Whether you want to modernize your roof or to find out more about what you can do in the future, finding a reliable roofing company is always a smart choice.
There are various reasons when your roof develops a leak, either it is a damaged by hail or hit by a falling tree or tree branch. It can be tempting for you to fix it yourself either from the magazine article or some expert advice. The advantages are undeniable, with the main advantage being the price savings you accrue because you don’t have to pay for the labour costs to a contractor.
Many people think they can just watch a few YouTube videos on roof repair and be a pro-contractor; then scamper right up the ladder to do it themselves. The truth, of course, is some what different.
City Codes
First and foremost are the legal considerations. The days of a home owner going up on his or her roof to pound nails on a few shingles are long gone. City codes have grown and advanced over the years in response to law suits and changing technology.
The weekend warrior could find themselves in a lot of trouble if they use the wrong materials for their neighborhood. Repairing a roof might eliminate any grandfather clause your house or roof are under, requiring you to bring it completely up to any new codes that have been passed since your house was built or last worked on.
Saving money is a worthy goal but unless you know what you’re doing, from both a legal as well as architectural stand point, you’re better off hiring a professional roofing company to do the work for you.
Cracks
One more reason for not trying the DIY approach is understanding why your roof needs repairing. Houses settle on their foundations over the years but they don’t settle evenly. One part of the house will settle faster than another part. This puts stress on the slab, eventually resulting in cracks in the foundation.
Small cracks can be tolerated but if they’re very large they can work their way up the walls to the roof and be the cause of the leaks or problems with it. A professional roofer will be able to recognize the differences between the types of cracks and warn you about ones that need to be addressed to prevent further damage.
Finding a Professional Roofer
Finding a professional roofing company like Cornerstone Roofing can be a challenge. There are things you need to know, also things you need to ask them before making the commitment to hire or signing a contract with any roofing company.
⇒ Insurance ⇐
Angie’s List advises you to ask, right up front, to make sure that your roofing contractor has worker’s compensation and liability insurance. You don’t need to be hit with claims from a worker who is injured on your property. To avoid any future dispute this point should be asked before you sign up the contract.
⇒ Deductibles and Claims ⇐
If any roofing contractor says they’re a “claims specialist” or can handle all insurance paperwork for you, they may be breaking the law. If the claim they can take care of the repair without you having to pay for your insurance deductible, they’re committing insurance fraud. If you go along with either of these schemes, you put yourself at risk of being labelled an accessory.
If any roofing contractor makes either of these claims, escort them off your property – at once! Then call the police. Law breakers are usually habitual about it. You need to protect yourself and your community by reporting them.
⇒ Local Referrals ⇐
Always try to use local roofing companies nearby your area. There will be less chance of running into a scam artist or fly-by-night operator that way. The longer they’ve been in business in your city, the more reputable and trust worthy they will generally be. Usually, when they have been in the city for a long time then they will be very familiar with local rules and code regulations.
⇒ Price ⇐
When it comes to decide the cost of repairing of roof, don’t get into a bidding war for the lowest price. What you want is an honest price where everything is communicated to you up front before any work is started. The lowest price may not always be the best. They could be a “take the money and run” type who’ll do a slipshod job then leave you hanging in the middle of now here.
⇒ Storm Chasers ⇐
After a major hail storm or if other houses in your area have been damaged by high winds, it’s not unusual for people to come knocking on doors offering to give you a “free” inspection, which – surprise, surprise – always winds up concluding that you need a new roof!
These companies are usually low budget, “get in and get out” types that may or may not do a decent job.
⇒ Manufacturer Designation ⇐
This is usually considered as badge of honour from the manufacturer or suppliers. It is really hard to get a badge from manufacturer and to maintain it. To maintain the badge, manufacturer always puts stringent conditions and it will be very difficult to cover for get in and get out contractors. So, choose a roofing contractor very wisely.
⇒ Get It All In-Writing ⇐
Do we really have to bring this one up? Apparently, we do because every year there are reports of thousands of homeowners who have either been ripped off or muffed up by the contractors who promised the world but then reneged on it and left the victims without any recourse because nothing was written down.
We recommend you to Always, Always, Always get it in writing.
After all, any repair, big or small, you ultimately require longer lasting roof for your home if done correctly! Therefore, always keep in mind these above-mentioned points before hiring a professional and reliable roofing companies. You can also visit your local roofing company websites to get the contact information and ask for your answers regarding the roofing services.