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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