Top residential Roofing Company

 

When choosing a roof repair contractor step carefully because having your roof replaced or repaired is an investment that should only be done by a qualified professional. There are too many fly by night outfits skilled at talking faster than the dickens, and good enough to make it look like the roof was fixed properly. But the mistake would have been yours by hiring the wrong crew in the first place.

 

Take the time to investigate a few contractors to increase your odds of hiring the right people. Verify the roofer's business address and phone number, their business license and look at their Better Business Bureau rating. Ask for proof of insurance, whether or not they are licensed, bonded and financially stable (a good roofer will provide financial information about his company if you ask). A couple more questions to ask would be what type of safety training the employees have had, and can they show you some recent company reviews online about work they've done.

 

What's Covered in a Roofing Warranty

 

Roofing warranties only cover materials so ask what manufacturer they buy from and research that company. Installation methods, experience and workmanship is an important factor even with top quality materials. Chances are pretty good the roofing material will be durable if the company installing them is reputable. So look for online reviews, their BBB track record, how does their website look, how fast do they provide proof of insurance, etc. Keep in mind you get what you pay for, so buyer beware if the price looks too good to be true. Trust your gut on low-ball pricing and try to weigh real costs against end results. A 20 year warranty won't do you much good 10 years from now if the roof starts leaking again and your contractor has closed his doors. By taking a few safety precautions right now you'll have peace of mind for many years.

 

Roofing Tips

 

Sometimes a minor roof repair will extend the life of your roof, for example here are a few trouble spots to watch for if you've got a roofing problem. The areas around chimneys, skylights and dormers are a common trouble spot where new flashing could fix a minor leak. If you are having extensive roof work done the contractor may mention ice & water shield underlay. This material is applied under the shingles directly to the roof's decking. It creates a watertight seal that protects your roof from pools of water caused by ice dams and wind-driven rain and snow .

 

It's a good bet to inspect your roof every couple years or so when the weather is nice. Get a good ladder out and check for obvious signs of trouble. In many cases you can catch a potential problem before it gets out of hand, saving you thousands in roof repair bills. Tell-tale signs such as loose or damaged           shingles, moss or algae and visible wear around chimneys, pipes and other penetration points will warn you of pending trouble.

 

Minor Roof Repairs

 

Sometimes certain areas on your roof go before others so if you've been diligent about watching your roof, you can extend its life with a simple roof repair. A reputable roofing company will be skilled at detecting where the problem areas are and should be fairly accurate quoting materials and labor. In some cases you can install a second layer roof, but it will not last as long as a complete roof replacement, so if you don't intend to live there long that could be an option.