Imagine the windiest thunderstorm, the fiercest blizzard or the worst ice storm to ever hit your neighborhood. Now, imagine a roof that’s not up to the task of fully protecting your home, your possessions, and your family.
Local building codes, state regulations, and manufacturer specifications combine to protect you from inferior work. Still, there are roofers who find ways to cut corners to squeeze extra profits from each job. An investment in a new roof installed “up to code” is more than worth it, particularly when you spread its cost over the many years of quality protection it will provide.
Roof Installations “By the Book”
When it comes to roofing repairs and replacements, homeowners want to find a contractor who “goes by the book.” The next time there’s a warning of an impending storm, the peace-of-mind you get from working with a competent, qualified contractor is very valuable.
What are some qualities of a roofing contractor who goes by the book?
Quality materials
Companies like GAF and Owens Corning are known for their high-quality roofing products. However, all roofing materials are not alike. When you encounter a contractor using products made by a company you don’t recognize, make sure the contractor has sound reasons for using them. Check roofing product reviews online.
Best warranties
Almost without exception, you’ll get the best warranty from a roofer certified by a major roofing manufacturer. The reason is clear. The company that makes the shingles, underlayment, ice barriers and other roof components is most willing to warranty a roof installed by someone that can be trusted.
Respect safety regulations
Respect for the unique conditions that roofing technicians encounter is of utmost importance. Slippery roofs and highly pitched roofs pose special challenges. It is vital that roofers have the right gear to reduce the chance of a slip to an absolute minimum. OSHA regulations protect workers, but only if workers adhere to these rules.
Finding a Quality Contractor
There are a number of ways to find an expert residential roofing company in Bergen County NJ.
Referrals
There’s little doubt that today’s homeowner has many ways to find the right roofer. One of the most traditional ways is still one of the best; you can save valuable time by seeking referrals. Ask your neighbors, friends, family members, and business associates whether they’ve had roofing work done. Over time, local roofers complete many roof replacements, making it more likely that you’ll get an enthusiastic endorsement from someone you know.
Experience
There are dozens, if not hundreds of unique issues that may arise with Bergen County residential roofing. To say that no two roofs are alike is very true.
Often, a unique roofing problem that might bewilder a rookie in the business is easily diagnosed and solved by a veteran. Consider some of the questions certified roof inspectors must resolve on a daily basis.
- Just where did a roof leak originate?
- Do aging shingles require re-roofing now or years from now?
- Is attic insulation damaged? If so, what can be done to eliminate the problem?
Past work performance
Roofing is a profession that requires disciplined, focused attention, at times under harsh conditions. Top contractors attract the best crews who are capable of performing high-quality, up-to-spec installations. Projects highlighted on a contractor’s website will give you an idea of the scope of work a contractor does. Reviews on Google Reviews, Yelp, and similar sites are another source of information.
Licenses & insurance
Don’t be shy about asking to see proof of a contractor’s licensing and insurance. How much insurance does the contractor carry? It’s fair to ask whether a roofing company with the bare minimum in liability insurance is as successful or responsible as one carrying many times the state minimum.
It’s also important to confirm that roofers have proper workers compensation insurance. A contractor with inadequate insurance could possibly cause a claim against your homeowner’s policy. Enjoy the peace-of-mind that comes from working with a contractor with the right licensing and insurance.
Certifications
For a moment, put yourself in the position of a major roofing manufacturer that makes warranty commitments lasting for decades. Companies like GAF and Owens Corning certify contractors that meet their stringent performance requirements. These are roofing companies the manufacturers trust to install their products to spec. For greater peace-of-mind, consider a contractor certified by one or more of the major American roofing manufacturers.
Contact Us Today
CRS is a residential roofing company in Bergen County NJ that takes pride in doing things by the book. Since 1977, we’ve successfully replaced thousands of residential roofs in Bergen County and beyond. To this day, much of our work comes via referral.
CRS is a GAF Master Elite certified contractor; only one in 50 roofing companies achieve this distinction. We’d welcome the opportunity to send our certified roof inspector to your home to professionally assess the condition of your roof. We’ll carefully review your options so you can make an informed decision about appropriate next steps. To ask your questions or to arrange for a roof inspection, please contact us today!
