You don’t have to watch HBO’s hit show The Sopranos to know that construction workers and contractors can pull a fast one on you if you’re not careful. It is very important to know what roofing contractor to hire, what warranty is right for you, and how to take care of your roof once you have it. Be able to know when something isn’t right, whether it is during the process of redoing the roof or when it gets older and certain areas begin falling apart. Erie Construction Midwest is here to make sure these things never happen to you!
The first step in the process is to know what you’re looking for. Homeowners, typically, select the style and color they want for their roof, but leave the specific brand choice up to the contractor. It is very important to understand weight, warranty, and cost are not effective measures of the quality or reliability of roofing products. There are three things to consider, besides color and style, that will help you make the right choice. First, know the materials’ resistance to the elements- weathering, hail, impact, wind, or fire. Second, understand the warranty of all the manufacturer’s products. Third, be careful and choose the right contractor for you. Costs will vary depending on the material used and the complexity of the roof shape. Not only will the materials be priced differently, but the labor costs to install different materials can vary drastically. With Eric Construction Midwest, you can rest easy knowing you’re in good hands.
When your Erie Construction contractor says, “Your house is about 7 squares and has a really tough pitch” we want you to know what is going on. Roofing is measured in squares. A square represents 100 square feet of area- generally a 10×10 area. Typically, the steeper the “pitch” or angle of your roof, the greater the repair or replacement cost because of the extra safety considerations and labor time involved.
Erie Construction Midwest knows there are many factors that go into how long the lifespan of your roof will be. The location of your home makes a critical difference in the longevity of the materials being used. For example, shade from trees or wet, humid weather can create moss problems for some roofs, while those in drier climates may suffer more wear from hail or excessive heat. Fire-prone areas may be more dangerous for homes with wood roofs, while windy conditions put constant stress on any roof. There are ways to test the resistance of your roof. Make sure your roof is adequate in impact resistance, wind resistance, and fire resistance.
A very important part of the process is choosing the right warranty for you. You should always read the fine print very carefully and save the wrapper from one of the shingles so that you can verify what product was used. Some examples of warranties are:
- Pro-rated: The manufacturer pays claims based on the age of the roof. The older your roof, the less the manufacturer will pay to replace an older roof with a newer one.
- First Owner: Some warranties apply only to the first owner of a roof. If you plan to sell your home soon, the new owner will not be allowed to continue the warranty.
- Warranty Fee For Flat Roofs: Obtaining a warranty from the manufacturer of a system for flat roofs may be cost-prohibitive. However, a local contractor may provide a two-year warranty.
- Wind: Applies specifically to damage caused by wind.
- Hail: Applies specifically to damage caused by hail. Hail warranties are not common.
- Materials And Defects: The manufacturer’s warranty is typically limited to product defects that result from the manufacturing process. If your roofing contractor, for example, incorrectly installs the roof and a leak develops, the manufacturer would not be responsible for repairs. However, the workmanship defects may be covered by a warranty given to the homeowner by the installer.
- Workmanship: Manufacturers do not allow contractors to alter printed product warranties. The contractor may provide a workmanship warranty. The terms of this warranty would be written in the contract between the installer and the homeowner. This warranty period varies depending on the terms of the contract.
Besides being able to understand what products are being used and what warranty is needed, there are several other reasons to consider when choosing the right contractor. You should always look for an established, licensed or bonded roofer and request references. It is really important to request to see certificates of insurance to be sure both liability and workers’ compensation insurance coverage is carried. When you receive a written estimate, make sure it goes into details beyond price and time. You should know exactly what is going on. Always BE SKEPTICAL! Never feel like you shouldn’t ask questions. Eric Construction welcomes any and all questions, there is nothing to hide.
When your roof is finished, you should try to maintain it so you get as much out of your roof as possible. Don’t walk on the roof anymore than is necessary, obviously there are times when repairs are needed. Be sure to keep your trees trimmed at the right length so they don’t rub against the house or provide an incorrect amount of shade. Always keep your roof, valleys, gutters, and downspouts free from buildup of leaves, twigs, and other litter preventing proper drainage. During the maintenance process, be sure to check for any signs that your roof is damaged. Notice if any shingles are missing, notice if any puddles have built up, and notice any damage around vents or chimneys.
The process can be a breeze if you follow the right steps. The Home Improvement Net wants to make sure you have a trouble-free operation. With our knowledge, the joke can be on the contractor and not on you! There is an old business saying that goes like this, “If you are making a deal and you can’t find the fool in the deal, then the fool is you so get out of there.” Erie Construction doesn’t want the fool to be you.
Wonderful written and additionally great website.