As the weather begins to warm, seasonal storms create weather problems throughout the country. One of the most common reasons to have roof repair or replacement is damage that was caused by hail, high winds, and driving rains. If you are concerned that you may have roof damage that needs attention, here are some signs to look for. If you do need work done you will only want to work with reputable contractors, so we have added some information that provides tips on what to look for and what to expect when you hire a contractor.
Signs You Need Roof Repair or Replacement
- Broken or Missing Shingles or Tiles – If your roof is visibly damaged, getting repairs made as quickly as possible is very important because delaying the roof repair can easily lead to exponential increases in the extent of the damage.
- Loose fasteners – Loose or missing screws, tacks, or other fasteners allow moisture to get beneath the roof every time it rains, and damage will be inevitable without quality repair.
- Ceiling Stains – Inside the home, the first sign of a roof leak may be a brown stain on the ceiling. This weakens the ceiling material and could lead to serious damage in a short period of time.
- Roof Leaks – Falling branches or accumulated debris in the valleys of your roof can cause some roofing materials– especially asphalt– to degrade quickly, leading to tile disintegration, and eventual rot.
- Emergency Repairs – If, for example, a tree has fallen on the corner of your house, roof repair or replacement is going to need emergency attention. Contact your insurance company immediately, and then call a roofing company to get the damage protected to the extent that it won’t cause any additional water or wind damage. Once the elements are blocked, remove as much water as you can from the affected area.
Signs of a Bad Roofing Contractor
Without due diligence, you may not even know you’ve hired the wrong roofing company until it is too late. That is why it is important to fully research your contractors before the job begins. Some of the things you should be wary of include:
Verbal Agreements without Contracts
Talk is cheap, but it doesn’t have any binding legal value. Professional contractors will meet with you to determine the details of your roof replacement, and then draw up a contract for services that includes the details of the project, any draws that will need to be paid, and when the project should be completed, among other information. If a contractor is reluctant to enter into a formal contract, you would do well to be equally reluctant to hire them for your project.
Lack of Punctuality
The downside of punctuality is you won’t know how dependable the contractor is before the job begins. Quality contractors will show up promptly at the date and time you were given and will keep the work area– typically the entire circumference of your home during roof replacement– clean and organized. Delays can happen, but the contractor should keep you in the loop if the schedule needs to be adjusted.
Up-front Payment Requirement
Never fully pay a contractor upfront. Any reputable contractor will offer a payment plan of some sort. Most payment schedules are set up according to milestones and involve a percentage of the estimated cost. The percentage is typically around 15 percent to start, a materials draw after the tear-off, then a final draw at the end of the job. Your contractors may not use this cost breakdown, but it should be recognizably similar. Peak Roofing & Exteriors will never ask for full payment before the job begins but will provide you with payment options up front.
About Job Quotes
A job quote is an estimate of the work to be performed. During the initial consultation, the contractor representative will get measurements, go over roof style, type, color options, and more. After collecting the necessary information the company will provide you with an estimated cost. If you agree to this cost, a formal contract will be written and the job can be approved.
Job quotes should be provided for free. Additionally, it is a good idea to compare quotes from more than one contractor. If the work is going to be covered by your insurance, please have the initial adjuster’s report available so that the contractor and insurance provider can expedite resolving your insurance claim. Peak Roofing & Exteriors has extensive experience in the insurance industry and can help facilitate your claim.
Signs of Great Roofing Contractors
Word of Mouth
Friends, neighbors, and work associates are some of the best roofing contractor referrals you can get. Networking with people you know can get in-depth descriptions of everything from customer courtesy and timeliness to the quality of the workmanship.
Online Reviews
Researching online reviews is another source of great insight into prospective roofing companies. Keep in mind, however, that online reviews also open the field to poor reviews from unethical competitors. Additionally, every business will eventually encounter a customer that simply couldn’t be satisfied. If a majority of reviews are filled with praise, a single awful one may not be a cause for concern.
Consumer Protection Agencies
The Better Business Bureau is the best consumer protection company when it comes to hiring local contractors. Start by looking at how long the contractor has been a member, and proceed to ratings provided by the organization. The BBB also keeps records of complaints filed against companies and how the company resolved those complaints.
Testimonials and Previous Projects
The very best way to get an idea of what the contractor can do is to see what they have already done. If you don’t have any personal associates that have worked with this contractor, checking the company website for testimonials and project galleries of previous contracts is the next best thing.
Spring in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas will include strong and sometimes, severe storms. If your home or business experiences roof damage from hail or high winds, know what to look for. Check for damage immediately and then reach out for expert guidance from a reputable roofing contractor, like Peak Roofing & Exteriors, as soon as possible.
Peak Roofing & Exteriors
If you’re looking for an honest and experienced team that can handle your residential or commercial roofing project in Northwest Arkansas, Northeast Louisiana, or West Texas, look no further. Peak Roofing & Exteriors can take care of your home or business with quality and integrity. Contact us today and book your FREE inspection!