Essential Tips to Know Before you Hire a Roofer
Guest Blogger #583, Entry #1339, June 26, 2012
Hiring a roofing contractor can be an expensive and daunting task. If you don’t follow the right steps you might have spent thousands of dollars on low quality roofing, unnecessary materials, or repairs you didn’t need.
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New roofs are an expensive proposition. The job is labor intensive, and it is essential that homeowners start the process by getting more than three estimates. Homeowners should also pay attention to the condition of a roof prior to hiring an individual contractor. Understanding the current condition of the roof will allow homeowners to better gage whether the roofing quotes they are receiving are reasonable. The exact price you pay depends in large part on the overall condition of your roof. For instance, homes with several layers of roofing material may be subject to higher costs, as contractors need to spend time removing all of the layers before new material can be installed. Here are a few things to look for before hiring a roofing contractor.
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Roof Repair of Roof Replacement
One of the first things to consider is whether to repair replace roofing. A roofer can usually offer more insight, but homeowners can educate themselves as well. Provided that the underlayment was installed properly, asphalt shingles should last for at least 20 years. Shingles are one of the most common residential roofing materials. When the product has reached the end of its life, the granules will fall off, and the shingles crack and curl. Blown-off shingles may be the result of high winds and can often be fixed with a minor roof repair. Most contractors have emergency service crews and make repairs every day. It is important to note that most repairs are billed on a time and material basis, and roofing contractors may not provide estimates for these services.
Roof Removal
Some homes require a new roof, and homeowners have a few choices. Sometimes, a roofer can install new materials over an existing roof. This depends on geographical areas and other considerations. Usually, this type of job is cheaper because it requires less labor. Most experts frown on roofing over old shingles because it is hard to ensure a smooth surface. For this reason, it is usually better to remove old roofing material. This is more expensive, but it offers a superior job that will usually last longer. The prices for roof removal depend on the number of layers on the structure. Some homes may have two or more layers of shingles. All of this material needs to be removed and carried to a local landfill. This will make prices higher, and homeowners should expect to pay more in this situation.
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Rotten Plywood and Framing Members
Most estimates are written to provide for unforeseen charges. A roofing contractor may not know if there is rotten wood until the job commences. Extra charges are associated with rotten wood because it needs to be removed and replaced. Homeowners should be sure to look at the damaged area. Often, homeowners are overcharged for plywood replacement because it is not included in an original estimate.
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Booking Jobs in the Slow Season
During the early spring and summer, most roofing contractors are extremely busy. They may charge much more for services during this time period, and booking services during the off-season is a great way to lower prices. Most roofers are not as busy during the fall and winter, and they may offer services at a dramatic savings.
Installing a new roof is an expensive job, and homeowners should be sure to understand what roofing services entail. Most contractors are reliable, but it is essential to get at least three estimates. There is a large variability in roofing prices around the country, and labor costs are a large part of an estimate.
Bob Anderson is a writer for a Phoenix Roofing Company. He’s interested in all things home improvement and spends particular time thinking about the roofing process.
For more roofing tips on Stagetecture, click here.
You wrote that you will need a new roof if the shingles start curling, as it means they have reached their full lifespan. I noticed that a few of my mother’s shingles were starting to do that and I was wondering what should be done. I’ll have to find a good roofer that she could hire to replace, so that we can get a roof that can properly keep her home and property safe.
Our roof is starting to look old and we are wanting to get it inspected before any major damage happens to it. It is good to know that when the product has reached the end of its life, the granules will fall off the shingles. It is also good to know that the shingles will start to curl. We will keep an eye out for these signs and seek professional help if needed.