If your roof is more than 15 years old it is probably due for a roof replacement, since this is the average lifespan of a residential roof. There are many new choices in roof materials such as roll roofing that are quite inexpensive, in addition to all the choices of shingles that come in a wide array of prices and designs. Other choices include clay tiles, steel panels, wood shakes and newer artificially engineered materials that are fireproof and have longer lifespans than the average wood roof.
Some of the contributing factors to roof damage and roof aging are the slope of the roof, the roofing materials themselves, trees surrounding the house, sun, humidity, rain, hail and other types of inclement weather. Moisture getting through your roof is the most prominent problem of most homeowners. If you let your roof go past its expiration date it could begin to suffer leaks and other damage. If these leaks and cracks persist you could eventually begin to see black mold symptoms. Black mold can potentially cause the home to be condemned, requiring complete rebuilding before you and your family can live in it safely again. So it's better to take care of it now rather than later.
It is important to be sure you are hiring the right roof replacement contractors for the job, so when you decide to replace your roof it's a good idea to get quotes from several contractors. Ask if they are familiar with roll roofing, shingles and all the other materials you are considering. Also make sure they have liability insurance and that they can provide a copy of their contractor's license, as well as a list of references. Each contractor you consider should be able to provide a detailed quote with a description of the work to be done, an estimate of the cost and a timeframe for the completion of the project.
It's important to get your roof repaired or replaced long before the leaks lead to black mold symptoms, as these mold spores can be quite hazardous to human health. Black mold contributes to many kinds of lung illnesses and is especially dangerous to children and the elderly. Don't try to replace or repair your roof yourself. You only want to trust true professionals to work on your roof. Their experienced eyes can tell if you can get by with some simple repairs or if your roof needs to be replaced altogether. If the roofing system is more than 15 years old, the solution will more than likely be the latter option. So find a roofing company that is experienced, knowledgeable and completely qualified. Better Business Bureau membership and affiliation with various trade organizations are both good signs. It's also a good sign if you feel comfortable interacting with them by phone and in person, since they will be working on your home.
Don't rush into hiring a roof replacement contractor. Take the time to find someone who is qualified to protect your home from the elements and prevent things like black mold from happening.
As a home or business owner, you know that roof replacement is no laughing matter. Replacing your roof is a serious undertaking in terms of time and money-- and should be treated as such. Sure you want the job done quickly, but if you make the mistake of hastily hiring an incompetent roofing contractor, it will likely cost you dearly.
If you are considering replacing the roof on your home or business facility, there are a few proven steps you should take before hiring a roofing contractor. Failure to follow these steps could result in lots of future headaches.
Step 1 - Don't just pick the first guy you find in the phone book. Perform your search carefully. Find local consumer feedback on roof replacement contractors through trusted sources such as Angie's List or the Better Business Bureau. These resources will inform you as to whether formal complaints have been lodged against a contractor. They will also let you know if they have a spotty service reputation with previous clients. Remember, if previous clients weren't happy with the contractor's service, odds are you won't be either. And if the roof replacement contractor isn't registered with the Better Business Bureau, don't even give them another thought. Take your business elsewhere.
Step 2 - Once you have a list of 2 or 3 potential contractors that have passed the first test, it's time to interview each of them. When interviewing, ask about:
• their area of specialty
• how many years they have been in business
• certifications
• guarantee of quality work
You'll also want to get a detailed itemized estimate of the work to be done. Carefully analyze each estimate. Look at the prices based on comparable materials, warranty periods and such.
Remember, you always get what you pay for. Don't get so hung up on price that you just search for the cheapest guy off the side of the road. Anyone can quote the cheapest prices. But few can provide quality work. Of course, that doesn't necessarily mean the highest price offers the highest quality either. Be smart and carefully weigh all your options.
Step ASPHALT SHINGLE ROOFS INSTALLATION CONTRACTOR near me 3 - Regional weather and climate considerations should always come into play in roof replacement. These issues affect not only the materials used, but also state law regulating roofing contractors. For example, in the Texas Gulf Coast area, roof replacement must pass windstorm inspection in order to obtain a windstorm certificate. If a roof doesn't pass this inspection, the home can't be insured. Since Hurricane Ike, many home and business owners have had to obtain re-roofing jobs because they originally hired contractors whose work did not pass windstorm certification. Think of the time and money wasted!
Step 4 - Make sure that you schedule your roof replacement job with the contractor's main office supervisor. This ensures that an agreed upon timeline is in place, which in turn guarantees that the job will be completed on time and as ordered. Both parties will be on the same page and you'll be on your way to having a new roof.
Remember, roof replacement is a big deal. Your roof is your home's first line of defense. When you hire a roofing contractor, be careful to do your homework.