This scenario is much more common with big sites like shopping centers, churches, warehouses as well as other significantly large buildings. Subcontractors could also be employed if the roofing job involves working on a residential property. Some good examples include repairing chimneys, disposing of debris, as well as all-metal flashing.

It’s usually best to hire a roofing contractor who will work on his own to complete the job. If it’s too large a task, he may employ other workers, but having just one contractor usually ensures consistency and quality. Obviously, large jobs require there to be multiple workers, but residential projects can often be completed by one person. Another benefit of hiring the roofing contractor without sub-contractors is the cost involved. It’s almost always cheaper to use only one contractor. If he must pay other workers, that cost will be passed on to you as the customer and make the job more expensive to complete.

Because roofing is such a specialized skill, there are few general contractors who know everything needed to call themselves a roofing contractor and not just a general contractor. Most often, a team of workers is needed to complete a roofing job, so it is often finished ahead of other parts of the house.

By far, the roofing system is the most important part of any building. As such, regular maintenance is essential to get the most out of your roof and keep it in top shape for as long as possible. Roofing contractors know exactly what to look for in their inspections, and can then pass that info to you, the homeowner, so you can make informed decisions.

The weather plays a very large role in a roofing job. Things like heavy rain, snowfall, or wind can all have a huge impact on your roofing system, so it’s important to find a highly skilled roofing contractor who has handled large projects under these conditions.

Selecting a Professional Roofing Contractor

• Hiring a Contractor for a Simple Task – The best method for hiring a roofing contractor is to hire one for a minor repair or simple maintenance task and see if you are satisfied with the work. By getting them to do a basic task, you can learn a lot about them and test the waters a bit.
• Request an Estimate – Many times, an estimate is free of charge or may only require a small fee. This will allow you to ask questions to determine their level of skill, professionalism, and experience.
• Ask a Close Friend or Neighbor – Asking around will give you an idea of a company that may be highly recommended or one that should be avoided. Keep in mind that not all negative stories are true. It is possible that they had an unpleasant experience because they did not ask the appropriate questions before the contractor began.
• Check the National Roofing Contractors Association
• Determine if They Use Subcontractors – If they hire subcontractors to do their work, there is a high probability that the cost of the job will be slightly higher than one who does not.

We hope that this guide will help you make an educated and informed decision when it comes to choosing your next roofing contractor. For more information on roofing contractors, inspections or maintenance, call us today!

Here are a few reasons why a metal roof is a growing choice for protecting you and your family.

Benefits of a Metal Roof

• Low Maintenance – A traditional high-quality shingled roof is designed to need regular maintenance, while only lasting approximately 20 years. A metal roof is designed to last much longer, and the number of repairs needed will be nearly none. The most common repair for a metal roof is a simple, low-cost screw that may need to be replaced or tightened.
• Resistant to Weather – The quality and longevity of a metal roof can protect you from the harshest weather conditions. Water penetration is one of the most common – and costly – repairs with asphalt shingle roofs, but this is rarely the case with a metal roof. Water and snow will easily slide off and metal roofs are incredibly heat resistant.
• Very Energy Efficient – A metal roof is coated with a special sun-deflecting paint, making it very energy efficient. This kind of paint usually carries a 25-year guarantee, making it a huge bang for your buck.
• Environmentally  Gentle – The gentleness of a metal roof on the environment is probably not one of the first things that you think about when you choose your roofing system, but metal roofs keep thousands of tons of shingles and other material waste out of America’s landfills. This alone makes metal roofing an incredibly smart choice!
• Increasing the Value of Your Home – Statistics have proven that by installing a metal roof, that you can increase the value of your home. When comparing a shingled roof to a metal roof, a metal roof can increase your home’s value by more than 5%. This is not only a huge benefit to you, but also to any future buyers who may purchase your house.

Quick-Fact Benefits for Choosing Metal Over Shingles

• Has the potential to never have to be replaced
• Maintenance costs are next to nothing
• Incredibly weather resistant, no matter the climate
• Energy efficient and cost effective
• Environmentally friendly
• Can increase the value of your home by up to 6 percent

After considering all these benefits of a metal roof, you are probably wondering why everyone hasn’t made the switch. The biggest reason is cost. It is more expensive to install metal roofing systems, but as with any part of your home, you should consider quality and longevity. You get what you pay for, and a roof is no different. It might cost a little more on the front side to install a metal roof, but you will save a huge amount of money in the long run by avoiding all the costly repairs and replacements that come with asphalt shingles.

• The Bottom Line

If you purchase a home with traditional shingles and live there for 25-30 years, you can expect to have to replace your roof at least once. Between weather, wear and tear, and other leaks or damages, costly repairs are pretty much a given. Even though the initial cost is higher for installation, a metal roof will pay for itself over and over in just a few short years.

Finally, you may be thinking a metal roof just won’t look right or give you the curb appeal that you are looking for, but metal roofs have become very stylish. They are available in many styles, colors, and designs making them resemble more traditional materials.

• Ready to Make the Switch to A Metal Roof?

As we have discovered, a metal roof is a great option for any home, regardless of where you live. For more information on the benefits of metal roofs, call us today and let our experts show you the options!

• • Is the professional licensed?
  • Does the roofer carry liability insurance?
  • Will they do free estimates?
  • Will they provide referrals?

Each state has its own guidelines for what a person must do to be a standard contractor. Making certain that the roofing contractor is licensed and insured, you can have the peace of mind and assurance that the person is indeed a professional. By verifying that the individual or company carries liability insurance, you’ll be protected from any claims that might be filled dues to injuries, property damages, accidents, or mishaps.

Here are a few more tips to help you in your search for roofing contractors.

Things to Consider When Selecting a Roofing Company or Contractor:

• Experience – This is the most important consideration because a person’s experience will ensure that the work you have done on your roof is carried out in a professional manner.
• Look at their portfolio – A contractor’s portfolio will offer you a better understanding of what they can do. Also, this will provide you with a list of references from previous customers.
• Price of the Job – You should get price quotes from various companies and compare them. A good rule of thumb is to get quotes from three separate companies. Cheapest doesn’t always mean better, so it’s important to follow up on asking for referrals along with quotes.
• Evaluate the Skills and Knowledge – When you are looking to hire a roofer who really knows his craft, it is valuable for you to do a little research. Call the BBB (Better Business Bureau) and check to see if there are any complaints or other problems that have been filed against the contractor.

If you want to ensure that your roofing needs are handled by the best, give us a call today. Our experts will get the job done right, the first time. Whether it’s maintenance, roof replacements, or just a simple inspection, we’ve got you covered!

Inspect the roof at least once a year. Every roof will sustain some damage or wear and tear over time. Taking the time to do a roof inspection will save you a lot of money on costly repairs. You can easily do a simple inspection from the ground if you know what to look for.

If a leak is discovered during a heavy rain, wait until it is dry before attempting to repair it. The danger associated with climbing on a wet roof is far greater than doing it on a dry day.

Replace shingles regularly. If you notice any missing or damaged shingles, it’s important that you replace them as soon as possible. Inspecting shingles for signs of damage every so often is simple to do and will save you money on potential repairs.

Mow the lawn before any work is done on your roof. Having your lawn mowed will help the workers spot any nails or other debris that may have fallen from the roof. Obviously, this will help to prevent injuries from not seeing them on the ground as you walk around. There are magnetic nail finders to help with this task.

Don’t settle for the first sales pitch you encounter. If the roofing company seems pushy to you, then you need to consider looking elsewhere. Once that contract is signed, it’s tricky to get out of it.

Do your homework. Take the time to check several companies before deciding on which one to hire. Resist the temptation to settle for the first bid you get. Ask for references and follow up on them. You can also check with the BBB and see if there have been any formal complaints filed against the company or contractor.

Resist the urge to settle for just a quick-fix. While it might seem to be the best thing financially, keep in mind that if you only put a band-aid on the problem, it will come back to haunt you at a later date.

Make sure that the professional roofer has the proper credentials. Find out which credentials are required by law in your area and make sure the roofing company is complying with those.

Be sure they are insured. Any roofing company should have full liability insurance. This will protect you if any accidents or injuries occur while they are working on your home.

For more information on what to look for in a roofing company, call us today and let our experts help!