Tips for Buying a New Roof
How to Select a Reputable Metal Roofing Company or Roofing Contractor
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Buying a new roofing system is an important investment. Price is NOT king when buying a new roof - you do not want to hire a questionable company to install a cheap roof. The company could disappear tomorrow and a cheap roof will come with a cheap warranty. Keep a healthy skepticism about the lowest bid. Before you invest your money, you need to invest some time evaluating roofing contractors.
The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) offers advice for selecting a roofing company/contractor. You can read the NRCA guidelines on their Web site (http://www.nrca.net/consumer/fyi.aspx).
Here is a check list to help you select a professional roofing company or contractor:
Company Stability
Check for a permanent place of business and telephone number. When you call do you get to speak with a person or is voicemail your only option? Does the company have a good Web site with their permanent business address listed? Do they have any press releases indicating current activity?
Insurance Coverage
Do not hesitate to ask a roofing company or contractor for proof of insurance. Ask about liability coverage and workers' compensation certificates. Make sure the coverages are in effect through the duration of your roofing project. Many homeowners have been dragged into litigation involving uninsured roofing contractors. If a contractor is not properly insured, you may be liable for accidents and injuries that occur on your property.
Customer References
Look for a roofing company with a proven track record that offers client references and a list of completed projects. Ask for recent references and for references over 2-3 years old. Call at least two of these customers to find out whether they were satisfied – most people will be happy to speak with you. You can also check to see if there are any references on Google Maps or Angie's List.
Check the Better Business Bureau
A good roofing contractor will be a member of the BBB. Read the BBB references - make sure the company has not had unresolved complaints.
Roofing Materials
Check to see if the roofing company uses a nationally known manufacturer. Good roofing materials come with a good warranty - ask for complete warranty information, both on roofing materials and on labor/installation. Do not be afraid of contacting the manufacturer to ask about their roofing materials, the roofing company or the contractor.
Estimates on a Roofing System
Any good roofing contractor will come to your house to give you a free estimate - it is a standard part of the job. When the company representative comes to your house, does he pressure you or try to upsell you? Did he pester you after the initial estimate? A good company with a solid reputation will do a good job of “selling,” but will not pressure you.
Get a Written Proposal
Insist on a detailed, written proposal and examine it for complete descriptions of the work and specifications, including approximate starting and completion dates and payment procedures. Make sure the roofing materials are specified to ensure the warranty on your project.
A roofing system is an important capital investment, protecting your house or building against the elements. A good roof can also help you resell the property. Take the time to make a good choice – a good roof will pay future dividends.
© 2009
Metal Works and Improvements
The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) provides information about buying a new roof as part of their ongoing effort to educate home and building owners about roofing and roofing contractors. A new roof system is a big investment, and the organization wants consumers to help you find a quality roof system at a fair price from a professional roofing contractor.
Roofing system materials and components
All steep-slope roof systems (i.e., roofs with slopes of 25 percent or more) have five basic components:
- Roof covering: shingles, tile, slate or metal and underlayment that protect the sheathing from weather.
- Sheathing: boards or sheet material that are fastened to roof rafters to cover a house or building.
- Roof structure: rafters and trusses constructed to support the sheathing.
- Flashing: sheet metal or other material installed into a roof system's various joints and valleys to prevent water seepage.
- Drainage: a roof system's design features, such as shape, slope and layout that affect its ability to shed water.
Choosing a roof system
There are a number of things to consider when selecting a new roof system. Of course, cost and durability head the list, but aesthetics and architectural style are important, too. The right roof system for your home or building is one that balances these five considerations. The following roofing products commonly are used for steep-slope structures: asphalt shingles, wood shingles and shakes, tile, slate, metal, and synthetic roofing products. Before making a buying decision, NRCA recommends that you look at full-size samples of a proposed product, as well as manufacturers' brochures. It also is a good idea to visit a building that is roofed with a particular product.
Ventilation and insulation are key
One of the most critical factors in roof system durability is proper ventilation. Without it, heat and moisture build up in an attic area and combine to cause rafters and sheathing to rot, shingles to buckle, and insulation to lose its effectiveness.
Therefore, it is important never to block off sources of roof ventilation, such as louvers, ridge vents or soffit vents, even in winter. Proper attic ventilation will help prevent structural damage caused by moisture, increase roofing material life, reduce energy consumption and enhance the comfort level of the rooms below the attic.
In addition to the free flow of air, insulation plays a key role in proper attic ventilation. An ideal attic has:
- A gap-free layer of insulation on the attic floor to protect the house below from heat gain or loss.
- A vapor retarder under the insulation and next to the ceiling to stop moisture from rising into the attic.
- Enough open, vented spaces to allow air to pass in and out freely.
- A minimum of 1 inch between the insulation and roof sheathing.
The requirements for proper attic ventilation may vary greatly, depending on the part of the United States in which a home or building is located, as well as the structure's conditions, such as exposure to the sun, shade and atmospheric humidity. Nevertheless, the general ventilation formula is based on the length and width of the attic. NRCA recommends a minimum of 1 square foot of free vent area for each 150 square feet of attic floor—with vents placed proportionately at the eaves (e.g., soffits) and at or near the ridge.
Even roofs have enemies
A roof system's performance is affected by numerous factors. Knowing about the effects of sun, rain, wind, snow and ice, condensation, moss and algae, trees and leaves, missing or torn shingles, shingle deterioration, and flashing deterioration will help you make informed roof system buying decisions. Learn more about the effects of these factors at the NRCA website.