Finding the best roof contractors for your home is important as the roof is a vital part of your home. It is really crucial to get the best possible roof for your budget. Getting the wrong kind of roof or improper installation can completely ruin your home, spoil the aesthetics and cost you a ton of money. You will end up having to replace the roof sooner than you planned for.
Experienced roof contractors are preferable as they carry a ton of experience and knowledge which will help them to prevent problems from occurring by following correct installation procedures. Installing the flashing, the drip edges and the roof shingles the right way will prolong your roof life and also keep in trouble free.
Look for roof contractors who have been in the business for long and have a lot of good references. Such contractors usually use good quality materials and for a reasonable price.
Get references from friends, neighbors and family about roof contractors they have worked with and who have delivered a good quality job. Else, get recommendations from state or national level trade association like the NRCA in USA or NFRC in UK.
It is important to verify the references and if possible to visit the homes of the people with whom the roofing contractor has previously worked. This gives you a better idea about what to expect and you can also practically inspect the quality of their work.
Get quotes from at least three of the short-listed roof contractors. Get details about the materials they propose to use. The roofing system they propose to use and also if they are trained to install the said system. Do not go by the cheapest quote. Slipshod work done on the roof can be a costly mistake which might even need wholesale replacement just a few years down the line.
Check out the guarantee that a roofing contractor is willing to provide for the work that they are doing. Look for any weasel clauses that might be inserted in the contract to get out of doing any repairs or replacement for faulty work.
The better roof contractors will most likely last longer in business than sub-standard ones. So, by selecting the better contractor you stand a better chance any guarantees given will be honored.
Get all the contracts in writing. Go through with a fine tooth comb. Check out all the clauses before agreeing to any job. Agree on a payment schedule that is fair to both sides.
Remember that quotes can change in case of emergency repair work that needs to be done or after the top layer of the shingles/tiles have been removed revealing the sub-structure.
Roofs when well-done last years and are trouble-free. But, those with problems can make your life miserable and affect the quality of your life. It is not easy to locate the problems in the roof or find the source for the leaks, the bulges or the cracks. They not only destroy the appearance of the home but also, are source for water damage to the roof sub-structure, dry walls, the interiors and exteriors of the home.
Bad roofs get worse in times of storms, hurricanes, winds and snow. If you notice problems in your room and it is only getting worse then it is best to contact experienced and knowledgeable roof contractors. They have requisite skill and knowledge to detect problems and fix them in the least amount of time. It might be worth the fee they charge to get the problem sorted out early.
Here are handy list of questions that you need to have when contacting roof contractors
1. Complete name and permanent address of the roofing company
2. References from previous customers, their names and addresses
3. Ask if they specialize in roof repair or roof replacement
4. Ask for the details about the roofing systems, materials they use.
5. Find out if they are qualified to install a particular roof system of a particular company.
6. Get guarantees for their roofing job.
7. Check that they have insurance to protect their workers in case of any accident. Make sure they have both liability and compensation insurance
8. Check if they are members of reputed trade associations
9. Check if there any complaints against them at the Better Business Bureau
10. Check if they are licensed by the authorities to do roofing jobs.
