Replacing your shingled roofing is an expensive home improvement project. As the shingles deteriorate the risk of water damage inside your home will force you to act. It is wise to contact a few different roofing contractors and have them visit your property to submit a proper estimate for the shingle replacement job.
Comparing these estimates is essential, from the price to the product installed and the details of workmanship, warranty and replacement coverage. Nasty surprises are common when homeowners have not done their homework and carefully checked all of the details of a roofer's quotation.
What are the details you need to be on the lookout for?
Quality of Materials Being Installed
Have a close look at the new shingles being installed on your roof. What manufacturer is specified? And what level of durability is being offered? Today you can opt for relatively inexpensive three tab shingles for roofing replacement. However, despite offering a 25 year prorated warranty, these shingles are likely to last only 15 years. Putting in a warranty claim will allow you to get some money off a re-shingle job, but the hassle is not often worth the money paid out.
As an alternative many roofers are offering a limited lifetime shingle that carries a full 10 year warranty with an additional 40 years of prorated coverage. That means you can reasonably expect 25 or more years out of this product. The added expense is minimal, even on larger roofs.
Besides the quality of shingles, you need to compare the felt specified by each contractor. You should expect a minimum of 15lb. roofing felt to be installed, covering all of the areas of roof deck not laid with an ice and water shield. Building code specifies in most areas of North America that an ice and water shield at least 3 feet wide be installed at the edge of the roof. Some contractors will install a 6 foot wide shield, reducing the chance of damage from ice dams.
Removal and Installation Procedures
Be sure that your roofing replacement estimate includes the basic details of the company's workmanship. Has removal been specified? Will they replace any roof deck that is found to be in bad shape once the existing shingles have been replaced? Often the contractor will replace two or even three sheets of 4x8 plywood for no charge - anything above that will be an additional charge on the final amount due.
Does the company have a separate workmanship guarantee? You can count on the manufacturer's warranty for the quality of the shingles, however the labor needs to be covered as well - a minimum of ten years coverage is best.
Clean up procedures should also be outlined on the quotation. Will the workers clean up the eaves and surrounding grass? Even when they try their best to contain materials and fasteners, nails, shingles bits and pieces of felt and sharp metal can fall to the ground. It's important that the contractor use a magnet after the completion of the roof to pick up any stray nails, making your property safe for pets and people to walk on.
Insurance Coverage
Be absolutely sure that the company you are dealing with has adequate insurance coverage for your job. Ask them to specify a worker's compensation account number and check for the validity when in doubt. Also be sure that their general liability coverage is at least $2 million. This will protect your home and your pocketbook should any accidents or major damage result during the work.
Comparing the estimates from several roofing contractors is an important step for homeowners. Make sure that the quote includes the quality of materials being used, the level of workmanship to expect and the insurance coverage the company currently has. All of these factors will allow you to make a better decision and end up with a shingle replacement that will last.
Posted by: dianaSuggested Reading For You
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