subject: Why To Choose The Right Roofing Company [print this page] Roofing contractors are everywhere you lookRoofing contractors are everywhere you look. Everyone claims that they do the best possible job for the least amount of money, but how can you tell which roofing contractor is the best fit for your job?
Roofing is a job that requires sturdy footing at all times. Flip flops and sandals are not an option, instead roofers need rugged, strong steel toed boots that have thick soles for extra traction. Jeans or heavy pants are a must but should be comfortable because there is a lot of moving around on the job. Of course, safety glasses and hard hats should be used as there can be a lot of debris that is generated when taking old shingles off and you don't want to be accidentally hit in the head with one of the power tools that are being used, either.
Getting the contractor to your home and getting an estimate is a great way to start. You will be able to see right away if you will get along with this company by the way they treat you at the onset. If they promise you the moon, you'd better make sure they can deliver. Estimates that are too low or too high should be red flags. If they promise you everything for very little it may mean they have no idea about actual costs, or it could mean they have cheap labour practices that could mean a shoddy job. Jobs that seem too high, likewise should be approached with caution too. What are you paying for, exactly? Calling around to check on their safety issues and whether they have had any code violations should be something that you have done before they show up, so if you ask them about it and they are not honest, you can decline their offer. Honest roofers will tell you about any problems they may have had and be up front about any discrepancies that you may have uncovered.
Not only could amateurs injure themselves, but they could also injure to others. With improperly executed roofing installations, there's a good chance that the roof could eventually cave in, especially during bad weather. You may be thinking that this is something that doesn't happen all the time. However, that is far from the truth. Tornadoes and strong thunderstorms are becoming even more prevalent nowadays. So, it is in everyone's best interest to have a roof that is stable enough to protect them from harm. There's a good chance that your home could become more of a danger than a safe haven when inexperienced hobbyists attempt complex jobs..
Although roof repair and replacement may seem overwhelming, it doesn't mean you should avoid becoming part of the process. In fact, it is your job to ask questions, observe the work being done and put a stop to anything you are uncomfortable with. The first step in the average roofing job includes the removal of old or damaged material. You can expect that there will be some mess around the base of your home, particularly where the roofers are working. However, if they damage any property along the way, be sure to bring it up to your roofer right away. You may also want to take a picture of any damage or hazardous conditions to document. If your roofer does not agree to pay for the damages or fix the problem, immediately request they stop work in writing and call your local government to inform them of the problem.
Once the old material is removed the next step is to begin repairing any damaged underlying materials and replace the roof with new materials. This is generally done within one to two business days. Again, there may be some debris on the ground around the home as roofers tend to pile their materials for easy access and installation. As long as there isn't any hazardous materials or dangerous items lying around, let the roofers do their job. Upon completion, all old materials should be hauled away and your home left as it was prior to the work being started. Remember that you are the homeowner and have the right to govern and stop work at any time.