Do I need a new roof?

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Dalnodar) — Sat, 16 May 2009 13:22:00 +0000

The good news is that even if your roof shows signs of wear and tear, you may not need a total roof replacement. Depending on when your roof was installed or replaced, a newly shingled roof should last more than 20 years. However, key factors such as proper installation, ventilation, and climate, impact the life of your roof. And we all know that in Wisconsin we have anything but a mild climate.

While it can be tempting to postpone roofing work to avoid the expense, it is best to be proactive about repairs so that problems and defects that could have been avoided with regular maintenance don’t turn into more costly repairs! Have a reliable roofing professional give your roof a thorough examination and let you know if you are in need of a new roof, or just a few repairs.

Owens Corning has a great page to show you what symptoms to watch for: http://roofing.owenscorning.com/homeowner/thingsyoushouldknow/needaroof.aspx

Tips for Choosing a Roofing Contractor

noreply@blogger.com (Amanda Dalnodar) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 15:30:00 +0000

Find out how much experience the contractor has. Often the longer a contractor has been in business, the more knowledge they have, which often means more choices and better workmanship for your roof.

Ask to see pictures of the contractor's work and for references from past customers. Get this information on the contractor's website or by calling previous customers.

A typical time period for a contractor’s warranty on work performed is one year or longer. Good contractors often will work beyond a written contract. Keep in mind that the manufacturer provides product warranties and often warranties are only valid if a contractor is "certified" to install the product. Be sure to talk to your contractor about following manufacturer specifications that are necessary for product warranty.

Have three contractors you are considering submit three bids in writing. This is useful to compare prices and products the contractors will use to complete the project. If one bid is significantly higher or lower than the others, this usually is a red flag.

Hire a roofing contractor whom you are confident will get the work done right. Even if the contractor manages to meet the above tips but something is telling you not to hire the contractor, don't do it! With a home improvement job as important as repairing or replacing a roof, you need to be confident they will do the job in correctly and in a timely manner.

Make sure your contractor is licensed. Just because a contractor is licensed does not necessarily mean the contractor is a committed professional who will do excellent work. Ask for references. The best way to predict future behavior is by looking at the work done in the past.

Don’t just ask if they have insurance coverage, find out how much. Knowing how much coverage is very important because even though they may be insured, it might not be very much. Have the contractor show you a certificate of insurance. Contractors have a certificate of their insurance that shows coverage dates and policy limits from their insurance carrier.

Ask if they have workers' compensation coverage. Property owners can be sued for accidents that occur on their property so it is very important that all contractors have workers' compensation insurance.

All contractors are required by OSHA to have a safety plan so ask your potential contractor to provide you with one. Safety plans are important for making sure projects get completed and are required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Ask the contractor how they have dealt with complaints in the past. Many of the best contractors have had to handle complaints. Complaints are not necessarily bad, but the way a contractor has handled them can be.

Chris Drewek and Jeff Zakrzewski, owners of D & Z Home Improvement, LLC, have been Wisconsin roofing contractors for three decades. D & Z Home Improvement, LLC. handles various roof projects including tear offs, maintenance, gutter cleaning, repairs, replacements and emergency service. The company pays attention to both the roof's function and style, serving clients in the greater Milwaukee area.

D & Z Home Improvement - Roofing Milwaukee

Do I need a new roof?

Tips for Choosing a Roofing Contractor