Friday, March 28, 2014

Reaching new heights: 4 tips for finding a skilled roofing contractor

(BPT) - Purchasing a new roof is one of the most important – and biggest – investments you can make in your home. That’s why it’s crucial to have a knowledgeable professional on hand to guide you through each step of the process. In fact, choosing the right contractor is just as important as choosing the right roofing components. Remember the four “R’s” to help ensure you have the best person for the job.
1. Research local contractor options.
A great contractor for your roof replacement project will be dedicated to outstanding craftsmanship and possess a high level of professionalism. Ask for referrals from friends and family or check out reviews on consumer rating sites. As a general rule, any contractor you consider should be in good standing with the Better Business Bureau and hold at least $1 million in general liability insurance. Make sure to verify that he or she carries all required state and local licensing. As with any other professional service, it’s also a good idea to “shop around” and obtain multiple quotes before making a commitment.
2. Rely on a trusted brand.
The top roofing manufacturers proactively seek out alliances with some of the best contractors in the business. Contractor networks are supported by the manufacturer and offer homeowners added assurance that participating professionals are skilled and reputable. These designated contractors are typically up-to-date on the latest industry standards and technologies, as well as being trained inside and out on the manufacturers’ products.
“Roof replacement is a major undertaking, and homeowners deserve the peace of mind that comes with knowing their contractors have the support of a trusted, well-established brand,” says Carl Baca, director of strategic marketing for Owens Corning Roofing and Asphalt. “Consumers can rely on Owens Corning Roofing Platinum and Preferred Contractors to bring extensive experience and insight to any job because they have been trained to install Owens Corning Total Protection Roofing System components and have undergone rigorous instruction to ensure an outstanding level of quality.”
3. Review any proposals thoroughly.
After a prospective contractor does a thorough inspection of your current roof, he or she should provide a written proposal and cost estimate for your roof replacement project. Review the proposal closely and inquire about such details as projected start and completion dates, expectations for payment and adherence to local building codes. The proposal also should clearly outline the scope of work for the job – including all products to be specified. In addition, this is an ideal time to ensure that the contractor will commit to supervising the job during each phase of the work, inspect it thoroughly when finished and leave your yard in the same shape it was found.
4. Request a comprehensive warranty.
Consider selecting a contractor who provides additional warranty coverage for excellent protection. For instance, Owens Corning Roofing now offers multiple roofing system warranties through its Preferred or Platinum Preferred Roofing Contractor network. Some of these system warranties also include contractor workmanship coverage. Make sure your contractor takes the time to explain all available warranties so that you thoroughly understand the limitations and requirements before your roof is installed, and you know who to contact if there’s a problem in the future.
It’s important to make the extra effort to find a roofing contractor who will provide the support, know-how and breadth of services necessary to install a beautiful new high-performance roof for your home.
Original Post: http://www.rheaheraldnews.com/online_features/real_estate/article_bc0596fa-0548-5beb-a34e-5024688a2254.html

Monday, March 17, 2014

Experience In Roof Maintenance

Many people can’t tell the roofing contractor just how long it has been since a new roof was put on their home.  For many it is a guess at best.  A roofer will be able to examine the roofing material and structure and give homeowners an estimate.  If you think it has been awhile since your roof has been replaced and you are starting to see wear it is time to bring in the professionals to get their opinion on the likelihood your roof is nearing its last season.  
Regular roof maintenance is needed to keep major roof issues from becoming a problem.  A new roof is expensive however a new roof structure is more than expensive.  It is important to keep the structural elements of the home intact.  With the seasonal changes we experience in the North our shingle roofs take on more wear and tear than other areas.  It is a good idea to have a professional roofer inspect your roof regularly, especially if you cannot see areas of the roofer to inspect yourself.  This will prevent damages from going unnoticed. 
If a leak is developing or a crack in the surface of the roof it is an extremely poor attitude to use the wait until it becomes an interior problem approach.  Once a roof leak has led to interior damages you are most likely beyond a minor repair.  With neglect the situation can become one in which repairing the roof is no longer an option and the only thing left to be done is to replace the roof.  It is defiantly more financially savvy for regular maintenance then it is for an entire roof replacement.  With regular maintenance your roof could last five to seven years longer than a roof that is left without any regular care. 
Roofing contractors specialize in roofs.  This means that the knowledge they have about the structure and materials far outweighs what the average homeowner knows.  Their training allows them to be able to look at different situations and provide reasonable solutions to the issue no matter how large or insignificant a homeowner may consider the issue at hand.  They also have on hand all the tools necessary to complete the job in an efficient manner and to prevent it from arising and causing future issues.  Many do it yourself homeowners don’t effectively know how to go about repairing or replacing a roof and end up with a lot of time and money wasted trying to accomplish the project themselves. 
Leaving issues of water leakage untreated can lead to bigger problems such as mold and mildew.  Mold is a common problem in attics if a roof leaks and the attic doesn't have proper ventilation.  This can lead to major structural damage which in the long run can prove to be a fairly expensive mess to treat.  Prevention, early detection and repair are the key elements when it comes to finding roof damage.  Word of mouth and referrals are great ways to find reliable roofing companies.  If you are new to the area you can turn to the internet as well.  Be sure to find a licensed contractor.  You may have to interview more than one to find someone that is perfect for your roofing needs.

What Can A Roofing Contractor Do For Your Home

There are four basic outcomes in the roofing industry; a roofer installs a new roof, replaces an existing roof, repairs a roof or installs venting on a roof. It seems like a simple break down. Everyone thinks roofing must be simple because when you inspect a roof there are only four possible results. However, this is not the case. There are many things to consider when it comes to a home’s roof and these four basic principles are just one side of roofing.

Roofing contractors need to be experts at installing roofs with a variety of different roofing materials. The most common roofing materials to people here in the North is either metal or asphalt shingles. Roofers must establish a technique in which the roofing materials can adhere in the multitude of seasonal weather changes we experience.  Roofing contractors are the designers of the exterior of the home as well. They must compliment the siding with the color shingles desired as well as bringing harmony to the neighborhood. Nothing is worse than one home within the bunch to stick out like a sore thumb.

Installing a new roof is one of the most infrequent jobs a roofer has. When a roofer does work on new construction they are responsible not only for the main roof but also the installation of trusses, framing and shingle installation. Not all roofing companies will have experience in new roof installation so if this is the need you have to fill it is important to find a contractor that has an extensive background in new construction. The roofs structure brings stability to the entire house and needs to be completed with precision and craftsmanship.

If you have an older home you may find yourself in need of a roofer that specializes in roof repairs. Roofs may need repairs for a variety of reasons including missing singles, leaks, warping and weathering. Repairing a roof is a detailed job for a roofer dedicated to repairs. Without being properly completed roof repairs can leave room for future decay and roof failure. Roof repairs are done when the issue on the roof is minor or in cases where homeowners can absolutely not afford to replace the current roof at this time. A quality roofing company will be able to evaluate the damage to your roof as well as the remaining time your roof has before it needs to be replaced.

The most common job a roofer takes on is replacing an existing roof. A roof may need to be replaced for a number of reasons including wear from seasonal changes, natural aging and wear & tear. Roof replacement is a key element in keeping your homes umbrella, in good shape.  This in turn prevents any interior damage to the home, trusses or structure.

A less common repair, if you will call it that is installing ventilation in the roof and/or solar paneling. These both require cutting into the structure of the roof and should only be done by roofing professionals that specialize in these detailed installations.

There is more to roofing than meets the eye. When hiring a roofing contractor you must know what experience the company has. Hiring a company that specializes in new roof installation when you need a spot on the roof repaired might not be in your best interest. Sticking to a roofer's specialty is always the best route to go.