Tips to Make You a Better Consumer
In any industry there are wonderful professionals who stand by their work and disgraceful opportunists. When it comes to one of the largest investments in your life - your home - being aware can save you thousands of dollars and years of frustration and regret.
Here are a few tips to help you spot the difference and make you an educated consumer.
What makes a roofer "bad"?
- They are not qualified or trained
- They overcharge and under deliver
- They use poor quality materials
- They do not complete the job
- They do not offer any Labor Warranties
Opportunists
Most shingles come with a manufacturer's warranty, but if the labor is not warrantied, it can leave you in a bind if something goes wrong. In such cases, the company is not obliged to come back and repair the damage. Although some companies may offer quotes that are significantly lower than others, this is often a smoke screen.
There are certain costs involved in roofing that qualified companies must pay, and if a quote seems too good to be true, it often is, and this can result in a costly mistake. The job price should account for the professional workers' salary, insurance, permits, and quality materials. If an unsolicited visitor comes to your door offering a massive discount because they are in the neighborhood, this is an opportunistic red flag.
Tips to hiring a qualified roofer:
- Research companies online, read reviews, and visit their website.
- Look for a company with a long history in the business to avoid unreliable companies.
- Quality is essential, so ask about the materials and grades they offer specific to your needs.
- Make sure the company stands by their work with a warranty and has valid insurance to protect you and your property.
- Don't rush into buying the product they sell; instead, educate yourself on the differences between materials.
Roofing Questions
Can you install a metal roof over my existing shingle roof?
If your existing asphalt shingle roof is a single layer of shingles that are in good condition and there are no issues with the sheathing or structure of your roof, we can install some of our metal roofing over your existing roof. Just like every house is unique, so is every roof and roofing material. Some of the roofing products we install will not work over existing shingles. And if your roof has more than one layer or needs strapping to level it out, going over the existing roof would be dangerous and detrimental to your home over the long term, as the weight of the shingles, strapping, and metal roofing would be more than what your home can safely support.
We always strip existing shingles when installing an asphalt shingle roof. Our representatives will work with you to put together a plan that is safe and cost-effective so that once we install your roof, you will not have to worry about it again.
Will metal roofing improve my home's value?
A contemporary metal roof can improve your home's resale value by 1% to 6% compared to an asphalt shingled roof. Homeowners in the northeast recoup an average of 95.5% of their costs of installing metal roofing!