. When it comes to samples, let a contractor show you pictures of their finished work. Most contractors include their portfolios on their websites so look for these.
Roof Repair
What is the Best Shingle Brand?
We receive this question a lot and it’s a hard question to answer. Some roofing companies only offer one brand of shingle which means they’ll default to the brand they know and trust. Other roofers offer multiple brands with the knowledge that the different brands
Perhaps the most frequently asked question we get is whether a roof repair can wait. The answer is always no. When you think (or know) you have a roof leak, ignoring it will only make the repair more costly. Here are some of the other frequently asked questions we’re
Step Spring Roof Check
Since most of us have a little more time at home these days, we wanted to challenge every homeowner to perform a spring roof check. It will only take a few minutes and it’s a great habit to start doing, not just every spring, but at least twice a year and after every
Ideas for your Home Maintenance in 2020
In our last blog, we shared some ideas about home maintenance that you should do about once a year (if you missed it, click here). In today’s blog we’re going to cover things that should happen twice a year or more often. Some you can do, others you may want to
Some maintenance you should do seasonally or a few times a year, other things just need occasional maintenance. If you’re unsure about what you should be doing to your home regularly in the way of maintenance, we’ve put together a list organized by what you should do.
THINKING ABOUT ROOF REPAIR? THINGS YOUR CONTRACTOR SHOULD HAVE
Dealing with a damaged roof can be incredibly frustrating, especially if you are worried about things like incoming water and mold growth. Fortunately, roofing contractors can restore form and function to the area but only if you choose the right team of professionals. If you are in the market for a roofing contractor, remember these five things they should have
Proper Licensing
If you live in one of the 21 states that require a roofer to have a license, make sure to look up potential contractor’s credentials before you break ground on any work. These guidelines are designed to protect homeowners from improperly executed jobs, and some states won’t even grant building permits unless contractors are properly licensed.
Up-To-Date Insurance Policies
Roofing is one of those construction jobs that is inherently dangerous. In addition to being confronted with steep roof pitches, obstacles and potentially unfavorable weather conditions, roofers also face lifting heavy boxes and working with hot tar.
Positive Reviews
A great recommendation can give you a great deal of peace of mind, so talk with family members and friends about people they have worked with in the past. Additionally, check online to see if the roofer you are considering has recent recommendations from people in your area.
Social Skills
Being able to communicate effectively with your roofing company will save you a tremendous amount of hassle in the long run, so pay attention during your initial interactions. As you screen potential contractors, take notes regarding how fast it takes for them to get back to you, how kind they seem and whether or not they seem genuinely interested in doing a great job
Things You Need To Know About Hiring A Roofing Contractor
Having a quality roof installation or replacement is a good investment for your home. But since no two residential roofing companies are created equal, you need to take your time to learn a few things about hiring a roofing contractor. Carefully researching prospective contractors will help you make a better choice in the hiring process. But why hire a roofing contractor instead of attempting a roofing repair on your own? In this guide, we explain why it’s important to hire a professional roofing contractor who knows their trade.
Saving Costs
Some homeowners have attempted DIY roofing repairs, but in the end, they made costly mistakes and had to hire someone to make it right. Hiring a professional roofing contractor to install, repair, or replace your roof is always a cost-effective approach. Moreover, an experienced roofing contractor has built long-term relationships with local suppliers, which enables them to access roofing materials at lower prices. They have the right tools and equipment to execute the work faster and more efficiently. If you take into account the materials and tools you’ll need to carry out a DIY roofing project, you’ll realize how much you could save by hiring a roofing contractor.
Saves Time
A professional roofer can do the work faster and free you up to attend to other priorities. Professional roofers work on timelines and are able to complete the task as fast as possible and move on to the next assignment. Experience counts a lot in the roofing profession, and when you hire a roofing contractor, you can bet they’ve worked for a while in the industry. They understand different types of roofs and the best approach to take in order to save time and costs. Additionally, their artistry is usually excellent, which ensures your roof stays for several years before it requires any repairs.
Guarantees Safety
Professional roofing companies have the equipment to work safely on your roof, so you don’t have to put your life in danger. As much as you may love DIYs, you can’t deny that roof installation, repairs, or replacement can be risky projects. Accidents could easily occur and put you in serious pain and costly medical expenses. By hiring a professional roofer, you can avoid risking your life and let the experts do what they know best. Moreover, they often insure their roofers to safeguard them and homeowners from liability.
Expertise
So, what does a roofing contractor do that you can’t do on your own? A professional roofing contractor specializes in this trade, so they can deliver high-quality work, identify hidden damages, and make the necessary repairs. An experienced contractor is well-versed with various roofing technologies and can guarantee excellent results while committing little to no mistakes in the process. They also utilize the right techniques, high-quality products, and highly-sophisticated tools and equipment.