A roof is every household’s protection from various types of weather. Even if it looks good now, there will come a time when the roof that covers our houses will be worn out and need replacement. However, before calling a roofing company to get it fixed, here are some industry secrets you should know.
1. Construction Without a License is Illegal
The majority of states require roof replacement contractors to have a license and insurance to operate. However, clients shouldn’t assume that every company has insurance filed for all of their employees. If you’re going to ask for help from roofing contractors, it is your responsibility to check if they are licensed or insured to operate.
Depending on where you live, you should know the local laws that may affect a roofing contract. Of course, make sure that they are licensed to operate in your state, not anywhere else. Without proper insurance and licensing, the client will be held liable for worker injuries or additional home repairs.
2. Most Roofers Are Only Equipped for Full Replacements
Many roofing companies only carry one team under their wing—roof replacement teams. However, other teams should handle other concerns, such as repairing nail pops, replacing flashing, and resealing vents.
If there will be an instance that you will be offered a complete roof replacement and you think you only need a simple repair, make sure to think about the offer. You’re not saving any money by opting for a new roof. Of course, that depends on how damaged your roof is. But if it’s only a hole or two, contact a full-service roofing company instead. They can give you a better deal for a lower price.
3. Not Every Roofer is Skilled and Experienced to Install Every Type of Roof
The most common roofing material is asphalt shingles. Most of the time, clients call roofing contractors to have them installed on the house. If you’re looking to have other lesser known roofing materials installed—such as cedar shakes or metal roofs—then you may need to look for a specialist.
Before signing a deal with a roofing company, make sure you have reviewed all their credentials, past work, and researched them. Changing a roof is a challenging job. However, it is more worth it to pay for people who can do the job correctly. Other roofing materials aside from asphalt can leak and fail when installed incorrectly.
4. There Are Two Types of Roof Warranties
There are two types of roofing warranties—manufacturer and contractor. A fundamental manufacturer warranty covers roofing materials until their 25th to 30th year. However, the said warranty doesn’t cover artistry, and incorrect installation voids the warranty. Meanwhile, other companies may offer guarantees, but it varies from company to company. In most cases, contractor warranties only cover artistry.
5. Storm Chasing Scammers Are Real
There are predatory companies that can exploit clients if bad weather hits. Some companies purposely specialize in storm-prone areas and offer deals to fix or repair a broken roof. However, the roofs they install are low-quality, barely meet code requirements, and fail quickly.
To steer clear of storm chasing companies, look for renowned roofers that have plenty of experience and no shortage of happy customers willing to vouch for their work.
Conclusion
The roofing industry doesn’t have the best reputation. Therefore, before signing a roofing contract, make sure you understand all the stipulations from the company. It’s also vital to do research before trusting roofing contractors to do the job. Keep in mind that the roof keeps you safe from all weather conditions. Never trust any roofing company unless they’ve proven their work to you.
5 Star Roofing and Restoration started in Birmingham as a residential and commercial roofing company. More than 50 years in the industry, we’ve branched out to provide top-notch roofing in the greater Birmingham area. Call us today or schedule an appointment on our website.