Roofing:
Replacing Your Roof
Q: |
How do I know if I need a new roof? |
A: |
Your first clue is the age of your roof. The average life expectancy of a typical residential roof is 20 to 25 years. If your roof was properly installed and is less than that age, it can often be repaired rather than replaced. Isolated leaks usually can be repaired.
If you don’t know the age of your roof look at the edges of the shingles. If the shingles are starting to curl up at the corners and edges it’s time to start planning for replacement. |
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Water damage to your home's interior or overhangs is commonly caused by leaks from a single weathered portion of the roof, poorly installed flashing, or in the area around chimneys and skylights. These problems do not necessarily mean you need to replace the entire roof. |
Taking Care of Your Roof
Q: |
What's the best way to help my roof last longer? |
A: |
Whatever the roofing material -- composition shingle, wood shake, tile or metal -- the best way to preserve your roof is to stay off it. Seasonal changes in the weather are usually responsible for wear and tear on your roof. Make sure you clean leaves and debris from the roof's valleys and gutters. Debris in the valleys can cause water to spread under the shingles and cause damage. Clogged gutters can cause water to flow back onto the eaves and cause damage. Also keep trees trimmed back away from the roof. Branches from trees will rub the shingles and greatly decrease the life of the roof, also allowing easy access for animals and insects. |
Hiring a Licensed Contractor
Q: |
Okay, I need a new roof. How can I find a licensed contractor? |
A: |
One of the best ways to find a roofing contractor is to ask friends or relatives for recommendations. If you don’t have any luck there the Better Business Bureau is another great resource. You can also check with your village building department to find out if a certain contractor is licensed in your town. |
More Useful Tips
- Hire only licensed contractors;
- Contractor should be a member of Better Business Bureau and in good standing;
- Get three references and review past work;
- Get at least three bids;
- Get a written contract and don't sign anything until you completely understand the terms;
- Never pay more than 30 % down payment;
- Don't let your payments get ahead of their work and keep records of payments and all papers in a job file;
- Don't make final payment until you're satisfied with the job;
- Don't rush into repairs or be pressured into making an immediate decision to choose a roofer
What About the Contract?
It's important that you get everything in writing. A well-written contract is one of the best ways to prevent problems. The contract protects you and the contractor by including everything you have both agreed upon. Get all promises in writing and spell out exactly what the contractor will and will not do. Make sure any changes to the contract, called change orders or addendums, are also done in writing.
. . . and Permits?
Your contract should call for all work to be performed in accordance with all applicable building codes. Building codes set minimum safety standards for construction.
Generally, a building permit is required whenever structural work, like a roof is involved. The contractor should get all necessary building permits. If this is not specified in the contract, you may be held legally responsible if the contractor fails to get the required permits.
Your local building department will inspect your roof when the project has reached a certain stage and again when the roof is completed.
. . . and Insurance?
Make sure the licensed contractor carries worker's compensation insurance for his or her employees. They must also tell you if they carry general liability insurance in case of accidents on the job. Ask for copies of these policies to keep in your job file.
A Warning about being your own Contractor (Owner/Builder)
Homeowners can face very serious legal and financial problems if they choose to try to save money by acting as their own contractor. The term for this is owner/builder. If the homeowner chooses to be an owner/builder, they become an employer and must:
- Provide workers compensation insurance and withhold payroll taxes if they hire any unlicensed contractors;
- Be responsible for making sure the job is done properly. If any of the construction doesn't pass building inspections, the homeowner is responsible for correcting the work;
- Make sure all contractors and material suppliers are paid, or mechanic's liens may be filed against your property. Even though you may have paid your roofing contractor in full, a mechanic's lien could lead to the sale of your property in order to pay a bill for services on your property that was not paid by your contractor. It is not illegal for a homeowner to act as an owner/builder. But, unless you have a lot of experience in construction, it is highly recommended you hire a licensed expert.
Typical Roofing Scams
While most roofing projects go as planned, it's important that you're aware of some typical roofing scams. The most common is someone who knocks on your door, offering to replace damaged shingles and spray your roof with oil, sealers or preservatives.
Typically, they will say they noticed the homeowner's roof is in need of repair and they have leftover materials from a nearby job and can complete the repair for a reasonable price.
The bogus coating is often a diluted mixture of diesel or gasoline and paint and washes off with the first rain. Later, some roofers say they made other needed repairs or come out of your attic with wet clothes and saying they’ve detected water damage. These unscrupulous roofers can use pressure and intimidation to extort more money from the homeowner.
Homeowners should not rush into any construction job just because they're told they're getting a great deal. Always make an educated buying decision.
Crafter
Corporation
8519 W. 191st Street
Mokena, IL 60448
Office: 815-806-2208
Fax: 815-806-8425 |
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