A homeowner in need of residential roofing services may find it challenging to know where to begin. With a step-by-step approach and assistance from a reputable, professional roofing service, you can address any and all of your roofing concerns.
Here are five things to know about residential roofing services.
1. Know What to Look for in a Roofing Company
Look for well-established, local roofing contractors. Top roofers know that long-term reputations are built on fair pricing and reliable service. Companies in it for the long haul are not out to make a quick buck. They use high-quality roofing materials most likely to please property owners as the years go by.
A reputable roofing service will also add its own contractor warranty to the manufacturer’s warranty. A generous contractor warranty from an established local roofer is ideal, in part because it demonstrates the confidence the owner has in the roofing services that have been completed.
2. Know How to Find a Reputable Company
One of the best ways to find a reputable roofer is to look for referrals. It may take little more than a walk through your neighborhood to get valuable recommendations. Ask your fellow homeowners who they used and why they were satisfied or not. Family and friends are also excellent sources of referrals.
Satisfied homeowners often express their satisfaction with written comments. These testimonials may appear on the contractor’s own website or on popular review sites.
Finally, top roofing contractors are typically certified by major shingle manufacturers. For example, GAF grants its trusted contractors “Master Elite” status.
3. Know What the General Process Is
Homeowners who need anything from simple repairs to full roof replacements will feel more comfortable if they understand the process, step by step:
Inspections, Estimates and Selection
It all begins with roof inspections, ideally conducted by certified inspectors. When minor repairs are needed, a visit by one or two inspectors might be enough. When the time has come for a residential roof replacement, compare the feedback from several inspectors and obtain estimates. Select a roofing contractor with an established local reputation that offers fair pricing and timely service.
Work Performed
When a roof replacement is planned, the roofing crew begins by tearing off old shingles, tar paper and flashing. Repairs are necessary wherever there is evidence of roofing damage to the underlayment because new shingles will not hold if there are nailed onto soft or rotting material. Unless more significant repairs are required, experienced crews can often complete a roof replacement in a day or two.
Warranty/Inspections
When the roof replacement is complete, your contractor will provide you with a manufacturer’s warranty. Ideally, the contractor will also provide its own warranty, which offers additional coverage. Annual or semi-annual inspections will keep warranties in force and detect future problems at an early stage.
4. Know What to Expect When the Crew Arrives
A homeowner is often more relaxed and confident when he or she knows what to expect during a roofing project.
Noise
When a roofing crew is walking around on your roof, there may be noise. Re-roofing requires lifting bundles of shingles up on the roof, usually with mechanized equipment, which requires various noisy power tools and lots of hammering. Homeowners and family members may arrange to be away during the work to avoid this nuisance.
Site Preparation
Both you and your roofer can prepare in advance. For larger projects, a contractor should arrange to have a refuse container dropped off before the crew arrives. When the work is done, the filled container should be promptly removed.
Here are some other issues to be aware of as you get your property ready for your roofing project:
- Falling debris: Move vehicles, boats, lawn furniture and other personal items outside a 20-foot perimeter from the outer edge of the roof. If you have an outdoor pool or hot tub, determine whether you or your contractor will tarp it. Keep the driveway clear so work vehicles can come and go.
- Children and pets: Keep children, especially young children, away from the work area. The same is true of pets. Remind children to watch for and avoid nails, metal flashing and other debris.
- Vibrations: Fragile items hanging on interior walls could possibly fall due to vibrations caused during roof work, so move such items to a safe location. Vibrations may also dislodge dust in the attic, so cover items stored there, especially those that are fragile or hard to clean.
- Satellite dishes and antennas: Since the crew may have to temporarily remove equipment on the roof, your TV may stop working for a time. The service provider needs to be called upon the completion of the project to regain the signal.
Keep in mind that work can proceed only when weather conditions permit.
5. Know Why You Should Use a Professional Roofing Contractor
Although DIY home improvement projects are common in today’s world, roofing work is best left to professionals who own the right safety equipment. Roofers with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training are particularly well-qualified to safely complete your project.
Experienced roofers have the knowledge and experience to detect even subtle signs of underlying damage, putting them in a better position to successfully complete your roofing project.
Contact Us Today
Homeowners in Bergen County and across northern New Jersey have entrusted their roofing needs to CRS Roofing for over 45 years and many have referred their family members and friends. We offer all the residential roofing services you might need, including emergency work, inspections, general repairs, cleaning and full roof replacements. Contact us today to ask your questions or to arrange for a professional roof inspection.
