Author: Rodney Thompson

When choosing a roofing contractor, you want to ensure that you’re working with a legitimate, reliable company. This can be done by checking for a variety of things, including history and references.

One of the best ways to start is by getting multiple bids from different roofing contractors. This is a good way to ensure that you’re not being over charged.

Ask for Samples and Referrals

It’s no secret that word-of-mouth is one of the best ways to attract new customers for any type of business. Especially when it comes to something as important as your roof, having quality word-of-mouth can make or break the reputation of your company and help you avoid costly mistakes down the road.

But, if you want to ensure that your clients will be happy and willing to refer you, it’s essential to ask them the right questions. This not only helps the process run smoothly, but it will also help you identify potential problems or areas of improvement so that you can make sure your clients are receiving quality service from start to finish.

When searching for a roofing contractor, it’s important to do your research. This includes looking for online reviews, asking friends and family members for recommendations, as well as contacting local contractors to see what their prices are. It’s also a good idea to request quotes from multiple contractors so that you can compare and contrast their services and pricing.

During the estimate process, a reputable roofing contractor should be more than happy to provide references and examples of past work. This is a great way to see what types of results you can expect from them, and it will give you a better sense of their level of experience and professionalism. It’s also a good idea during this time to ask if they offer any warranties for their work, as well as material warranties from the manufacturer for the shingles that will be installed on your home.

If the roofing contractor you are considering is reluctant to provide these items, it’s a red flag that they may not be a legitimate, reputable business. It’s also a good idea at this point to ask them for proof of insurance accreditation and licensing, as well as any certifications or licenses they have for the specific roofing work you need done on your home. Also, ask if they use subcontractors for their roofing projects and, if so, ask for details about them.

Get Multiple Bids

One of the most important things you can do when choosing a roofing contractor is to get multiple bids. This will allow you to compare prices and find a contractor that offers the best value for your money. Additionally, getting multiple bids will give you a better understanding of what the work will entail and how much it will cost.

The number of bids you need will vary depending on the size and complexity of your roof, but you should always get at least three. This will allow you to compare prices, experience level, and reputations of the contractors. When comparing prices, make sure each bid includes the same materials and scope of work. This will ensure that each estimate is accurate and fair.

While it may be tempting to go with the lowest price, this is not a good idea. Hiring a cheap roofing contractor can end up being more expensive in the long run. If the contractor does a poor job, you will need to pay for repairs or even replace your entire roof. Hiring a high-quality, professional roofer can save you money in the long run because they will do the job correctly the first time around.

Getting multiple bids is also an effective way to protect yourself from being ripped off. Many roofing contractors will try to manipulate their customers by charging more than what is covered in the insurance company’s Xactimate estimate. This is a common practice, but it is not legal. Homeowners should always choose a contractor who is honest and upfront about the costs of their roofing project.

Lastly, when comparing bids, be sure to consider any additional costs that may come up during the course of the job. For example, you should be aware that in most areas, it is required to pull a building permit before beginning any construction work on your roof. If a contractor suggests skipping this step in order to save you money, you should move on to the next candidate. Skipping permits could lead to fines or even the removal of your new roof.

Check the License

Roofing contractors should be licensed to carry out work on roofs. While some construction projects can be handled by unlicensed contractors, your roof is a critical part of your home and needs to be taken care of properly. Choosing a licensed contractor will ensure that you are hiring someone who has been professionally trained in the field and that they have proper insurance coverage to protect their crew members should something go wrong on your project.

Licensed roofers are also required to follow certain industry standards, which can help to ensure that the job is done correctly. Additionally, they are often required to provide warranties for their services and materials – up to 10 years in some cases. If you are working with a licensed contractor, they should be able to provide you with these details in writing when you request estimates for your roof work.

Some states require roofers to be licensed in order to do work on a house, while others have local licensing requirements that you will need to check for. In the latter case, you will need to find the website for your local government agency responsible for licensing contractors and search by the contractor’s name or business name. If you don’t see results, it may be a good idea to contact the agency directly to ask about the status of your contractor’s license.

During catastrophic times, such as last year’s wildfires in Ventura County and Malibu, unscrupulous contractors can move into the area, offering cut-price repair services to homeowners who are desperate to rebuild and get back on their feet. However, it is important to remember that working with an unlicensed contractor can have all sorts of legal consequences for you. Depending on the circumstances, you may not be able to get any repairs covered by the manufacturer warranty because your contractor was not legally allowed to do the work.

Ask for a Warranty

When hiring a roofing contractor, it is important to get a warranty on both materials and workmanship. This will give you peace of mind in case any issues arise after the job is complete. Make sure to read the fine print and look for any exclusions in the warranty as well. Also, be wary of any companies that only accept cash payments as this is a red flag. Cash transactions leave no paper trail and make it more difficult to resolve a dispute or issue if there is one.

It is important to research potential roofing contractors and ask for referrals before choosing one. Then, make a list of the top candidates and compare their quotes. Be sure to take into account each quote’s price, but also consider other criteria like professionalism, licensing, experience, reviews, and more.

Once you have narrowed down your list of roofing candidates, request a visit to perform a roof inspection. During this time, you can observe how they work and make sure they understand your needs. Also, this is a great opportunity to see how they interact with you and their team members.

You should also ask the roofing contractor about their job history and how long they have been in business. While it is possible to find great contractors with a few years of experience, it is usually best to choose a company that has been around for at least several years. This will ensure that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to successfully complete your project.

Lastly, it is important to ask the roofing contractor about their insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. You should never hire a contractor without this insurance as it can put you at risk of liability if a worker is injured on the job.

The roofing industry is competitive, which means that it is common for homeowners to feel frustrated when trying to select a roofing contractor. However, by following these tips, you can be sure that you are working with a reputable contractor who will provide quality service and a fair price.

Strong winds, blistering sun, heavy rains, and even snowfall take a major toll on your home’s roof. It’s critical to address all types of storm damage quickly to avoid costly repairs and possible structural issues.

Missing shingles, water stains, and weakened rafters are all signs of serious roof damage. Start by performing a visual inspection.

Wind

Even though roofing materials are designed to withstand strong winds, high wind speeds can damage your roof. High winds can cause shingle tearing, which exposes your roof deck and underlayment to moisture damage. This also leaves your home more vulnerable to water leaks in the future. High winds can also knock down tree limbs, which can cause major structural damage to your house and roof. Fallen limbs and trees can also hit power lines, posing a fire risk as well as putting the safety of your family at risk.

After a storm, it’s a good idea to take a walk around your yard and check for any debris that might have been swept up by the high winds. Debris like broken glass and tree branches can scratch or gouge your roofing materials, adding to the damage caused by the wind.

The corners, edges and ridge of your roof are more susceptible to wind damage than the center areas. This is because high wind gusts do not hit your property evenly. You should have your roof inspected before severe weather strikes to ensure that there are no areas of weakness, and make sure that the shingles are properly attached and secured.

You should also consider replacing your shingles with a higher quality roofing product that is specifically rated for your climate. Certain roofing products are designed to resist wind and hail better than others, so be sure to choose the right one for your property.

Rain

Rain is probably the most common cause of weather damage to your roof. Typically, it is caused by leaks that can occur on the surface of the roof or in the interior of the home. These leaks can lead to water damage, rotting of the roof structure, and even mold and mildew. If left untreated, water damage can ruin the value of your home and pose health risks to you and your family.

It may seem counterintuitive that rain can damage your roof, but it’s a very real risk. Rainwater can quickly wear down the shingles and soften them, which can allow for water to seep through the roof and into your home. The water may be able to reach electrical wiring and cause a fire hazard as well.

Typically, a home’s roof will have a pitch (angle) to facilitate proper drainage. This is to ensure that the rain will easily flow off of your roof and into the gutters and downpipes. However, a poorly designed or maintained roof can have issues with proper drainage and this can lead to problems during heavy rainfall.

The continuous pounding of raindrops on the roof can also erode the protective layers of the roof, which could expose it to additional damage from the elements. This erosion can make shingles brittle and susceptible to breaking, and it can also diminish the ability of the shingles to shield your home from harmful UV rays.

One of the biggest concerns with rain-related roof damage is that a leak can go unnoticed for a long period of time. If a leak isn’t repaired right away, it can allow for rainwater to seep into the attic or walls of the house, which could lead to wood damage, water damage to the insulation and walls, as well as mold and mildew in your home.

Leaks are often a result of a minor point of damage in your roof, so if you have a routine inspection and repair schedule for your roof, it will be easier to catch these smaller leaks before they become bigger problems. Also, remember to never attempt to get on your roof during a storm or in bad weather, as you may be at an increased risk of falling off. Instead, have a professional conduct an inspection and make any necessary repairs.

Snow

Snow may look pretty as it covers the landscape with a winter wonderland but, on your roof, it can be a major nuisance. The weight of snow and ice puts pressure on areas of your roof that may not be structurally sound, potentially causing it to sag or break under the load. Additionally, melting snow can seep into cracks in the shingles and cause moisture damage to walls and ceilings.

Snow and ice also create a cold environment that encourages the growth of mold and fungus on your roof. If these materials grow in abundance, they can cause rot and weaken shingle integrity. In addition, the ice dams that form from heavy snow buildup can be extremely damaging to your roof and home. The repeated melting and freezing of ice dams can eat through the shingles, exposing wood framing and other components to water damage.

During the winter, when you get your first heavy snowfall of the season, be sure to check on your attic and the rafters to make sure they are free from moisture, mold, rot or algae. It’s a good idea to take a trip up there at least twice a year to ensure the rafters and roof decking are in good condition, and the shingles are free from moss.

While you’re up there, be sure to clear the area surrounding your skylights of accumulated snow. These holes are designed to release interior condensation, but if they become blocked by snow or ice, moisture will build up, possibly damaging the shingles and ceilings underneath. You should also trim tree limbs that hang over your roof before the heavy winter winds come. These limbs can pull down on your roof and damage shingles or even tear off your entire roof.

Taking the time to inspect your roof, clearing it of excess snow and cleaning gutters regularly will help you avoid serious winter weather problems with your roof, shingles, gutters, attic and walls. If you do experience damage from ice and snow, a properly written homeowner’s insurance policy often covers the damage.

Debris

During a storm, debris flies around at high speeds and can cause damage. Debris can include anything from tree branches, twigs, pine needles, leaves and even moss. All of these can lead to serious problems for your roof. Luckily, avoiding certain types of debris can help prevent serious weather damage.

Overhanging tree branches are one of the biggest threats to your roof, especially during strong winds. They can scrape and loosen the granule surface layer of shingles, or even poke holes in them. Trimming trees regularly can minimize the threat of this kind of damage.

Leaves and twigs can pile up on your roof and trap moisture, leading to rot and mold. They can also clog gutters, causing water overflow that can affect other parts of your home. Pine needles can clog drains as well, leading to a buildup of moisture that can cause decay. This organic material can also attract moss and other growth that can compromise the structural integrity of your roof.

Stray nails and other debris from construction can also wreak havoc on your roof, particularly during windy conditions. These small projectiles can puncture your shingle surface and cause significant damage, even if only a single hole is created. This type of damage can be quite costly to repair, especially if it causes leaks.

Winter’s snow and ice can also cause damage to your roof, mainly because of the extra weight they add. Additionally, ice dams can form that cause melting snow to seep underneath shingles and into your home. If you have an older roof, ice dams can also break up the roof’s structure and lead to leaks.

The best way to protect your roof from damage is to keep up with regular maintenance and inspections. This includes examining your attic for signs of water damage, such as dark or brown spots or bubbling paint, as well as checking for cracks in the roof and tripping hazards. It is also a good idea to have your roof inspected prior to storm season, so that any issues can be addressed before a major weather event hits.