TIPS ON CHOOSING A PROFESSIONAL ROOFER

As we approach peak season in the roofing industry, it is our goal to provide you with enough knowledge to make informed decisions when choosing a roof provider. Word of Mouth and Referrals top consumer choice for a new roofer.

Most roofing jobs are the result of a neighbor, friend, or family member referral. Word of mouth is the best reference when choosing a roofer. Check with family, co-workers, and acquaintances to see if they can recommend someone. Other good sources are the Yellow Pages, building supply stores, newspapers, local trade groups or unions and the Internet. Asking the right questions and following some simple guidelines will lead you to a reliable contractor whose workmanship is top notch.

1. Ask the roofer for proof of insurance. Make sure the coverages are in effect through the duration of the job. If a contractor is not properly insured, you may be liable for accidents that occur on your property.
2. Make sure the roofer is financially stable. A good roofer can provide current financial information about his company.
3. Carefully read any roofing warranties offered, and look for provisions that would void it.
4. Ask the roofer what type of safety training he provides for his workers and what industry education programs they have attended. The best roofing contractor is only as good as the workers who install the roof system.
5. The roofer should clean up your roof and around your house when the job is finished and remove all surplus material and leave your yard in the same shape the contractor found it.
6. If sub-contractors are involved be sure that the subcontractor holds all of the proper insurance so that you are not held liable for any accident that may occur on the job.
7. Request a maintenance program for your newly installed roof system. Most roofing contractors will not offer a maintenance program for your roof once it is installed. Regular inspection of the new roof will allow for potential problems to be caught early and remedied before they cause substantial damage

When it comes to roofs, even the best safety equipment is no substitute for common sense and good judgment. Let's face it -- roofs are dangerous places. And even more dangerous without the proper safety and prevention measures in place. A reliable roofing company can save you money and protect your home from major damages.

--------------------------------------

1. Roof covering, eg. Slate, pantile, etc
2. Ridge tile
3. Gable
4. Projecting verge
5. Barge board
6. Eaves
7. Fascia
8. Soffit
9. Hipped end
10. Hip tile
11. Valley
12. Flush verge
13. Stepped lead flashing
14. Back gutter
15. Apron

~ Tips to Maintain a Healthy Roof ~

Insurance Coverage
Don not hesitate to ask a contractor for proof of insurance. In fact, insist on seeing copies of his liability coverage and workers' compensation certificates. Make sure the coverages are in effect through the duration of the job.

Hire the Right Contractor
As a custom roofing and reroofing service provider with a dual General Contractor License, we explore every angle before implementing a roof replacement recommendation. Because we are full service and strive to go the extra mile, as a customer you benefit from our ability to save you time and money! Here is a few things we provide with every service that typical roofers DO NOT offer:

• On Walls and Flashing Points
  1. When installing flashing points (galvanized 5x5 or valley metal/step flashing) at a chimney, parapet walls and all other flashing points, we make sure we we use a diamond blade grinder to create a .25 inch groove to insert a Reglet giving your home 100% water protection.   
  2. We use only the BEST SEALANT in the business to insure proper water protection for your home!
  3. We cut a 45-degree angle at the top corner of the shingles.
  4. We put roofing cement underneath the shingles and around the perimeter of the entire home.
• On Valleys
  1. We always put new 26-gauge valley metal in the valleys.
  2. We always place an abundant amount of tar in the valley to ENSURE no leaks!
  3. We install woven valleys in our asphalt shingle process.
     
• Other
  1. We also add a starter shingle to the top of vents and skylights for extra protection.
  2. We make sure that when the job is done that the roof is clean and that the yard is extra clean.
  3. Finally, we run the nail magnet around to pick up any nails that may have fallen off of the roof.