Residential Roofers
A Residential Roofer That Can Do Green Roofs Saved Me Money
I called a residential roofer to find out what I need to do to take advantage of the great tax credits the Federal government is offering homeowners that remodel their homes with environmentally friendly materials; he didn’t even stop to think about it. He immediately started to list all kinds of options. I have an old flat roof home in Southern California and I never was able to use the space for much. My wife and kids would hang out up there and lie in the sun or grow a few vegetables in small planting trays, but that was it.
The residential roofer suggested something I had never even heard of: Green roofs. When he said green roofs I knew I had to look completely stupid because I had no idea what he was talking about. The residential roofer explained to me that green roofs were complete rooftop gardens and patio spaces that qualify for the federal government’s tax credit, offered for environmentally friendly remodel projects. He even told me that it was a good idea for me to talk to my tax professional before I committed to having him do the job, so I knew how much of a tax credit I could get.
How to Choose a Residential Roofer
When it is time to choose a roofing contractor for your home It is important to select an experienced and professional contractor who is able to give a homeowner the quality roof they are looking for. A high-quality roof is one that will protect a family as well as all their belongings secure from the outside elements, such as snow, wind, rain as well as other elements. The homeowners should search for several roofing contractors for their homes that possess the appropriate licenses and insurance coverage, not to mention a positive business reputation.
The first step is to confirm that they are able to obtain the required business licenses in accordance with state regulations. To confirm this, roofers should call the state licensing body or the State Department of Professional Regulation. It is vital to ensure that the business is legitimate after requesting information regarding the licensing. It is possible to find out the business’s address, tax identification number and email address. Contact numbers as well as the website can be found. For instance, if a business address is a P.O. Box, chances are they don’t have an actual office. Verify that the information on the site is accurate.
Find evidence of insurance. If the roofing company for residential homes is insured, they will be able to provide a homeowner with an insurance certificate. This document lists all required protection. Check to see if the roofing firm has workers’ compensation and liability coverage. The right insurance coverage can shield a homeowner from any lawsuits if the roofer and employees are injured on the job.
Residential Roofers: Recommended Certifications, Licenses, and Insurance
Replacing or fixing your roof is a major investment. It’s one of the biggest expenses you’ll have to pay as homeowner. It’s one of the most significant investment you can make to ensure the security and safety of your home. A well-constructed roofing system will keep your belongings and family safe during harsh weather, improve the value of your house, and even cut costs by boosting energy efficiency. When selecting a roofing contractor you should be aware of what you need to look for. It is important to inquire about their references and assurances. Here are some terms to look out for regarding a company’s business structure.
Are they local corporations?
Local businesses that are located in your state are most effective for roofing. There’s a phenomenon in the roofing industry of firms that travel across the nation working on roofs particularly after natural disasters, or during Spring and Summer, when repairs are normal. Avoid these itinerant companies to avoid headaches.
Many contractors aren’t properly registered. It is important to work with an organization that is established and has a strong presence in the community you live in. These are significant indicators of quality and professionalism. The business is likely to be able to endure the pressure that gives meaning to guarantees and warranties, and will remain in business should you have any questions regarding your roof at any time later on.
Are they permitted to work in your region?
Professional roofing companies should be licensed in your area. They’ll know about any permitting requirements your town or state may have , and will be able to guide you through the fees and processes. It’s important to ensure that the quotations they send you contain your presence for inspections and meetings with officials. If there’s any question about whether they’re authorized to operate in your region, you can confirm by contact your state’s small business licensing office.
Are they members of the Better Business Bureau?
The Better Business Bureau has been serving consumers for decades and has helped to ensure the high quality of products and services available on the market. The Better Business Bureau will only take on businesses that are trustworthy. It is also beneficial to look up their ratings. The company must have an ‘A+’ rating. If there are complaints or concerns about a company, make sure that they’ve been resolved. Problems with customer service or challenging customers may arise occasionally. Always make sure that any complaints were addressed and dealt with promptly.
Are they covered by general liability insurance?
Before you hire a roofing firm, ensure that they carry at minimum $1,000,000 in general liability insurance. This ensures that they are covered for a variety of issues such as damages to your property and accidents for their crew. Make sure they have workers’ compensation insurance, which is additional coverage in case of an accident. Contractors who are not properly insured could be held responsible for any damages to your home. In addition, the homeowner’s insurance might be held accountable for damages to your property. Do not work with a contractor who tells that he’s self-insured.
Are they certified by the manufacturer?
The best roofing companies that are in the business are factory certified. This means they have been assessed for their reputation, quality as well as training and best practices in business. GAF Master Elite Roof Certification has a minimum of 3percent of the contractors that apply. Major roofing manufacturers are in their best interest to only endorse the top. An unsatisfactory installation could give even the most reputable products a poor reputation.
Different Types of Residential Roofing
There are a variety of options available to homeowners when it comes to the replacement of their roofing. Residential roofing projects are made up of different materials and techniques. Homeowners must research the different types of roofing options once they have picked the most reliable roofing company. They should choose an affordable roof that lasts and protects their home but is also cost-effective.
- Shingles designed for homes
Asphalt shingles are the standard roofing material and are the most sought-after in North America. These shingles can be reinforced by fiberglass or organic felts. The second type of material is preferred by homeowners in the United States. These shingles cost approximately 80 cents per square foot. Installation is straightforward, an assortment of styles and colors are available, and maintenance and repair is a breeze.
Fiberglass shingles are made of an elastomer mat, with bottom and top layers that are constructed of asphalt and mineral granules. Fiberglass is preferred as a reinforcement as it produces an incredibly strong shingle. The asphalt is water-resistant and will stick to the fiberglass mat thanks to the mineral granules. There are many manufacturers that offer different quality products so it is advised to talk to a professional roofer for advice.
Dimensional laminated shingles are the choice of homeowners who aren’t constrained by a budget. Different thicknesses are laminated together to a heavy base mat. This makes a stronger shingle. This style is often called architectural shingle. It has shadow lines that look like a wood shake or slate shingle. The three-dimensional or layered look is preferred by many homeowners, and it does great job of concealing the flaws in roofing structures.
- Warranties for Residential Shingles
In accordance with the price, asphalt shingles can have a life expectancy of 20 to 50 years. They’re typically offered with a 20-year or longer warranty. Shingles that are installed in hot climates usually have a shorter life expectancy and material, weather, and durability issues may reduce the lifetime in other climates. A roofing contractor should be sought out to find the most suitable asphalt shingles for their region.
Architectural shingle usually weighs about 50 percent more than a normal asphalt shingle. This reduces wind resistance and reduces the chance of warping. Asphalt shingles of standard are rated for 60 mph winds. However, architectural shingles are generally designed to withstand winds between to 120 miles per hour. A 25-30 year or more is typically offered when using an architectural shingle to cover a home’s roofing.
A Residential Roofing Contractor Knows How You Can Protect Your Home
It doesn’t matter if you need a residential roofing service for a small repair , or the complete replacement or upgrading of an existing roof. Locating the best business is easy. Here are a few tips to keep in mind so that you make sure you’re hiring the best residential roofing contractor to do the job.
We are all aware that Southern California can occasionally have some damaging weather that can create serious issues for homeowners. For instance, the numerous problems that Santa Ana Winds cause. A lot of homeowners are talking to contractors to reduce their risk of property damage from wind and wildfires. A roofing contractor for residential homes is knowledgeable about the best methods of protecting your home from damage and to improve its fire resistance.
Residential Roofers FAQs
After a hail storm has hit your area, it may or may not be obvious that you need a new roof. While some hail may produce leaks that appear immediately, quite often hail may only fracture your shingles, which leads to premature roof failure. An inspection by a professional roofing contractor can answer this question. If you have a roof that is fifteen years old or older and it starts to show signs of deterioration, or produces leaks, it is time to call your roofing professional for an inspection and consultation.
Choose a member of the
Roofing Contractors Association of Your State
The State of Your State has no licensing requirement in place for roofing contractors at this time (2000 – 2001). RCAT is a twenty-five year old organization that was founded with the expressed purpose of bettering the roofing profession through education and the pursuit of a quality product.
By choosing a member of RCAT to be involved with your project, you are assured that you have a contractor who has had a successful track record in this field. To become a member, a contractor has to produce qualified references and be known to his competitors in the roofing community.
What is a Certified Roofing Contractor?
In the absence of licensing laws in Your State, RCAT has developed a comprehensive testing program. These tests are strictly monitored and require thorough knowledge of commercial roofing, residential roofing, and business and contract law. Certified contractors are leaders in their field who are bringing a proven professionalism to your roofing or re-roofing project.
Certifications are:
CCRC
Certified Commercial Roofing Contractor
CC-RRC
Certified Commercial and Residential Roofing Contractor
CRRC
Certified Residential Roofing Contractor
These certifications are noted in our membership listings.
Getting the estimate
Choosing the right contractor is the most important step. Be sure that you obtain at least three written estimates. These estimates should all be based on the same type and quality of materials. Time needed to complete the project should also be included. Be sure to inquire how work will proceed and how trash will be handled so that you will know what to expect as the job proceeds. Understand the differences in your bids if there are variations. Donft automatically choose the lowest estimate!
Ask for a list of successfully completed projects in your area. Check references and inquire about quality of work performed. If possible, go look at the contractorfs work. Check with the BBB to see if any complaints are unresolved. Ask for written evidence of coverage from the contractorfs insurance carrier. Ask about warranties.
The contract
The agreement can be as simple as a signed proposal. It should have the contractorfs name, address, and phone number. All areas of work and materials to be used should be described. If it is verbally promised, it should be written down. On large jobs where monthly draws will be necessary, a standard AIA contract form, available at most business supply stores, could be a consideration. Whatever document you decide to use, your contractor should supply two copies that you both sign, one of which you should keep. Keep any receipts of money paid. Pay by check.
With a regular sized house, it is considered usual for you to pay one third to one half of the cost of a job at the time that all materials are delivered onto your property. The balance due is then usually paid at the time of successful completion. This varies in different areas and with different contractors but should be worked out and written in your agreement. If you will be paying for this roofing in conjunction with a building loan or insurance claim, or if for any other reason there will be a deferred payment, this should be written down and agreed to by both parties.
Warranties and guarantees of workmanship must be a written part of the contract.
Obtaining a roofing permit
In many communities, a roofing permit is required. Check with your contractor or the permits department at your city hall to obtain information. Be sure it is understood who will obtain and post this permit.
During the job
You have followed your instincts and from the information presented, you have made your choice. You have his handshake, a written and signed proposal, a copy of his insurance, and you have gone over the scope of the work. You have done well; now let that roofer go to work. With proper pre-job paperwork and planning, you have helped to ensure that this upgrading of your buildingfs element protection is effective and long-lasting. It is not unreasonable to expect a daily report from your contractor, but the best thing to do now is have confidence in your choice. If your contractor is a member of the Roofing Contractors Association of Your State, he is pledged to your satisfaction.