Roofing scams happen far too frequently, especially after severe storms. When there’s a lot of damage property owners become impatient with professional roofing contractors get backed up. The most vulnerable are the elderly and handicapped who might not be able to easily assess the damage themselves. Because of this, its important to make sure to get background checks on any roofing contractor you’re dealing with. Make sure they are legitimate licensed and insured contractors. It is also important to check out the quality of their past work.
Roofing scams are usually initiated by a someone going door to door offering repair jobs for an unusually low quote. They may say their crew has leftover supplies from another “project” they just completed in the neighborhood, which will let them pass the savings on to the next lucky customer. This “contractor” will usually ask for a cash deposit in advance. They won’t leave bonafide contact information, credible references, and won’t even attempt to produce a business license. The work they do will be poorly completed or left unfinished. The “roofing contractor” and his crew will leave before the property owner figures out what has happened. This leaves the property owner with little or absolutely nothing to go on.
Finally, remember that a scammer will usually want the work to be done immediately since they don’t want to give you any extra time to figure out who and what they are. If the representative insists on starting the project as soon as possible, be sure that you have checked the company out completely before handing over any of your hard-earned money.
If you’re thinking about putting a new roof on your home, your choice of roofing materials has a direct relationship with how long you can expect your new roof to last.
The longest-lasting products, such as concrete, clay, or slate tiles are extremely durable. These tiles outperform other manufactured roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles and metal roofing, by a significant margin.
These have a good lifespan but aren’t quite as durable.
Other factors to take into account are regional weather conditions, the design of your home, and the amount of routine maintenance the materials will need.
In short, the quality of the roofing materials you invest in plays a critical role in determining the life expectancy of your new roof.
According to the National Association of Home Builders, most roofing products are designed to last at least several decades under normal weather conditions. Let’s take a closer look at how the longevity of different materials is rated.
Usually, asphalt shingles last about 20 years; but, higher-quality asphalt shingles can be warrantied for up to 50 years. However, you can expect to pay more for a premium, long-life product.
These are asphalt shingles that are thicker, which can create an appearance similar to slate, or clay tiles at a lower cost. Architectural asphalt shingles last about 30 years on average.
Wood roofing has an expected lifetime of about 30 years, but it can last much longer under moderate weather conditions. Not really used much anymore in our extreme summer heat.
The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors projects metal roofing to last between 40 to 80 years. The Metal Roofing Alliance gives a life expectancy of at least 40 to 60 years.
Each of these products is rated for a life expectancy of 100 years or more by both the NAHB and NACHI. The underlayment beneath the tiles usually needs to be addressed every 15-20 years, however.
How long your roof lasts is directly related to the cost of the materials you choose.
Asphalt shingles are among the least expensive residential roofing products. But, the difficulty of installation will greatly increase the cost per square foot.
Architectural shingles, which are twice as thick (and heavy) as asphalt costs almost twice as much as regular asphalt shingles.
Metal roofing materials are a premium home product, and costs run about two to three times that of asphalt shingles. It’s comparable to tile or cedar shakes, but less expensive than slate.
Expect to pay between $5.00 to as much as $15 per square foot. Adding a breathable underlayment is recommended and can increase these figures also.
Simple roofing designs with tile or slate cost about $15-20 per square foot, but more complicated architectural designs and premium slate or tile roofing materials can cost as much as $40-50 per square foot.
Asphalt shingles are the most extensively used roofing product in the United States says the National Roofing Contractors Association. They are relatively inexpensive, and there is a wide choice of colors, patterns, and styles to choose from.
Architectural asphalt shingles are a recently developed product. It's a material made from engineered polymer composites that look like cedar wood shakes or slate tiles.
The good news is that they’re much less expensive than natural products; the bad news is that they don’t have a long history of performance benchmarks to analyze.
Metal roofing materials, including metal shingles, slates, tiles, and vertical panels, weigh up to 50% less than asphalt shingles and 75 percent lighter than tiles.
The problems they have are the same as the other materials: leaks, punctures or tears, and pooling water.
Wood shakes typically get warped from a lifetime of wetting and drying with the seasons. This can jeopardize the integrity of the roof.
But, they’re still a popular choice in many parts of the country. Pressure-treated shakes will hold up better, and thick-cut cedar shakes generally last longer than thinner cedar shingles.
The main drawback with slate or tile roofing is its weight. 3/8-inch thick slate or tile can weigh as much as 1,500 pounds per square (a 10-foot by 10-foot area), and each additional 1/8-inch thickness increases the weight by 500 pounds per square.
Before choosing a type of new roof, consider how much you want to invest, what types of roofing products are used in your neighborhood, and how long you expect to be living in your property.
It would also be a good idea to consult with an experienced, professional roofing contractor about which materials are the best fit for your property and area.
When it comes time to hire a roofing contractor, it’s not always an easy process. It’s certainly very easy to get on the internet and look at the various companies who claim all kinds of things, but how do you know the work you get will be quality and guaranteed? As a homeowner, a roofing contractor is one of the most important people you will need. Let’s face it, our roof keeps us dry and warm so we need to take care of it! Your property’s continued existence literally depends on your roof’s performance. This is why you need to hire the right roofing contractor.
Hiring a roofer doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Following some simple steps should ensure that you have a positive result. Your roof is one of the most important parts of your property, so take care of it! Remember, if your roof is damaged by weather or other disasters, a good roofing contractor will handle your insurance claims for you!
Don’t just rely on the internet or advertising; ask family and friends and find out about their experiences. If they were satisfied, it’s a pretty sure bet it’s a good company that you can trust to do the job right too.
Once you get a good report from your friends who have used the roofing contractor, be sure to ask questions, such as areas of special expertise and if they are licensed and insured. You should also check with the Better Business Bureau and look online for reviews. Ask them for some recent referrals of jobs they’ve completed and call up their past customers.
Ask them to come to your house so you can discuss the work you need done, as well as what it will entail and how much it will cost. Ask about the time needed to complete the job, as well. Don’t be afraid to ask some difficult questions and if they dodge or won’t answer them, move on to someone else.
After you’ve decided on the company or roofing contractor you would like to hire, draw up a contract! It’s VERY important to have it all in writing and make sure you both sign it and agree to the terms. The contract should include all the details about the job, materials, cost and time. Give the contractor a chance to review the contract and adjust it if necessary. The bottom line here is that you are both on the same page about the task at hand.
A few extra points to consider asking about are clean-up procedures, how compensation is to be handled, liability, and safety concerns. Finally, you should also see to it that a lien waiver is established if there’s a third party involved so if the roofing contractor has failed to pay a vendor, you will not be responsible.
There are many things to consider when making the decision to do a shingle roof installation on your home. Your property in the interior of your home depends on having a quality roof overhead.
Anytime the roof’s structure is in trouble, you need to take action right away to fix the issue.
This article will discuss 10 steps you can take to ensure your shingle roofing system is up to par for your peace of mind.
Like many home improvement projects, installing a new roof is expensive.
One way you may think you can save money is with a “roof over” or by re-roofing- this entails placing the brand-new shingles immediately over the age-old ones.
While it might seem advisable and allow you to save money in lower disposal and labor expenditures, the problems will probably outweigh the benefits.
Roof overs may actually reduce the life of brand-new shingles due to heat buildup and issues with moisture.
There are also possible problems with the underlying decking that are not seen and restored. Check your shingle warranty to avoid loss of coverage due to an ill-advised roof over.
For a shingle roof installation, contractors will measure your roof and offer you an estimate based on the number of squares of shingles needed. A square is a material needed to cover 100 square feet, so a roof with 20 squares has 2,000 square feet of surface area that needs to be covered.
One element that contributes to the long life of your roof is the right amount of ventilation. Ascertaining your roof system has the necessary ventilation can modulate the attic temperatures in the summer and reduce moisture being developed in winter.
Request your contractor supply you with the kind of venting that is included with the roofing project to make sure your roof lasts through its warranty period.
Part of professional roof repair is not only removing all the old shingles but making any needed repairs to the underlying wood substructure.
Your contractor should address this and allow for these kinds of repairs if needed in your agreement.
Placing brand-new shingles over faulty wood is never advisable and will reduce the life of the brand-new roofing materials.
Shingles should never be affixed directly to raw lumber on the roof. Protective coverings made of felt or other materials offer additional heat and water shields needed to fully protect your dwelling. This is especially important in areas with heavy rains or icy temperatures.
Likewise ensure the contractor includes all the additional substances needed for a proper roof replacement like fasteners, flashing, and drip boundaries are a part of the estimate.
A properly functioning roof system will protect your home and possessions for many years. Be sure you discuss what this assessment consists of and how your contractor will ensure that your brand-new roof is finished to your satisfaction.
Some roofing contractors will provide independent inspections and certifications for your complete peace of mind.
In evaluating the quality of the roofing materials and their installation, the warranty and performance relevant to the wind is a major factor in evaluating which product to purchase.
This is especially important in areas where monsoon storms, microbursts, or other severe weather patterns can cause severe wind damage.
Wind speed warranties can be as low as 60 miles per hour and can cover up to 130 miles per hour. Properly installed, acquiring shingles with higher wind warranties can be the difference between a brand-new roof and complete protection should you experience severe weather.
Is your contractor licensed and bonded? Does your contractor have proper insurance? What warranties do they offer for materials and labor?
Do they secure the proper permits and follow all local, regional codes and regulations? How reliable are they? What work have they performed previously in your geographic area?
One of the most important parts of any residence improvement project is the service you get after the project is complete.
Does your contractor offer a standard warranty? What does that include for products, labor, and parts? For what length of the period does the warranty have?
Is there an extended warranty available? What does that include and for how long? What does it cost? How do you request service calls? Is there a cost for service calls? Will the company be there over the next 10 years if you need them?
The natural inclination is to find the lowest cost. While cost should always be a factor, the most important part of the decision should be appreciable value and your return on investment.
Will the contractor give you a fair estimate and one that handles the cost of quality products and professional installation?
Does the estimate encompass all facets of your roof replacement including ventilation, protective coverings, fasteners, permits, and inspections, flashing as well as removal and dumping of the old roofing substance and delivery of brand-new materials?
Does the estimate encompass all labor, project management, and coordination? Are there allowances for unforeseen expenditures such as repair or replacing the underlying wood structures? Peace of mind, quality substances, and complete project specs are as important and will provide you with a roof that lasts a lifetime.
A new roof is a big investment that typically can cost thousands of dollars. The materials you use will be a small portion of your investment.
Most of it will go toward the skilled labor involved. That means choosing an experienced roof installation contractor is the best route to protect your investment and ensure a proper job.
Sounds simple, right? Unfortunately, roofing is a business that requires little more than a pickup, a ladder, and some basic tools start, so you have to be careful and diligent in choosing the right roofer for your project.
If you can get recommendations from a neighbor, friend, or someone you are familiar with, it's probably the best route to proceed.
Gather the names of at least two potential companies. Make sure each one has been in business for a minimum of five years. Roofing corporations who do bad work generally won’t be in a business that long and are usually unlicensed.
Check the availability of your roofer. There’s no reason to waste time if they’re booked up for months. Make sure to get calls and addresses of past customers, and eliminate any contractor that is hesitant to provide them.
Do a drive-by inspection of a few of their recent projects. If it's a shingle roof, visually make sure that the spaces between individual shingle tabs, known as water gaps, line up laser-straight as they alternate shingle rows.
Make sure the shingles are trimmed in a clean path along the valleys where they overlap the flashing. On the ends of the roof, shingles should also be neatly trimmed so they align with the leading edge of the roof. Ragged paths mean poor work.
Likewise look for neat, tar-free flashing at the roof valleys and at the eaves.
If the roofs look like they stand up to scrutiny, call their past customers and ask them these questions:
When a roofing company comes by to estimate your job and work up a price quote, notice their look. If they aren’t clean enough to sit at your dinner table, do you really want them working on your property?
Make sure to detail the entire assortment of your expectations. Know who will be doing the work and who the main foreman will be. Always get everything in writing.
If you like them, then it’s time to ask if they carry workman’s compensation coverage and at the least$ 1 million of liability insurance.
Get the name and contact information of the roofer’s insurance agent and ask the agent for their proof-of-insurance certifications.
After you’ve seen these documents, then it's time to talk about an estimate, which they should be doing for free.
Make sure you get a warranty that takes care of leaks, flashing loss or failure, and any other labor-related issues.
A one-year warranty is a minimum you should get, but two or three years is what you should really demand. These same specifications need to be in the contract, which should also include what type of quality materials they will be using.
Make sure you ask for the highest-rated, longest-lasting shingles or tiles you can afford to pay for.
Manufacturers generally warrant their products for 20 to 30 years.
Some can be voided if shingles are put on over existing ones, so tearing off the existing layer of shingles might be required, which would be an additional expense. Asphalt shingle roofs should last 13 to 15 years on average, so a 20-year warranty is what you would want.
Tiles should last 30 to 40 years. Make sure to get the proper paperwork and proof of purchase required, in case you have to pursue any problems that arise in the future.
A tile roof adds a rich and elegant look to any residence, while giving it a durable, fire-safe protective layer that is also resistant to bugs and rot. It won’t grow mold, stain or lose any of its color as years go by. For these reasons, a tile roof installation is a great choice for your roof.
Tiles are generally made of concrete or ceramic clay, and come in a broad range of traditional and modern designs. Concrete tile is generally warranted for at least 50 years, while ceramic clay can be warranted for 75 years or more.
If you have just acquired a new home in Arizona, you may be wondering what type of roof installation you should choose for your property. While it is possible to simply pick whatever the builder is offering for the lowest add-on fee, you can save yourself a lot of funds and heartbreak in the long run by looking at other options.
In the U.S., asphalt shingles are used on 70 percent of dwellings. They are immensely popular because of their low cost and longevity. Essentially, they can get the job done and last for 20-40 times as long as they’re properly maintained. However, asphalt shingles can be prone to cracking and breaking when faced with extreme heat. By keeping up with the appropriate upkeep, an asphalt roof can be a winning contender.
In the past 15 years, clay and concrete tiles have become the more popular selection for new dwellings in Arizona. When scrutinizing why more new dwellings are choosing these type of roofs, it’s easy to see the reasons in our red-hot summer climate. Clay or concrete tile roofs have a much longer lifespan and its fair to be expected to last between 20 and 30 years. The tiles themselves will last much longer, but the underlayment is necessarily going to need replacement first. Tiles are strategically spaced so the roof can have optimum ventilation, which means it will cool down faster and last longer. They are also fireproof and will not rot.
Tile roofs require a structural engineer’s report to ensure no additional bracing is a requirement, if the homeowner is switching from a shingle roof to tile. How one’s home is made can determine how much weight the roof can handle. Having an engineer’s report helps ensure that the roof won’t be taking on too much weight.
For most homeowners, the costs of roofing is an essential issue. Clay and concrete tiles are often priced higher than asphalt shingles, but price is not ever the only factor. Unless you plan on living in your new residence for the rest of your life, you should consider shopping the price as well. Concrete and clay have the best price in this regard and can increase the appraisal value of your residence. When considering that the tiles can last a half a century with proper upkeep, it is clear why numerous homeowners pick the initial overhead of clay or concrete roofs.
So what type of roof will you choose? Although asphalt shingles have been used for most dwellings, concrete and clay tiles have made a lot of headway in the past decade or so. While present trends of concrete and clay tile roof in Arizona is likely to stay strong for the foreseeable future, make sure you do your homework. Feel comfy with your roof selection prior to beginning to work on the project.
Its hot in Phoenix, which means you need to take a lot of things into consideration when deciding what to do when considering the types of roof installation in Arizona. Your roof installation is one of the critical components of building and maintaining your home. You need to select it with our sometimes harsh weather in mind. Some roof types work better than others in our climate. Understanding the best options for the Arizona climate will help you make the right choice.
Whether you’re installing a new roof installation or repairing an existing one, you should call a professional roofing contractor to get the job done right. A roofing contractor has the experience and knowledge you need to make sure that one of the most critical pieces of your property is installed correctly. If you don’t, you could leave your property vulnerable to leaks and other damage.
Tile roof installation is a great option, and its one of the most durable types of roofing. Its can be made of clay, but there are also lighter weight materials available. The hard clay stands up to harsh conditions, such as extreme heat and our monsoon storms.
Tile roofing lasts longer than other materials and does a good job of protecting your home from water damage. Tile roof installation is also fire resistant, which can be a big bonus, as it can lead to lower homeowner insurance rates.
Finally, tile roofing installation provides great insulation, which can help with your utility bills.
Shingle roof installation is one of the most common types of roofing in Phoenix. One of the big reasons is it is much less expensive than tile roofing. That also means that maintenance and repair costs for shingle roofing are more affordable and easier to complete.
Shingle roof installation is usually made with asphalt or fiberglass, and comes in a wide range of styles and colors. It’s able to fit with just about any architectural design to provide attractive curb appeal for your home. In addition, it has a nice, long life span – as much as 20-25 years on average.
Polyurethane foam roof installation is sprayed on your roof for a strong and seamless cover that won’t leak and provides strong insulation. Foam roof installation is very popular on commercial buildings, but it can also be applied to homes with a variety of roof styles. Foam roof installation is sprayed on then dries solidly. Its a single layer of roofing, eliminating seams, especially around flashing, reducing the chance of water damage. Foam roof installation in Phoenix Arizona is hard enough to withstand damage but flexible enough to shift with the expansion and contraction of the house.
The high insulation rating of foam roofing gives an extra layer of insulation that will help lower your energy bills, in addition to it being inexpensive to install and maintain.
Like most other homeowners, you may not worry much about roofing. However, you need to know that your roof is there to protect you and your home as well.
This article is not going to teach you all that there is to know about getting a roof repaired, but these roofing contractor tips are very important.
If you can afford to, you should always hire a professional roofing contractor, but if you have to work on the roof yourself, make sure that the weather conditions are clear for your own safety.
A wet roof can be slippery. Your roof will also need an ample amount of time to dry. A rain shower the following morning can end up setting you back.
Hose off the shingles, so you can have a clean workplace without a mess of leaves or other debris.
You can also use the hose to find a leak in your roof. One of the best ways to find a source of a roof leak is to use water itself.
It can be tricky to see where a leak is coming from in the middle of a storm, but a garden hose will allow you to test your roof until the leak has been found.
Your best bet, however, is to always hire a professional roofing contractor to inspect and repair your roof.
Do not choose the first roofing contractor you find in the phone book or online. By choosing the first roofing contractor you read about, you may end up spending more money than you need to.
Call numerous roofing contractors and go with the most reliable one at the best price you can find. It's not easy to choose a roofing contractor, but asking for a list of references can be a huge help.
Any roofing contractor which refuses to provide such a list is not one that you want to hire. Don’t just ask for the list, though, be sure to call a few people on it to double-check their experiences.
When inspecting your roof for leaks, it is important that you inspect the whole roof, not just one section. If you find a troublesome area of your roof, you should still check all areas, as there could be more problems elsewhere.
It will be cheaper for you to have all fixes done at the same time, when you hire your roofing contractor, rather than waiting.
If you have a general handyman that does work in and around your home, do not allow him to do anything to your roof.
Fixing a roof requires a high level of experience and know-how. This is why you would be better off hiring a roofing contractor that specializes in this type of work.
The age of your roof is a good indication of whether it needs replacing or not. Most roofs have a lifespan of fifteen to twenty years before replacement is needed. If you have a roof that was put on top of another roof, if 20 years have gone by, you likely must replace it.
Take the roofing contractor’s credentials into consideration during the hiring process. Although credentials do not give you a guarantee that you will get quality work, they do show you how involved the person is with your local community.
It also says a little something about their character as well, which is valuable information.
Any roofing contractor you hire needs to have proper licensing and insurance. If they don’t have this available, then it's best not even to consider hiring this particular roofing contractor.
If your roofing contractor does not have insurance and causes a large amount of damage, then you will be the one to pay.
As was mentioned at the beginning of this article, most homeowners don’t really know too much or concern themselves with roofing.
However, it is an important topic since you will want to protect your family and the items that are contained in your home. Knowing this information will help to keep your family and valuables safe.
When it comes to determining if you need a new roof, there is a lot to think about and consider. Often homeowners are unsure if a new roof is necessary or if the existing roof just needs some minor repairs.
The best way to know is to have a local roofing contractor come to the house for a free consultation. They will evaluate the home’s roofing materials as well as the structural soundness.
Replacing a roof with a new roof can be an expensive investment. A roofing contractor will advise you about the roof's condition and the best steps to take going forward.
When determining if you need a new roof, the most obvious factor is that a new roof will be expensive. When a new roof is needed it’s important to make sure everyone in the household knows what is going on. It will alter your life while the work is being done, which is typically about a week.
A new roof is best installed when life is not chaotic and nothing pertinent for the family is happening. The stress that comes along with paying for a new roof and living in the home while the roof is installed is exhausting.
Having a baby, starting a new job, kids studying are all good reasons to delay a new roof install. Installing a new roof will be loud, and you should be prepared for early mornings.
The best time for roofers to remove shingling and old roofing is in the morning when temperatures have not peeked.
Another thing to think about when beginning a new roof installation is the material that you will use for your roof. Shingles and tiles are the most common choice for homes here in the Southwest however; depending on your home’s style, flat or foam roofing can be considered.
When considering materials to use it is best to do a benefits analysis to decide if the extra money for a tile roof is worth it in the long run over shingling. If you plan on staying in your home for a long time a tile roof will stand the test of time, and you will not need to worry about the hassle of a new roof in twenty years.
When choosing a contractor for your new roof, the best way to find reliable roofers is to check their reviews online as well as ask neighbors, friends, and family for referrals.
If you find a roofer online it is important that you are able to contact their referrals to ensure they are satisfied with the job that was done on their home. It is the appropriate time to ask about the time frame of the job as well as the cost in comparison to the original quote.
Homeowners should also consider asking about the mess, the cleanup, and the professional nature of the crew. These are important things to inquire about before you hire a roofing contractor to install your new roof.
A roofing contractor can seem incredibly professional when selling you on a new roof but finding out what they are like in the heat of a roof replacement is what you need to know.
Asking their referrals and checking their reviews and testimonials is a sure-fire way to know ahead of time what you are getting into.
The last thing to do before any work is done replacing or repairing a roof is to have a signed contract. A contract between the roofer and the homeowner should include labor and material costs, an estimate on competition time, and a copy of the roofer's insurance.
It is important that the roofer covers insurance coverage for the employees. This responsibility is not that of the homeowners and is not theirs to be liable for should an accident occur.
All reputable roofing companies will have no problem supplying you with proof that they are fully insured.
When determining if you need a new roof, trusting the people working on your home is a number one priority. Hiring a company for a big job such as a new roof is not something to consider lightly.
The home’s roof is structurally important to the house and therefore care should be taken when work is done on it.
