Choosing The Right Contractor
Your roof represents about 5% of your building investment, and no building can endure
without one.
When looking for a contractor, do your homework. It seems everyone knows a friend of
a friend or a cousin who can do a good job for next to nothing. Don’t be fooled! This
particular type of “deal” can lead to disaster. Don’t let the lowest price be the greatest
determining factor when choosing a contractor. Remember the bottom line you get what
you pay for. Here is a checklist to help assist you in choosing the right contractor for
your roofing project.
Contractor Checklist
Before you sign a contract, does the contractor:
- Have a good reputation? Check for references and call a few of them.
- Have adequate insurance coverage? Protect your home for accidental damage.
- Thoroughly inspect your roof? Including an accurate description of work to
be performed and work that may be contracted out?
- Provide a written estimate? Including an accurate description of work to be
preformed and work that may be contracted out?
- Explain the entire roofing system? Your roof is a series of components that
work together, and you should understand all of them.
- Check existing ventilation for proper circulation? Explain the importance of
proper ventilation? Improper ventilation may damage your shingles and can
invalidate your shingle warranty.
- Explain reasons for tearing off versus nailing over existing roof? Local codes
determine the maximum number of nail-overs.
- Apply underlayment to the wood deck? Additional waterproofing underlayment
might be needed if ice damming, wind-driven rain, or collecting of flowing water
might be a problem.
- Use proper fastening techniques? Four fastening are required for most shingles
– six in high wind areas. Fasteners should penetrate ¾” into the deck.
- Thoroughly clean up your roof and around your house when finished? Your
yard and home should look the same as the contractor found it.
- Clearly explain both the workmanship and manufacturer’s warranty? Are
defective shingles replaced for prorated replacement cost, or original cost, with
labor additional? You should be very clear about whom to call with a problem.
- Use quality-roofing materials? Check the product warranty plus UL fire and wind-
resistance ratings. Choose a name you trust. Not all shingles are the same.
- Know explain and comply with local building codes?
- Apply shingles according to the manufacturer’s specifications?
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