Home Removal Services Blog

Winter may finally be over, but in some of the hardest hit regions of the country, it’s left a lingering reminder of its wrath. As KUSA TV out of Colorado recently reported, “Wet, heavy snow means leaking roofs.” If his or her roof hasn’t been repaired or replaced in a while, the homeowner is particular vulnerable to leaks. An expert source cited in a recent Times Colonist article pointed out that many homeowners “have so many old layers of material on the roof that there is a danger of water leaks or even roof collapse if there is any significant accumulation of snow.”

A leaky roof isn’t just a nuisance and an eyesore either. It can “lead to house fires. Moisture in ceiling electrical boxes can [also] lead to short-circuits,” the expert went on to point out.

Key Danger Signals that Your Roof Is Leaking

If you notice either of these situations creeping up in your home, it’s probably time to consult a roofing contractor:

? Leakage in attic after driving rain
? Stains on interior ceilings and walls or mold and mildew growth

What to Look for in a Roofing Contractor

So you’ve reached the conclusion that it’s time to consult a roofing professional. Now what? KUSA TV offered these guideline.

1. Put a call out to your insurance carrier. ¬- This consultation should take place strictly between the insurance provider and the homeowner. The roofing contractor should not need specifics about coverage and deductibles to provide you with a quote.

2. Get at least a second and preferably even a third opinion. – Don’t just take the first quote and run with it. Call a few roofing contractors and then have them come out and take a look at your roof so they can provide you with an estimate. “Make sure that you are comparing apples to apples in each bid.” That leads to …

3. Don’t automatically accept the lowest bid you receive. – “Low bids can often mean someone is cutting corners to make a profit.”

4. Do your research. – Before hiring a contractor, ask around. Word-of-mouth testimonials from past clients are your best source of information. Check with your local Better Business Bureau and Chamber of Commerce to see if any past complaints have been leveled against the roofing contractor you’re considering and to ensure that they are properly licensed.

5. Get a detailed agreement and contract. – “The agreement should clearly state materials to be used and labor to be performed, along with terms of payment and who is responsible for permits, etc.” When it comes time to sign the contract, “be sure that EVERYTHING you have agreed to is in writing.”

6. Ask for proof of insurance. – Your roofing contractor should carry both Workers’ Compensation and General Liability insurance.

7. Make sure you get warranty terms in writing. – “The contractor should be able to provide you with a sample for your review before signing a contract.”

A new roof is a big job and a big investment. To protect that investment, hire a professional roofing contractor who can offer proven experience, a written estimate and worry-free installation.

Tom Schlund is Projects Manager for Franciscus Roofing, a Cleveland roofing company. Franciscus Roofing specializes in high quality residential and new construction house roofing and <a rel=”nofollow” target=”_blank” href=” roofing”>http://www.franciscusroofing.com/how.cfm”>roofing repair.Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/tips-for-getting-the-best-leaky-roof-repair-945925.html

Time for a new roof? With the government currently offering tax breaks for major home renovations, now might be just the time to take the plunge. If you do so, you’re probably thinking, “How complicated can the choices really be?” Warning: The options are actually a lot more plentiful than you might imagine. The “Times Colonist” recently addressed this topic in an article titled “Lots of options for new roof.”

Sure, functionality is the main selling point when it comes to new roofing, but as a homeowner who takes pride in your home, you want your new roof to look good too. A consultation with a reputable roofing contractor will help you marry function with visual appeal. In the meantime, here are some of roofing options you can mull over. Compare their pros with their cons before deciding which type is right for you.

1. The most popular roofing material, fiberglass is “light yet strong.” These types of shingles are also inexpensive and easy to install. And because they’re made of glass fibers, they have a high flame-resistant rating, thereby better protecting your home against fire. You will, however, have to be prudent in investigating the type of fiberglass material used in the shingles in select since quality widely fluctuates in this market. A new fiberglass roof should last you 25-35 years.

2. Cedar shingles are an attractive roofing option, but they also have a tendency to be expensive. In addition, they’re not particularly fire friendly and must be seal coated every five years. Expect a new cedar roof to last 15 to 30 years.

3. Probably the most expensive option is metal roofing, but the cost may be warranted if you live in a snowy or fire prone region and/or if you anticipate remaining in your home for a long time. Flame resistant and amenable to shedding snow, a new metal roof can last up to 50 years.

4. Roofing tiles made of clay and concrete are heavy and therefore “usually require structural reinforcing to an existing roof.” Much more delicate, hail and freeze-thaw patterns will damage clay and concrete. As such, this type of roof is probably best for those who live in temperate climates. On the upside, a clay and concrete roof will last you 30 years or more.

5. If you like the look of cedar but can’t afford it, consider a roof that is tiled in plastic, polymer and rubber as these materials can mimic that more expensive one. Even better, they’re more durable than cedar, lasting 50 years or more. Eco-conscious homeowners will love the fact that these roofing tiles are made from recycled materials, but they may not enjoy the smell they emit on hot days.

If you’re in the market for a new roof, there’s probably a lot more to think about than you anticipated. An experienced roofing contractor can help you sort it all out. Plus, they can offer you a full range of services from complete tear-offs, re-roofs, repairs and seamless aluminum gutters to complete attic and ventilation analysis to ensure healthy indoor air quality.

Tom Schlund is Projects Manager for Franciscus Roofing, a Cleveland roofing contractor. Franciscus Roofing specializes in high quality residential and new construction house roofing and roofing repair.Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/the-many-faces-of-new-roofing-945931.html