Although a new roof represents a significant investment, it protects the most important investment of all — your home. As you embark on your roofing project, consider these five surprising things about modern residential roofing in Bergen County NJ and nearby counties.
1. Improved Roofing Products
Whether you are contemplating your very first home roof replacement or the first one in many years, you may be pleasantly surprised to discover that today’s roofing products are often more durable and energy-efficient than the materials they replace. This fact frequently translates into warranties that are better than those offered in the past.
For example, architectural shingles that replace traditional three-tab shingles typically last longer. Also, special reflective shingles cut energy costs by bouncing more of the sun’s UV rays back into the atmosphere.
With the introduction of its Timberline Cool Series, GAF became the first roofing manufacturer to offer highly reflective, energy-efficient shingles. It’s interesting to note that your new roof might actually lower your home cooling costs when those summer heat waves sweep through the region.
2. Fast Project Completion
Homeowners are often surprised to hear how fast highly experienced residential roofing contractors can complete residential roof projects. For example, CRS coordinates crews and the delivery of debris containers so that most residential jobs are completed in just one day. In most cases, it is possible for a homeowner to enjoy a new roof and a clean yard the day after the roofing crew arrives.
3. Value of a Certified Contractor
Many homeowners enjoy an added measure of confidence when they use a local residential roofing contractor certified by a major roofing manufacturer. For example, CRS is certified as a GAF Master Elite Roofer.
Among other things, this certification means that the manufacturer trusts the roofer to properly install its product. No manufacturer wants to see warranty claims traced to improper work by a residential roofing contractor.
GAF typically offers a more generous warranty when a certified contractor does the work. Consider that GAF offers a lifetime warranty on architectural shingles when one of its certified contractors performs a roof installation, but the company only offers a 10-year warranty when an uncertified roofer does the work.
4. Proper Insurance
A homeowner looking for a roof replacement or other major residential roof services needs to know that the roofing contractor has the proper licensing and insurance.
Although safety-conscious contractors abiding by OSHA regulations generally minimize accidents, you don’t want to find that your roofer lacks adequate liability insurance and workers compensation insurance.
Some NJ residential roofing contractors only get a policy with an NJ state minimum of $500,000 of liability coverage. In today’s world, that may not be enough. That’s why CRS maintains an $11 million liability policy, more than 10 times the typical half-million or million-dollar amounts.
Sometimes, a homeowner knows someone willing to do a roofing project “on the side.” This is risky on a number of levels. If there is no liability insurance and someone gets hurt, the homeowner may get sued.
If the individual ignores building codes, the local building inspector could shut the project down. Finally, let’s say the owner accepts an offer to sell the home, and the required home inspection reveals substandard roofing. You may have to fix the roof or pay the buyer to fix the roof before closing.
5. Better Warranties
Certainly, a solid warranty is very important when you invest in roofing designed to last many years. You’ll enjoy greater peace of mind with a brand-new roof backed by a generous warranty.
Consider that some standard warranty coverage offered by uncertified contractors lasts as little as five years. Since a new roof should last much longer than that, homeowners with minimal warranties may find they are on their own for much of the expected lifespan of their roof. Also, it is important to distinguish between warranties that only cover materials and those that cover both materials and labor.
Homeowners are frequently surprised to learn that it is possible to get lengthy warranties on GAF shingles installed by contractors the manufacturer certifies to do the work. In 2011, GAF became the first roofing manufacturer to include a lifetime limited warranty on all of its laminated shingles. Today, Timberline Lifetime Shingles are the top-selling shingles in the country.
Finally, you might also find it interesting to note that GAF is headquartered just west of Bergen County in Parsippany. It is the largest roofing manufacturer in North America, with annual revenues approaching $3 billion.
Prompt and Personalized Service
CRS is a GAF Master Elite residential roofing contractor serving northern New Jersey since 1977. GAF includes customer ratings along with profiles of its certified roofing contractors, including CRS.
When you need a local residential roofing contractor you can trust, look to CRS. Over the course of four decades, we’ve built a reputation with Bergen County NJ homeowners for quality work at a reasonable price.
Our certified roof inspector will come to your property regardless of your roofing issue, whether it be storm damage, a leak or an aging roof. Back at the office, we’ll carefully prepare our recommendations. We’ll review your options so you have the utmost confidence in your roofing decision. For further assistance, please contact us today. Our estimates are always free.
