How to Choose The Best Roofing Contractor

Most home or property owners will experience the need to repair or replace their roof. But just like any other trade, there are roofing contractors who do not look out for your best interest -- only profit.
Here are some tips that will help ensure you choose the best roofing contractor for you investment.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pen and paper
• Access to the internet

1. ELIMINATING THE SCAMMERS
   
   The first thing you will discover when you undertake your search is that there are literally hundreds of roofing companies in your area to choose from, and eliminating the scam roofing companies should be your first objective. So how do you know which companies are a scam or otherwise do poor workmanship? Simple!
   Most of the smaller, fly-by-night roofing companies who generally scam customers and provide poor workmanship do not advertise in the phone book, local newspapers, or online as they do not want to be tracked down later when problems arise. There is no paper trail that leads back to them. They take your money and run, and POOF they're gone--your out your money, and they are out of town... Therefore, I suggest the best source for beginning your search for a credible roofing contractor is on the internet, and here's why:
   
   Although some scam roofing companies also advertise on the internet, the majority of roofing contractors found online are legitimate. They have a personal company website and otherwise have roots to your community. Further, the internet is also a means of checking the credibility of the roofing contractor you have an interest in. This can be done simply by entering the name of the prospective company in the Google, MSN, or Yahoo search bar and the companies community ties will emerge. I strongly suggest utilizing all 3 search engines for thoroughness.
   In the search results you will find things such as references from Building Associations, the Better Business Bureau, and other institutions which have previously dealt with the company and endorse them. Generally you can review these sources and do an exhaustive research on the company. Clearly the internet is the most efficient and practical means to begin your search.
   Once you have found a few companies that you like, simply give them a call and express your needs. A representative from the company should come to your home or business and conduct a roof inspection to diagnose the problem and provide you with a roofing quote.

2. THE ROOF INSPECTION
   
   Most people may not know this, but the roof inspection is probably the most critical part in discerning the quality and credibility of a roofing contractor, and it should strongly influence the company you choose. Why? Because it tells you how accurate, thorough, and conscious-minded the company is to the numerous components involved in a roof system. There's more to a roof than simply taking a few measurements and slapping on new metal shingles.
   
   Essentially there are three types of roofing systems: metal, cedar shake, and conventional asphalt-type shingles. In either case your roof system consists of components besides the outer-skin of the roof, and these components play just as important (if not more) a role in the operation and integrity of your roof. There are numerous metal flashings, ventilation components, and the roof deck itself.
   
   FLASHINGS
   The metal flashings consist of valley metal, step tins, gutter apron, ventilation covers, vent pipes, and the chimney flashing, just to name the most common. These should all be inspected and replaced when necessary, because 9 times out of 10 they are the origin of a roof leak.
   
   VENTILATION
   Ventilation is an essential facet to the life of any roof. Without proper ventilation the roof decking will dry rot and the roofing structure; both the decking and rafters or trusses are jeopardized -- leading to severe structural damage. Additionally, dry rot will acquire mold and deteriorate the roofing, which eventually leads to leaks in the roof.
   
   ROOF DECK
   The roof deck, as noted above, is the primary structural component of your roof as it supports and holds everything together. From holding the shingles and flashings in place, to supporting snow-loads in colder climates, it is critical that the roof decks integrity be maintained.
   As such, the roof inspection should contain a detailed analysis of all components of your roof; noting the condition of each specific component and the diagnosis of how it will be repaired and/or replaced.
   The most important element of the visual inspection is the roof deck itself. Because this cannot be accomplished without physically climbing into the attic, it is obvious that unless the contractor does go into your attic they are missing this vital element of the inspection and I would strongly suggest they be eliminated from your choice.

3. LIABILITIES AND WARRANTIES
   
   e certain that the company has roofing insurance ($1 million or more), as well as workers compensation.
   
   Analyze the roofing warranty that is offered. What is its term? Is it prorated or non-prorated?
   
   What is the warranty coverage provided by the manufacturer of the product or products being installed?

4. CHOOSING THE COMPANY
   
   Once you have done your online analysis and you have received your inspections and bids, its time to make a choice.
   
   Analyze all bids and see what the differences are between the companies:
   What did they discover?
   What will they replace?
   What are the cost differences?
   
   Do not be afraid to call and ask questions about the products that will be installed or otherwise.
   
   Ask for references and speak with those references.
   Some questions to ask may include:
   
   Whether the company was professional
   Whether they performed the job safely and on time
   Whether they left the job as they found it -- clean
   Whether there were any damages
   Whether the company clearly explained and answered any and all questions
   
   DO NOT let price solely influence your choice. Often times it may be better to spend a few hundred dollars more because a specific company offers a better warranty, or they have been around longer.
   
   Remember, this is your roof and it protects everything inside your house. It is likely going to be a substantial investment, so make it a wise one.

Tips & Warnings

• Take your time and don't make quick decisions
• Trust your instinct
• In many instances a residential home will originally have cedar shakes installed and the home owner wishes to replace the cedar shakes with asphalt-type shingles. Some times cedar shakes are hidden because they were roofed over with asphalt shingles and this is unknown to the homeowner until revealed through the inspection. Although this is an acceptable application, eventually the time comes when the asphalt-type shingles need to be replaced and both the shingles and cedar shakes will have to be removed. In either case it is critical to know that these two types of roof systems require very different roof decks. The problem with applying asphalt-type shingles to a roof deck that originally had cedar shakes installed is encountered when fastening-down the shingles, and is explained as follows: Cedar shakes need to breathe so the roof decking used for them is not solid but consists 1"x 8" or 1"x 10" boards with spacing between them to allow proper ventilation. Fastening cedar shakes to avoid these spaces can easily be attained because cedar shakes have a broad nailing area. Asphalt shingles, on the other hand, must be fastened within a 1 inch strip across the shingle in accordance with all manufacturer specifications. Therefore, a solid roof deck is required so all nails properly adhere to the deck. Inevitably, when installing asphalt-type shingles on a cedar shake deck set-up, the 1 inch nailing rows will align with the spacing between the cedar shake roof decking, resulting in that entire row of shingles not being fastened to the deck. Although this is sometimes avoided by simply nailing higher on the shingle, it would not only result in the potential of shingles being blown off, but likely will void the manufacturer warranty on the shingles. Therefore, when replacing cedar shakes with asphalt-type shingles, it is essential to make proper modifications. It can be cheaper to skip this modification and provide a lower bid to win the bid, so BEWARE!

[bailey4]

on 8/10/2009 Great detailed specific article on How to Choose The Best Roofing Contractor. 5*

[scooter1]

on 8/1/2009 @ Andies-eHow:

Thank you very much. Being a roofer does give me a bit of an edge on How To Choose the Best Roofing Contractor because I know what to look for, so I though that I would share this vital information with consumers. I've seen a lot of our customers who have been "had" by some not-so credible scam artists who swindle homeowners out of their money.
Again, thanks.

~Scott