|
|
 |
|
Buying a new roof system is an important investment. Before you spend your money, spend some time learning how to evaluate the roofing contractor who may be doing the work. You should insist on working with a professional roofing contractor. Replacing Your Roof The age of your roof is usually the major factor in determining when to replace it. Most roofs last many years if properly installed and often can be repaired rather than replaced. An isolated leak usually can be repaired. The average life expectancy of a typical residential roof is 15 to 20 years. Water damage to a home's interior or overhangs is commonly caused by leaks from a single weathered portion of the roof, poorly installed flashing, or from around chimneys and skylights. These problems do not necessarily mean you need a new roof. Preserving Your Roof Whatever the roofing material--composition shingle, wood shake, tile or metal--the best way to preserve your roof is to stay off it. Also, seasonal changes in the weather are usually the most destructive forces. Maintaining Your Roof Homeowner maintenance
includes cleaning the leaves and debris from the roof's valleys and
gutters. Debris in the valleys can cause water to wick under the shingles
and cause damage to the interior of the roof. Clogged rain gutters can
cause water to flow back under the shingles on the eaves and cause damage.
Roof Checkup
Guide When cleaning your gutters or inspecting your roof system, remember important ladder safety tips: -Make sure the ladder is on solid, level ground. -Secure the ladder at the top to prevent it from slipping. -Inspect the ladder, rungs and rails for damage. -Extend the ladder at least 3 feet beyond the gutter, and angle it 1 foot back from the house for every 4 feet in eave height. -Always use both hands when climbing the ladder. Once on the ladder, you should look for: -Shingles that are buckling, curling or blistering; this indicates the end of the shingles' life expectancy. -Loose material or wear around chimneys, pipes and other penetrations. -Excessive amounts of shingle granules in your gutters; granules give shingles added weight and protect them from ultraviolet rays. Before you hire a roofing contractor, do your homework: Check for a contractor's permanent place of business, telephone number and tax identification number. -Check references from prior customers. -Ask for proof of insurance (liability and workers' compensation*). -Ask the contractor about material and workmanship warranties. Follow These Tips When Hiring a Roofing Contractor -Hire only licensed contractors. -Verify the contractor’s license by contacting the State License Board. -Get three references and review past work. -Get at least three bids. -Get a written contract and don’t sign anything until you completely understand the terms. -Pay 10 percent down or $1,000 whichever is less. -Don’t let payments get ahead of the work. -Don’t pay cash. -Don’t make final payment until you’re satisfied with the job. -Don’t rush into repairs or be pressured into making an immediate decision Guidelines for selecting a commercial (low-slope) roofing contractor Buying a new roof system is an important investment. Before you spend your money, spend some time learning how to evaluate the roofing contractor who may be doing the work. Roofing contractors are not all alike; insist on working with a professional. Why a professional roofing contractor? A professional generally is recognized as a person who has hands-on experience, specialized knowledge and received intensive training. So how can you tell a qualified contractor from an unqualified one? There are no foolproof methods, but there are some important things that you can do to help make the best possible decision. The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) recommends that you prequalify contractors. It may require some extra work, but experience shows that it goes a long way toward making sure you get the kind of results you expect--a roof system that works! You can prequalify contractors on a project-to-project or annual basis if you regularly deal with the same group of contractors. Your criteria may vary according to the job requirements, but all professional roofing contractors should be able to provide you with the following: A permanent place of business Confirm that your contractor is well-established with a permanent address, telephone number, tax identification number and, where required, a business license. A professional has these readily available. Knowledge of roof systems The introduction of new roofing materials and application techniques has sparked a tremendous change in the roofing industry over the past 10 years. A professional roofing contractor is familiar with the different types of roof systems and will help you make the best decision for your building and budget. Be sure you are comfortable with the roof system(s) your contractor suggests. Affiliated with an industry organization Ask the contractor if his company is a member of a local, state, regional or national industry association. Involvement in a professional organization tends to keep a contractor better informed about the latest developments and issues in the industry. Committed to education Choose a company that is committed to the safety and education of its workers. Ask the contractor what types of safety training he provides for his workers and what industry programs the workers have attended. The best roofing contractor is only as good as the workers who install the roof system. Insist on having trained, experienced roof mechanics. Insured and committed to safety Don't hesitate to ask the roofing contractor for proof of insurance. In fact, insist on seeing copies of insurance certificates that verify workers' compensation and general liability coverages. Make sure the coverages are in effect through the duration of your job. If a contractor is not properly insured, you, the owner, may be liable for accidents that occur on the property. Many building owners and homeowners have been dragged into litigation involving uninsured roofing contractors. (Note: U.S. workers' compensation laws vary by state. Consult your state's laws to determine workers' compensation insurance requirements.) Licensed and bonded Many states require that roofing contractors be licensed; some states have specific licensing requirements. In addition, some contractors are able to obtain bonding from surety companies, while others are not. Check to see if a prospective roofing contractor is properly licensed and/or bonded. Your state's department of professional regulation or licensing board will have this information. Financial stability A professional contractor will be able to supply you with current financial information. This should include: current assets, net fixed assets, current liabilities, other liabilities and references from a financial institution or auditing firm. Application expertise Have your contractor list the roofing manufacturers with which his firm has licensed or approved applicator agreements. Some materials require special application expertise to provide a quality roof system that will last. Insist on a written proposal Insist on a written proposal and examine it for complete descriptions of the work and specifications. Be sure the proposal includes the approximate starting and completion dates, payment procedures, and any additional issues such as landscape damage prevention and debris cleanup. Warranties There are two basic categories of roofing warranties: the contractor's warranty, which covers workmanship, and the manufacturer's warranty, which covers (as a minimum) materials. Be sure that your contractor offers a warranty that covers workmanship. A manufacturer's warranty alone will not protect you if the roof is improperly installed. Carefully read and understand any roofing warranty offered and watch for provisions that would void it. Completed projects Look for a company with a proven track record that readily offers client references and a list of completed projects. References When making the final selection, ask the roofing contractor for a list of recent clients. Check with these customers to see if they were completely satisfied with the quality of materials and workmanship provided. You also may contact the Better Business Bureau to find out if they have received any customer complaints about the contractor. Provisions for on-site supervision Have the contractor explain his project supervision and quality control procedures. Request the name of the person who will be in charge, how many workers will be required and the estimated time of completion. A professional maintenance program Professional roofing contractors will offer periodic maintenance inspections throughout the year. These inspections will help ensure that your project complies with the standards specified in the warranty. A maintenance program usually consists of a detailed visual examination of the roof system, flashing, insulation and related components to identify any potential trouble areas. |
|
|
||
|
Beacon Roofing Posts Quarterly Profit (AP via Yahoo! Finance)
Metal roofing company Vicwest earns Q1 profit of $2.5M (Canadian Press via Yahoo! News)
Caught in the Act of Kindness (Bullard Weekly News)
|
