Roofing Do's & Don'ts
#1
04-12-05, 02:39 PM
Roofing Do's & Don'ts
I'm planning on contracting for a new roof. Couldn't find a roofiing FAQ section for info. Can you direct me to it or tell me what to look for in a new roof and a contractor? Need the basics.
Need similar info for vinyl siding contractor.
Need similar info for vinyl siding contractor.
#2
04-13-05, 06:10 AM
There must be a "dos and don't" list on this do-it-yourself site....but here's my personal opinionated list:
1. They can provide you with certificate of liability ins. with your name and address on it as well as name, address, and ph. no. of agent.
2. They can provide you with certificate of workmans comp ins. with your name and address on it as well as name, address, and ph. no. of agent on it.
3. They can provide you with 3 or more references of customers they've done work for. Then CALL these people and ask any questions that come to mind. Ideally, references would encompass recent AND past work going back at least a few years if they've been around that long.
Longevity in the business will tend to show something positive about them, but is not proof in and of itself that they're competent, honest, etc.
4. Tell them you need a detailed estimate showing each item they plan on using in installing the roof system...and where each item is going to be used...such as
" "ice&water" membrane at the eves", etc.
5. If you have a shingled roof of some type, whether asphalt, wood, etc. I'd suggest you request all new flashings installed, unless the roofer can provide you with a good explanation as to why a new particular flashing is not needed, or desired.
6. If you have a flat roof, or some portion is flat or "low-pitched", make sure they're going to install that area according to the manufacturer's specs. Flat roofs require more knowledge and attention to details and it's also far more prone to leaking if it's "thrown on" in a slip shod manner based on how the roofer "feels about it".
7. Main thing though, is to KNOW who you're dealing with.
I've read about studies which show that many people don't really follow up on checking the references provided by the roofer. That's the one thing you can do before hand, that doesn't require you to actually educate yourself about roofing.
And don't be afraid to ask "stupid" questions. We all ask "stupid" questions. I'm stupid about electrical matters for instance. But if a roofer doesn't consider your questions important enough to give real answers...forget about him/her and move on to the next one.
I'd say these are good for starters...but there's certainly more...
1. They can provide you with certificate of liability ins. with your name and address on it as well as name, address, and ph. no. of agent.
2. They can provide you with certificate of workmans comp ins. with your name and address on it as well as name, address, and ph. no. of agent on it.
3. They can provide you with 3 or more references of customers they've done work for. Then CALL these people and ask any questions that come to mind. Ideally, references would encompass recent AND past work going back at least a few years if they've been around that long.
Longevity in the business will tend to show something positive about them, but is not proof in and of itself that they're competent, honest, etc.
4. Tell them you need a detailed estimate showing each item they plan on using in installing the roof system...and where each item is going to be used...such as
" "ice&water" membrane at the eves", etc.
5. If you have a shingled roof of some type, whether asphalt, wood, etc. I'd suggest you request all new flashings installed, unless the roofer can provide you with a good explanation as to why a new particular flashing is not needed, or desired.
6. If you have a flat roof, or some portion is flat or "low-pitched", make sure they're going to install that area according to the manufacturer's specs. Flat roofs require more knowledge and attention to details and it's also far more prone to leaking if it's "thrown on" in a slip shod manner based on how the roofer "feels about it".
7. Main thing though, is to KNOW who you're dealing with.
I've read about studies which show that many people don't really follow up on checking the references provided by the roofer. That's the one thing you can do before hand, that doesn't require you to actually educate yourself about roofing.
And don't be afraid to ask "stupid" questions. We all ask "stupid" questions. I'm stupid about electrical matters for instance. But if a roofer doesn't consider your questions important enough to give real answers...forget about him/her and move on to the next one.
I'd say these are good for starters...but there's certainly more...
#3
04-13-05, 11:38 AM
Thanks, E. Dodge, for you comprehensive reply. If there is a "do and don't" section regarding roofing .... I can't find it.
I thought that certificates of insurance were written generically to encompase all jobs the insured may do. Do contractors really provide insurance certificates naming the purchaser as co-insured?
How about the type of shingle (asphalt) .... what should I look for? Is there a weight number or something like that to indicate the probable life or quality of the shingle?
I thought that certificates of insurance were written generically to encompase all jobs the insured may do. Do contractors really provide insurance certificates naming the purchaser as co-insured?
How about the type of shingle (asphalt) .... what should I look for? Is there a weight number or something like that to indicate the probable life or quality of the shingle?
#4
04-13-05, 06:40 PM
At least in my area, certificates of insurance can be issued by the agent specicially to the homeowner , or the cities which require them before a roofing contractor license can be obtained.
The name and address of the homeowner is printed on the certificate....same goes for the cities that require them.
I know some states license contractors with a statewide license {such as California}, while others {like Colorado} leave it up to the individual cities and counties....which means for instance having a dozen licenses just to serve HALF of the Denver metro area. Point is, every state has its own requirements for licensing and insurances.
Although the Ins. agent and Co. do issue BINDERS showing ins. in effect, certificates are different documents. I would bet that certificates of Ins. are specific to individual jobs in most places though. By the way, an owner of his own business can exempt himself/herself from comp for themselves if they are doing the actuall work, at least where I'm at. And, I think finding a smaller outfit where the owner is directly involved in the roofing can be a good way to go.
Generally, the heavier the weight of the shingle, the more it costs and the longer the warranty.
Asphalt shingles weigh between a couple hundred pounds per 100sq. ft. up to 350 pounds or more.
Prices here for the asphalt shingles-only run from $31 per square {roof loaded} up to $145 per square or more. And the more a shingle costs, the higher the labor cost. Labor varies widely from one area to the other.
If you want a good looking shingle which has a "good enough" warranty and is wind resistent, I'd check out the "dimensional" shingles...sometimes referred to as "laminates". Roof supply houses I'm familar with are more than happy to help homeowners with info, prices, colors, etc.
The name and address of the homeowner is printed on the certificate....same goes for the cities that require them.
I know some states license contractors with a statewide license {such as California}, while others {like Colorado} leave it up to the individual cities and counties....which means for instance having a dozen licenses just to serve HALF of the Denver metro area. Point is, every state has its own requirements for licensing and insurances.
Although the Ins. agent and Co. do issue BINDERS showing ins. in effect, certificates are different documents. I would bet that certificates of Ins. are specific to individual jobs in most places though. By the way, an owner of his own business can exempt himself/herself from comp for themselves if they are doing the actuall work, at least where I'm at. And, I think finding a smaller outfit where the owner is directly involved in the roofing can be a good way to go.
Generally, the heavier the weight of the shingle, the more it costs and the longer the warranty.
Asphalt shingles weigh between a couple hundred pounds per 100sq. ft. up to 350 pounds or more.
Prices here for the asphalt shingles-only run from $31 per square {roof loaded} up to $145 per square or more. And the more a shingle costs, the higher the labor cost. Labor varies widely from one area to the other.
If you want a good looking shingle which has a "good enough" warranty and is wind resistent, I'd check out the "dimensional" shingles...sometimes referred to as "laminates". Roof supply houses I'm familar with are more than happy to help homeowners with info, prices, colors, etc.
#5
04-14-05, 03:50 AM
What we do with potential customers who would like to see proof of ins is we have our ins company fax or mail a cert directly to the customer.That way they know it hasn't lapsed or anything because it is coming directly from the ins company.I have seen people go get ins give them the money down get some paper work stating they have liability comp etc and never make a payment.That's why it's a good idea to have the ins company send it to you.
I agree you should ask for references and follow up on them.A reputable company will be able to provide you with many.Don't be afraid to ask to see there work.Also have them explain to you exactly what they intend on doing and have them put it all in writing.
I agree you should ask for references and follow up on them.A reputable company will be able to provide you with many.Don't be afraid to ask to see there work.Also have them explain to you exactly what they intend on doing and have them put it all in writing.
