Roofing Contractors

Giovanni Rueda asked:


Finding a roofer today whether in Atlanta or elsewhere is like finding kudzu…if you can’t find any then you’re not looking. Due to the lack of certification in many states, consumers have to be on guard when selecting a quality vendor. We leave it to you to ask the basic questions to make sure that have quality installers. But here are some others questions you need to ask to close the gap on going with someone who, in the long run, could do more damage than good. If the roofing contractor prospect has a problem with answering these, then I advise to continue looking.

1. What is the full name and address of the company?

If they have a problem with giving you this specific information, then that’s a red flag. They may be doing work out of their truck or are hiding something. You need to go with an established business that has an office (in addition to any PO Box) because roofing is a long installation and maintenance cycle and you need to know that they’ll be around for a while.

2. How long has the company been in business?

As a general rule, the longer a company has been in business, the better. This is particularly true for roofers because you may need their help again in a few years. That being said, if you go with a younger company, then make sure the owner or installers have deep experience. I find that younger companies with experienced staff can be a good bargain as they’re typically “hungrier” than the older ones. So they might be a good option.

3. What kind of insurance do they carry and for how much?

The bottom line is that if they don’t carry insurance and something happens to one of their workers, then you could be held responsible. You must find out how much coverage they have in the event of an accident. Roofing contractors can easily email or hand you a copy of the certificate.

4. Do they have certification?

Because many states don’t have certifications for the roofing industry, any one can essentially become a roofer. This is good for consumers in terms of keeping prices down but at the same time problematic for keeping quality standards high. To get around this, I would ask the company about the relationships they have with their manufacturers. For instance, Owens Corning and GAF Materials are major suppliers of roofing materials. They typically partner only with established roofers who they trust to sell and install their goods. If the roofer has a relationship with a national vendor, then they’re probably regarded as stable and reliable. While not true in every case, it’s a good rule of thumb.

5. Will the company provide referrals or references from previous jobs?

You should be able to get a list of clients from the prospective contractor. And when called, these clients should have great things to say about the vendor. Ask them probing questions. This might include asking them to take you through the entire experience. I find that by doing this, you may uncover something that wasn’t so great that the client had forgotten about. One example might be that the contractor did a good job, but they weren’t so great in terms of the cleanup.

6. What is the company’s warranty?

A lot of contractors just extend the manufacturer’s warranty. But some have warranties of their own. Find out what they offer specifically. The best companies are those who are willing to take more of the risk in the long run and who offer some flexibility with options. Most warranties extend anywhere from 1 to 10 years.

7. How is the company’s customer service and track record with handling issues?

Try to find out how your roofing contractor handles problems when they arise. Ask them to tell you about a specific situation where there was a customer service issue. What was it? How did they handle it? Was the customer satisfied and would they recommend the vendor? Of course if you can get the phone number of the customer in question, then call them. Also, ask the

contractor if he has ever lost a job-related court case. And do your homework in determining if the contractor has ever been reported, such as through the Better Business Bureau. You feel much better after you’ve gone through the steps.



Susan

Josh Johnson asked:


If you live in an area of the country, such as Massachusetts, with harsh winters you might be wondering why anyone would consider roof replacement in the winter time. Well, it’s not as uncommon as you might think. Many roofing contractors offer their services year round even in cold and snowy regions like Massachusetts, which is where I’m from. Roofing Massachusetts homes during the winter is no different for a roofing contractor than doing it any other time of the year, with a few exception, and some roofing contractors and there crews even say that they prefer it. First let’s go over what makes roofing more difficult this time of year and the arguments against having a new roof installed right now.

It’s too cold outside for a roof replacement.

This argument just doesn’t hold any water. It may be cold out now but who cares? Your roof doesn’t care. The crew installing your roof doesn’t care. Don’t worry about the guys doing the installation. If the cold weather bothered them that much they wouldn’t be up there installing your new roof in the first place, they would be working an indoor job. I know a lot of guys that prefer roofing in cold weather just because it is cold. Try roofing a black roof in the middle of the Summer. Lots of fun, let me tell ya. In the Summer if it is 90 degrees on the ground it feels like 110 degrees up on that roof (and sometimes is).

There is too much snow on my roof to have it replaced right now.

This, my friend, is why God created snow shovels. It is really not a big deal to shovel the snow off of a roof. It usually takes a half-hour to an hour to remove the snow and most roofing contractors don’t even charge you extra for this as long as they are there to replace the roof and not just shovel snow (a service which many roofing companies provide in the North East). Does the crew need to be careful while doing this to avoid falling? Of course. However, the crew needs to be careful in every regard when it comes to roofing a house, this is nothing new. These guys are professionals and safety should always comes first, and does always come first with a responsible roofing company.

Alright, I just gave you 2 reasons why many people think roofing shouldn’t be done in the winter and why they aren’t really very good reasons at all. Now let me give you the 4 best reasons you should consider having your roof replaced this time of year.

1.) Ice dams causing leaks.

The winter time in Massachusetts tests your home and roof in ways unlike any other time of year. The most common cause of roof leaks during the winter is the dreaded ice dam. An ice dam is formed over the eaves of a house from built up snow melting and running down the roof only to refreeze at the very edge of the roof line. Here in Massachusetts, as well as other cold climate areas, roofing contractors use a product called “ice & water barrier” together with proper drip-edge flashing techniques to prevent ice dams from damaging your home and causing leaks. This technique, when done properly, provides added protection for at least 3 feet up from all edges of the roof. Many older roofs do not have “ice & water barrier” installed. If your roof is leaking because of ice dams this could be a great time to have the roof redone properly and insure that ice dams will not be bothering you and your home again.

2.) Winter conditions, in general, make a bad roof worse.

If you had a bad roof before winter hit it is only going to be in worse shape once spring arrives. There are many factors that adversely affect your roof in the cold weather. I already discussed ice dams but there’s more. During the winter as the temperature fluctuates it makes your shingles expand and contract causing curling and cracking in older shingles. Now let’s say some of your old roof shingles curl a bit, then you get a nice wet, heavy snow and the weight of the snow causes some of those curled shingles to *****. Now you have a potential new roof leak. Also, when that wet, heavy snow then freezes it will possibly cause even more damage to your old roof shingles. The thawing and refreezing that occurs throughout the winter time is nothing but bad for old shingles. Old roofs **** the cold winters.

3.) Faster service on your new roof installation.

It’s a simple fact that Massachusetts roofing contractors, and roofing contractors in general, are not as busy during the winter. What this means for a homeowner needing a new roof is that the roof contractor you choose might be able to install your new roofing in a matter of days from the time that you sign the contract as opposed to waiting weeks, or even months sometimes, if you hold off until the spring, summer, and fall months. For many homeowners this reason alone should be enough to have your roof done in the winter time.

4.) Save money by taking advantage of a slow time of year for roofers.

Who doesn’t want to save as much money as possible especially when it comes to an expensive home improvement project such as re-roofing. For the same reasons that you may be able to receive faster installation service on a new roof from a roofing contractor during the winter, you will also probably receive a better price than you would during the warmer months. Most professional roof installers will provide you with the same labor warranty for a roof installed in winter time as a roof installed any other time of year. The material warranty is provided by the shingle manufacturer and will be the same regardless of what season the roof was installed. Roofing contractors want to keep their crews busy and will give you a better price just to avoid having to lay off employees during the winter slowdown.

So what are you waiting for? If you have a house with an older roof that needs replacing get in touch with a local roofing contractor and find out for yourself why roofing Massachusetts homes or a home in any other area is a perfectly viable option in the winter time and often a bargain!



Steve

Joseph Snyder asked:


There are about as many roofing contractors to choose from as there are doctors, and I suggest you take the same care in choosing your roofing contractor as you would your doctor. While it’s clear that you are going to want a roofing contractor that employees capable installers, and it’s clear you will need to evaluate each proposal you receive and decide on the best price/value relationship for you. How then can you decide which roofing contractors are truly the professional roofing contractors you should do business with.

Interview them. Whether you are talking to a salesperson or the owner themselves they should show pride and enthusiasm in discussing other jobs. If they do not it may indicate his amount of involvement in the actual work.

When meeting with each roofing contractor use the following seven questions to guide you through their interview.

1. What is the full name and address of the company?Having a company that is nearby increases the likelihood of better and fast service. If you are provided a PO Box ask for a street address also.

2. Does the company carry insurance?Workers compensation and liability insurance to be specific. If a worker is hurt and the roofing contractor does not have insurance the home owner is liable. Ask to have current certificates sent to you. Do not accept the roofing contractor at their word. They may carry health, life, and auto insurance. Bland assurances of insurance coverage may refer to these.

3. Is the company a licensed or credentialed roofing contractor?Many state and local governments require roofing contractors to be licensed or credentialed. Contact your city and county clerk’s office and find out if there are any requirements for roofing contractors in your area. Even if there is not still ask your contractor. The truly professional roofing contractors will most likely have proof of license or credential from other entities. Like a manufactures’ installation training certificate.

4. How long has the company been in business?Longer is usually better. More than three years, but everybody had to start somewhere. A new business should not be disqualified from your decision making process, but if everything else is equal. Longer is usually better.

5. Will the company provide referrals or references from previous jobs?Ask for a list of ten names and phone numbers of recent customers, within the last twelve months. It is not necessary to call all ten, but choose two or three randomly and call. Ask the referrals at minimum four questions. First, did he perform his work on a timely basis? Second, was he responsive when asked for information and changes? Third, did he act as if he cared about the customers interests? Finally, would you call the roofing contractor trustworthy?

6. What is the company’s workmanship warranty?Some warranties are for one year, some are longer. The length of a roofing contractors warranty is not really as important as customer referrals. Most workmanship errors will be found within the first year, probably the first good storm. The reason this question is important and most roofing contractors will warranty the workmanship, and the manufacture will warranty the product as long as it is installed correctly. Make sure you understand both warranties and ask for a copy of each.

7. What is the company’s track record for solving customer complaints?Try to find out how your roofing contractor handles problems when they do arise. Request a referral from a job that involved a complaint. Ask the contractor if he has ever lost a job-related court case. Ask if his contractor’s license has ever been suspended and why. Also, in talking to the appropriate authorities, such as the Better Business Bureau and licensing departments, find out if any complaints have been filed against the contractors whom you have interviewed. Many contractors in business for any length of time have been involved in a dispute. Ask how the dispute was resolved, to test your roofing contractor’s reputation.



Ryan

Kris Koonar asked:


A metal roof is something that remains a part of your house for a long time. It is a sort of semi-permanent fixture that you cannot change frequently. You must therefore choose the right metal roofing contractor when you decide to install a metal roof. It is extremely important to find a qualified and reputable contractor because it is not the material but the contractor who will make the roofing job right or wrong. The right contractor is a key factor in your roofing job, especially when it involves steep slopes combined with heavy lifting that makes it potentially dangerous. If the roofing job involves sheet metal roofing, make sure that you select a contractor with at least three years experience in metal roofing installation.

Roofing work puts your home and many people at risk, therefore do not forget to check if the roofing contractor you award the work to, is suitably insured. The contractor should have a Certificate of Insurance with your name as the Certificate Holder. If the contractor does not have Worker’s Compensation Insurance and general liability coverage i.e. Property and Casualty Insurance, you may stand liable for any damage that he may cause or injuries sustained by him or by his employees.

Your metal roofing contractor must be able to provide you with a roofing contractor’s warranty for workmanship and materials for at least one or two year duration. This will bind him to repair any leaks etc due to faulty workmanship or for failure of the roof due to sub-standard material for the period of the warranty, which is the critical period during which most roofing problems will show up. If a problem crops up during this period, you can immediately ask the contractor to repair it. If he does not give a proper response, you can send a certified return-receipt letter with a specific time mentioned within which you expect the repairs to be taken care of.

One way to get hold of a reliable contractor is to ask family, friends or neighbors who have had metal roofs installed in their homes. This may not be easy because metal roofs are fairly uncommon and there may not be many people around who have had one installed. Another way is to seek a reference from architects who have designed houses that incorporate metal roofing.

Yet another way to find a metal roofing contractor is by logging onto the website of the Metal Roofing Alliance. This company lists metal roofing manufacturers, material suppliers, paint companies etc as members and is a good resource for information and details on everything related to metal roofing including locating experienced and qualified metal roofing contractors. You can also surf the net to find pre-screened metal roofing contractors.

The National Association of Roofing Contractors (NRCA) is also an excellent resource to locate a reliable metal roofing contractor. The NRCA is over a century old and has a page on its website to help locate a good roofing contractor including one to install a metal roof. You just need to fill in the type of roof you need installed and your zip code and the radius within which you want to locate a contractor.



Jacob

Tim McLoughlin asked:


You’ve heard of them, the roofing contractors who travel to suburban neighborhoods and knock on doors, promising to save you thousands of dollars by reroofing your home. Like most things in life, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Too often these “roofers” take your money, start the job, and then leave town with nothing but a pile of shingles as evidence their presence. Should anything go wrong with the roof, warranty information can be very difficult to gather.

Roofing scams are popular more popular than you may think and impact communities throughout the nation each year. Most “roofers” go to neighborhoods after they have been hit by a hurricane or a storm. These storm chasers target elderly people and claim that they can fix a roof for $2,000-$3,000 dollars.

Avoiding Scams:

To avoid a roofing scam from happening to you, NEVER accept any unsolicited offer for roofing work. Legitimate contractors are busy doing roofing work for their clients, not going around the local neighborhood in search of work. Also, legitimate roofers will be able to provide references, identification, and roofing credentials. To avoid being a victim of a potential scam, always remember, a legitimate roofer should never ask you to pay for the work up front.

Researching a Roofer:

To choose the best roofer to repair or install your roof–research! A good and easy place to start is by asking your friends and neighbors for the names of reliable roofing contractors they have used. Or look in your phone book’s yellow pages for local roofers, and then look for customer reviews of roofers online in addition to personally asking the roofer for references. When you contact roofers and get bids, make sure the bid price is reasonable and pay attention to the roofer’s professionalism. Often, you get what you pay for.

What to look for in a Roofer:

- Repeat business with a long term record of roofing in the nearby area

- Number of years in the business locally

- Professionalism

- Membership in local professional associations

- Knowledge of roofing materials and procedures

Evidence that your Roofer is Legitimate:

A professional roofer should be able to provide you with an up-to-date copy of their references. Your roofer should also be able to show you a copy of his insurance coverage. Look for a roofing contractor with sufficient liability insurance, such as a policy with at least a $1,000,000 of coverage.

Indicators that a Roofer is Legitimate:

- Local references (jobs completed in the last 30 days and 1+ years ago)

- Business license

- Credentials

- Workers compensation insurance

- General liability insurance

The Contract and Costs of the Job:

Before any work is started, get a written contract. The contract should include roofing estimate details such as hauling away the old roof, warranties, roof type, roof brand, and a schedule for when the work is to be completed. Also, make sure the price covers all materials, ventilation, and cleanup.

When choosing a roofing contractor, don’t fall for a scam. The tips provided should help better prepare you to spot potential red flags infamous of “storm chasers” and other deceptive roofers. Remember the importance of making sure your roofer’s background is well documented and has experience with roofing that you can review. Also, make sure you fully understand the contract before work begins so that everything goes according to plan. By following these basic pieces of advice, you are more likely to end up with a roof that you are happy with.



Gilbert