A quality roof protects your home and provides a sense of comfort and security, year after year. However, if the roofer you choose does not value quality in their materials and installation, you may be left with a roof that could give you more problems down the road. There are numerous ways to identify a trustworthy roofing contractor in Bergen County, NJ, and we have outlined what to look for here.
Positive Recommendations
Roof replacement is no small investment, so the recommendations of those you know and trust are essential when selecting a contractor for the job. One of the best ways to determine who to choose is to seek referrals from neighbors, friends and co-workers. Check out their Google reviews, see if they are active on Nextdoor, Angi.com, and Houzz, or ask in local Facebook groups.
If you are fortunate enough to locate a neighbor who has experience with a local roofing contractor, ask about the details of the experience. You’ll want to ask about the contractor’s timeliness, level of professionalism, and pricing. These will all factor into your decision on which contractor best fits your needs.
Local And Reputable
Many homeowners have more confidence in a contractor who has successfully served the local community for many years. Once you’ve established a relationship with a good local contractor, you have someone you can call for any issues or upkeep you’ll need in the future. P periodic inspections, storm damage, a leaking roof, or seasonal maintenance can be less stressful when you know exactly who to call.
Highly Experienced
A seasoned New Jersey contractor has seen everything from blizzards and ice dams to hail, high winds, and everything in between. An experienced local contractor can be trusted to recommend and customize your roof to your needs. They will enhance weatherproofing, increase the roof’s lifespan, and help to generate energy savings.
Quality Materials
New Jersey is a place that experiences all kinds of weather extremes, so your roof needs to be able to handle triple-digit heat, sub-zero cold, and high winds. This is why it is vital to identify which contractors use the best roofing materials. Shingles and other roof components must perform well and withstand the onslaught of torrential rains, high wind, and heavy snow.
Beware of roofers who submit lowball bids made possible by using cheaper, less durable materials. Your contractor should only use the highest quality roofing materials manufactured by well-known, reputable roofing manufacturers.
Manufacturer Certifications
Look for contractors certified by one or more major roofing manufacturers, like locally headquartered GAF, who offer excellent warranties for those who work with one of their Master Elite certified contractors. Owens Corning and Tamko also provide certifications that are difficult to obtain and must be maintained by the contractor.
For example, GAF’s certification requirements are so stringent that it certifies fewer than one in 50 roofing contractors. Here are just some of the things GAF requires from contractors seeking Master Elite status.
- Proper licensing, liability insurance, workers compensation insurance
- High standards of workmanship
- A good rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
- Excellent record of customer satisfaction via independent surveys
- Good references from building product distributors
- Engage in ongoing training to stay current in the industry
Owens Corning and Tamko also have stringent requirements that contractors must adhere to and maintain in order to provide the best warranties to their customers.
Best Warranties
Speaking of warranties, roofing manufacturers offer the best warranties when they are familiar with the contractors doing the work. For example, a Master Elite certified roofing contractor is authorized to provide the Golden Pledge warranty from GAF, one of the very best in the industry.
Contractors certified by a major roofing manufacturer can offer a high-quality warranty that can save homeowners a lot of money should a situation resulting in a warranty claim ever arise. Additionally, these warranties are often transferrable, so if you choose to sell your home, the value of your home may be higher, as your roof will be warranteed for years to come. Non-certified roofers may only be authorized to offer basic warranties that remain active for ten years or less.
Respect For Codes And Regulations
Years of refinement go into local building codes that ensure safe construction, protect property values and maintain the integrity of homes in your neighborhood. Newer regulations also address the need to use energy-saving construction methods.
When investing in a roofing system that will protect your home, family, and possessions for decades, you don’t want a roofer who cuts corners. The best roofing contractors meticulously adhere to codes and regulations to ensure everything is done by the book.
The best kind of roof is one that does not require many repairs in the years to come. Often, roof leaks happen because of poor workmanship, and mistakes can occur in an instant if the contractor does not have strict attention to detail. Fixing those errors often consumes a great deal of time and money and can cause unnecessary stress.
Timely Installations
Money is the first thing that comes to mind when considering things you don’t want to waste while working with a contractor. Second, and just as important, is time. Barring appropriate weather delays, a contractor should complete your project as scheduled. Top roofing contractors often complete typical residential roof replacements in just one day.
Online Presence
If you are new to an area, you may not have the luxury or ability to ask someone for their recommendation. That is why looking for an established roofing contractor with a substantial online presence is so important. The contractor’s main website may feature certifications, testimonials, and a portfolio of completed projects. Reviews from customers can be found on sites like Google and Yelp, and you’ll often find verified reviews of certified contractors on manufacturer websites.
Contact CRS Today
CRS is a certified GAF Master Elite contractor that has served Bergen County homeowners for more than 45 years. We do things by the book and offer the best warranties in the business.
We’d welcome the opportunity to be your roofing contractor now and for years to come. Please contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our roofing experts! After we complete our evaluation, we’ll carefully review your options with you so that you can make the best decision for your home’s roof.
