Roofing Contractors South Jersey have licensed professionals and are insured for liabilities – don’t be afraid to ask to see insurance validation. They also gain standing with manufacturers that enable them to offer substantial warranties for their work. They typically oversee the operation of a team of specialized professionals throughout a ground-up construction project. They can also help navigate permitting processes and inspections.
Roofing contractors are skilled in repairing and installing roofs made from various materials. In addition to repairing storm damage or addressing wear and tear, they can also handle other issues that may arise during the process of re-roofing a home. They are well-versed in constructing and replacing all components comprising a roof, including vents, flashings, and ridge caps.
Whether your home needs minor repair or an entire new roof, you should hire a licensed and insured roofing contractor. These professionals should offer a warranty on the work they perform, and be sure to provide you with a written estimate that outlines all of the details. You should also be sure to get estimates from multiple companies before hiring a contractor. This will give you an idea of the cost range for the job.
Many homeowners have complained recently about shady roofing contractors. These contractors often avoid giving homeowners a written estimate before beginning work. They may also use premium products on their projects and charge the insurance company for it, pocketing the difference. They may also tell you that you must do certain things to meet city codes when in reality the code does not require it.
A good roofing contractor will have a website that displays their business name. If it is not in a prominent position on their site, this is a red flag. The site should also display page links from other online sources that Google recognizes for you to see.
Roofing contractors should also have construction management software to simplify the day-to-day tasks of managing a professional roofing and siding company. This type of program is designed to help streamline sales prospecting, bid estimating, ordering, accounting, and project management. It also helps manage client information, and store photos from a job in progress that can be used to generate reports and receipts. The system is also designed to make it easy for contractors to keep track of the equipment and materials they need to complete each job.
They Install New Roofs
In addition to repairing existing roofs, roofing contractors also install new ones. If you’re in the market for a brand-new roof, a contractor can walk you through your options and help you select the best material. Whether you want dimensional shingles for added curb appeal, three-tabs to save money, wood shakes for a natural look or metal sheeting for easy maintenance, your contractor can help you weigh the pros and cons of each.
Once you’ve decided on a material, your contractor will remove the old shingles and prep the area for the new roof. He may install drip edge flashing, valley flashing or ice and water sheathing to prevent leaks. If the roof has skylights or chimneys, he will also install flashing to protect these areas. Next, he will place the new shingles, starting at the eaves and working their way up to the peak. He’ll use ridge vents or gable vents to promote attic ventilation.
When the project is complete, your contractor will clean up any debris and dispose of it properly. He’ll also inspect the finished product to ensure there are no problems. If there are, he will repair them as necessary. Roofing contractors often offer limited warranties on their work, which can give homeowners peace of mind.
If you’re considering a re-roofing project, contact several roofing contractors for quotes. Be sure to ask about their experience and how long they’ve been in business. A reputable company will have years of experience installing both commercial and residential roofs. And don’t forget to ask about any guarantees they may offer. Lastly, be sure to get a written estimate before the work begins. This will provide you with proof of payment and ensure the job is completed as described. It will also help avoid any misunderstandings or disputes down the road. This is particularly important if you plan to hire a general contractor, who may not have specialized expertise in your home’s roof.
They Install Other Components
Roofing contractors also help homeowners with the installation of other components needed for a complete roof, such as ridge cap shingles, leak barriers, vents, and roof deck protection. They may also install accessories like gutters and downspouts, if requested. Roofing contracts should specify exactly what will be installed, as well as any other services that are required for the scope of work, such as permits, zoning notices, and inspections. Roofing contractors also manage and supervise the various specialized professionals working on a roof-installation project, much as general contractors handle a construction team throughout a ground-up building project. The contract should also include details about how the various components will be installed, such as if a six-nail rather than four-nail installation is required for a wind-resistance limited warranty.
They Offer Inspections
If you have a new roof, it’s important to have regular inspections done. This keeps your roofing professional on top of the current condition and helps you avoid emergency repairs. Roofing contractors can perform these inspections or recommend someone who does. They can also offer installation services for components that help your home’s energy efficiency and curb appeal, such as ice melting systems.
During an inspection, a roofing contractor will look at the overall condition of the roof and the flashing. They will check for rust, missing or damaged shingles and other damage. They will also look at the gutters and downspouts to make sure there are no blockages. They’ll also look at the soffit to see if it is in good condition and they will inspect any vents on your roof, including gable, soffit and ridge vents.
A roofing contractor will typically start a roof inspection from inside the building. This allows them to see where water is concluding its path and is a good indication of where a leak began. They will also look at the ceilings, walls and interior of the attic for signs of moisture or mold and mildew.
They will also check for any obvious issues, such as sagging near ridge vents or missing shingles. They will also check the condition of your roof flashing, which is metal placed where shingles butt up against something, such as a wall or chimney. The inspector will check that the flashing is not rusted or missing and that it is securely fastened. They will also look at any soffit vents to make sure they are free of debris and that the rubber seals are intact.
Roofing contractors often have other home improvement expertise, such as window and siding installations. Choosing a company that does more than just roofing can save you money and time by letting one company handle all the different aspects of your home’s exterior. It can also keep the work under one contract, making it easier to manage and track. Roofing contractors will also know the process of obtaining any required permits and inspections needed for your home improvement project.