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Investing in a roof replacement is among the most important things you can do as a homeowner. After all, your roof is incredibly important, and when you notice problems such as leaks, it is time to act immediately. These problems can evolve into much more serious issues if ignored. As such, it is vital to get reliable roofing contractors to do the job. Along with that, you should prepare a list of questions for the contractor in advance. Doing so will ensure that you can trust them and that they are qualified for the job. In order to help you out, we have put together a list of 7 important questions to ask your roofing contractor to make sure they are trustworthy, and we hope you find it helpful.

1. Are they licensed and insured?

The first question should always be if the contractors are licensed and insured. Their license has to be up to date, and they need to be properly insured. Mainly, you should worry about liability insurance since it protects you from damage caused by the roofers during their work. Also, do not be afraid or ashamed to ask for documentation; a good contractor will always be able to prove their license and insurance with proper documents. So, if you check your roof for storm damage, and find that it needs repairs, always lead with this question.

2. Ask to see references

When you find a potential roofer, be sure to ask if you can see references and reviews from previous clients. Having a vote of confidence from a previous client is always a good thing. Additionally, this will help you gauge the quality of the contractor’s work through reviews and testimonies. Especially if we are talking about a roof inspection when buying a home, you will want to know that you are hiring the best of the best to get it done. So, ask to see references, and rely on the experience of previous clients to help you decide. And if the potential contractor refuses to show any references, maybe look elsewhere.

3. Ask which materials they offer

Once you identify, the next on the list of important questions to ask your roofing contractor is what kind of material they offer. By doing this, you can get a general idea of the materials available and the price range. This is important if you have a specific material in mind so you can know all of your options before making a decision. Roofing materials you can find are asphalt shingles, natural slate, metal roofing, and clay or ceramic tiles. Out of these, asphalt shingles are the cheapest, and metal is the most durable in the long run. Certain companies might also offer some rarer options, such as fish-scale shingles or slate-style shingles.

4. Ask what their change process is

Sometimes, contractors will run into hidden problems during their job, most commonly wood rot in this case, or if the homeowner changes their mind when they see the materials. The homeowner then needs to sign off on changes that will delay the project and most likely change the project’s cost. If any of this happens to be the case, you will want to know the exact process of signing off on these changes. So, always ask about the change process before hiring contractors. Especially if this is work being done on a new home, you will have your hand’s full preparing and packing for your move—the least you want to have on your mind are complications like this. A complete packing checklist is an excellent idea, especially for beginners, to stay organized. So, prepare to pack everything with ease ahead of time.

5. Ask if they offer storm damage repairs

Bad weather can easily ruin a roofing project at any point. As such, you will want to know if the contractor offers storm damage repair services just in case. The most common types of damage which occur are wind damage, debris damage, and water damage. Wind damage is not too dangerous, but it does expose your home to further damage. On the other hand, water damage and debris damage can be catastrophic, especially if you are in the middle of having your roof replaced. As such, it is important to have them accounted for as soon as possible.

6. Ask if they will remove the old roof or leave it on

Homeowners might choose to have their new roof placed directly on top of the old one in order to save on disposal and tear-off costs. However, in this case, your old roof might have hidden issues that will not be discovered and addressed. This might cause the new roof to fail prematurely, and anything you save through the process will likely be spent on repairs anyway. Still, it is good to know if the contractor you are considering even offers the option in the first place, as some roofers will outright refuse to build on top of an old roof.

7. Ask what other roofing services they offer

Somewhere down the line, you will have to replace or repair your roof again. As such, it is important to ask the contractor if they offer residential roof repairs as well as replacements. After all, if you are happy with the job they do, you are likely to rely on them again. So, when you spot a potential contractor, be sure to ask about all of their services.

7 important questions to ask your roofing contractor–wrap up

Eventually, every homeowner will have to either replace or repair their roof. Because this is a vital part of your home, you need to make sure the job is done properly and without any issues. Knowing what kind of roofing contractor you are hiring is extremely important. With that in mind, remember to ask them questions thoroughly before you decide to actually hire them. We hope you found this list of 7 important questions to ask your roofing contractor helpful, and we wish you a wonderful rest of your day.

When a hurricane or hail storm strikes, it can be challenging to determine the extent of the damage. Therefore, you should inspect your roof after a storm, even if you believe it is unscathed. You don’t want to be in a situation where you are oblivious that your roof has been damaged. If you don’t look closely, the next time a storm or even a simple rainfall occurs, you might have a massive mess on your hands. For this reason, we will show you how to check your roof for storm damage so that you can keep your home safe and in one piece.

What Can Cause Damage During a Storm

Numerous factors can cause damage to your roof, particularly if you do not have the appropriate type of roof for the environment in which you live. Before making any changes to your current roof, you should always consult with professional roofers. However, certain things can damage or even destroy your roof, regardless of whether you have the correct type of roof or not. These are some examples:

• Wind: Hurricane-force winds or gale-force winds can cause severe damage to your home’s roof. Winds may blow away shingles, exposing the underlayment or roof deck.
• Hail: Although hailstorms are seldom long, they may damage or remove shingle granules. Hail damage might also detract from the visual attractiveness of your roof.
• Ponding: Small puddles of water on your roof can wreak havoc. Ponding can happen if your drainage system is not up to par. If you have clogged gutters, this can also cause rainfall to back up beneath your shingles, allowing water to penetrate the roof deck.
• Debris: A strong enough storm can launch tiny branches or even massive tree limbs onto your roof. Large things like that may damage or affect the shingle surface, letting moisture into the roof, although lighter branches may not be as harmful.

Perform A Visual Inspection

No matter what kind of storm occurs outside your home, the first thing you can do to check your roof for storm damage is to look at it. You should go around your house and physically assess the outside siding, gutters, and downspouts. Additionally, look at every part of the roof that you can see from the ground. If you have a multi-story house, you can use binoculars to have a better look. Look for evidence of wind or hail damage such as indentations, divots, or scratches in your siding. Also, look for any damage to your gutters.

Afterward, climb to the roof itself. Since severe winds can easily pull shingles away, exposing your roof’s underlayment to moisture, you need to ensure that all shingles are in place. If there are missing shingles, you should look for them. Check your yard and gutters for shingle pieces as well. You should clear your whole roof of any torn or shattered shingle pieces. Once you are done with that, you can assess the full extent of the damage. Afterward, you can try and mend the roof yourself or hire professionals to do it for you.

Examine The Interior

Even if you don’t see any damage on the outside, that doesn’t mean no damage has occurred. If your property has an attic, you should do a walk-through to check if anything needs to be repaired. Look for evidence of water damage or leaks. You can also see damage in the form of light coming in throughout small holes that may have been created during a hail storm. Of course, if you detect outside debris such as roofing shards, leaves, pebbles, or twigs, wind and hail have most likely ripped a hole in your roof. Even if you don’t have an attic, you should inspect the walls and ceiling on your home’s highest level. Water stains may signal a roof leak caused by a storm.

If the damage to your roof is extensive, it may necessitate extensive repair work. In this situation, it’s best to keep your belongings somewhere safe for the duration of the repairs. Renting a storage unit for your furniture is a good idea. All you have to do is figure out how much space you need for all of your belongings, and that’s it.

Have Professionals Check Your Roof For Storm Damage

If a strong storm just hit your home, and you are unsure how to check for damages, it’s always a good idea to call professionals to do a thorough examination. We would advise that you do this even if you’ve had a thorough look yourself. If your roof suffers significant damage during a hail storm, you should contact roofers specializing in hail damage roof inspections. A professional roof inspection of this nature will help you with insurance claims once everything has settled. The roofers may advise you on whether or not to submit a claim with your insurance carrier.

Now you know how to check your roof for storm damage. And, as you can see, that is not too much work. The only important thing is that you are thorough and know what to look for. However, you can always hire professional roofers if you don’t think you could spot any issues. They will be happy to assist you in determining the extent of the damages sustained to your roof during a storm.

When it comes to home inspections in Georgia, most people focus on the obvious. Things such as the HVAC system, the foundation, the electrical system, and the insulation. When it comes to roof inspections, however, most people take them at face value, noting only if they see a hole in the roof or other major damage. These issues are disastrous, but what if we told you that when it comes to roofing, there can be problems that are not visible to the naked eye, which can cost you a lot of money in the future? This article will show you the importance of a roof inspection when buying a home. 

1. A Roof Inspection Will Allow You To Know If The Asking Price Is Fair

Roof inspections are essential for ensuring that you pay a fair price when buying a new home. If a roof needs to be repaired, this should be factored into the home’s appraisal. If you discover that you will need to hire roofers to fix something shortly, you must also factor that into your offer. Roofing issues ranging from simple maintenance issues to the need for total removal and replacement of the current system may prove to be a significant factor in determining the value of a home. As a result, it is prudent to ensure that you are aware of any potential issues with the roof of the house you wish to purchase. Knowing this will keep you from overspending on the house with a faulty roof.

2. You Will Be Able To Address Problems Before They Happen

As a prospective homeowner, the last thing you want is to be hit with unexpectedly high roofing costs. Doing a roof inspection before you purchase a property can provide you with a comprehensive overview of the repairs that the house may need. If there are, for example, damaged or missing shingles, there could be a lot more issues soon. Arranging for a professional roofer to assess the general state and condition of the roof might be well worth the comparatively minor expense. Prospective purchasers may even be able to negotiate for the property’s present owners to reimburse inspection charges.

3. You Will Know How Much The Maintenance Will Cost

The cost of maintenance can vary depending on how the roof was constructed. The roof may appear to be in good condition at first glance but end up being fragile. It often happens with DIY roofing projects. Other than that, roofs, particularly ones that are more than five years old, are prone to various issues. Poor insulation, ventilation, moisture buildup, or hail damage are concerns your inspector may notice. Once your inspector detects these issues, they will be able to offer a full assessment of any problems that need immediate attention. They will also be able to propose solutions.

That is not to say that you shouldn’t do any of this if the house has a newer roof. New systems and roofs in good condition also need regular maintenance and care. Having a roofer check the materials and conditions of the roof allows new homeowners to predict future maintenance requirements better.

4. You Will Have More Room For Negotiation

When you know the exact extent of the repairs the roof will need and the associated structural damage, you will have more negotiating power when it comes to the price of the property and the terms of the agreement. A general house inspector’s report that says the roof has many years of life remaining may lead you to get a false sense of the house’s worth. As we’ve stated earlier, this is not something you want to happen if you want to get the best deal.

However, if you have a thorough report on the roof’s condition, you can negotiate a lower price for the house if the owner is unwilling to pay the money for repairs. This can be done with an insurance claim, which should not be a problem for the seller. Doing this will save you a lot of time and money. This is important to know because most insurance plans don’t cover issues that happened before you moved into the property. 

Arranging For an Inspection

Before bidding on a new property, you should hire a professional to examine the roof thoroughly. A skilled roofer can do a comprehensive inspection in hours and may wind up playing a critical part in ensuring that prospective purchasers make more effective and successful judgments. Discussing future alterations, renovations, and similar choices with a professional may also be beneficial. This is particularly the case if you plan on doing additional work on the house after you buy it. Once you’ve completed the inspection portion of the buying process, you’ll be able to focus on other important aspects of your long-distance move to Georgia. Important aspects like finding reputable movers that can get you here with ease. This is why it is essential to understand this process now.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are numerous advantages to having a professional roof inspection and numerous disadvantages to skipping it. Now that we’ve gone over the importance of a roof inspection when buying a home in great detail, you should be able to make the most informed decision when choosing which house to buy and which one to skip.

While some home improvement projects can be fun, there are others that are best left to experts. When it comes to the safety of your home and family, there are no shortcuts. The roof is an integral part of any house and should be treated with care and professionalism. With that in mind, here are six dangers of DIY roofing projects you should avoid.

#1. You may injure yourself

We have to start with a big one. Falling from the roof is a very real threat. If you don’t have the necessary roofing skills and have never worked on a construction site, you should avoid climbing on the roof.

A slight change in the current of the wind could knock you off in an instant, resulting in an injury or even death. If you think you need a roof inspection or to make some repairs, reach out to roofing professionals.

#2. The project may fail

Without any intent to discourage your creativity or engagement in the remodeling process, you should know that fixing or expanding a roof is not easy. If you don’t understand the wall and roof structure, you might cause a lot of damage, resulting not only in the failure of the project but in additional repairs.

Since the roof protects your house, you don’t want to play with it. However, if you hire professional contractors, they will finish the project quickly and precisely. Furthermore, you can still be a part of it, since you need to provide all the information about the changes. Put yourself in the position of someone who oversees the work, and let the professionals do the heavy lifting.

What you can do is clear out the attic so that they have enough space to work. Look into renting a self-storage unit, as it can be a real lifesaver when you find yourself with a bunch of stuff and no place to move them to. Some moving companies in Atlanta even offer to take your items to the unit, so make sure to find the best assistance and know your belongings are in safe hands.

#3. No warranty in case the project fails

Since we established that one of the dangers of DIY roofing projects is that they may fail, you take all the responsibility when that happens. Besides, you will have to cover all the expenses of fixing whatever damage you caused. You will also have to deal with the fact that you spent money purchasing remodeling materials for a project you will not finish.

The good side of hiring professional roofers is that they provide a workmanship warranty for any roofing services they provide. This way, you are protected even if there is a problem with the project.

#4. Get ready for a world of stress

Even if you have experience and knowledge and we rule out the physical dangers of DIY roofing projects, there is one thing that will be your companion during the entire process: stress. If you hit the ceiling and have to deal with delays or changes in your plans, your stress levels will go up. You can’t always know what’s going to happen, and if you don’t have anyone else to rely on, everything falls on your back.

Professional roofers know what can happen in every situation, and they have a prepared solution. There are no unknown factors, and you can relax and enjoy your spare time while they do all the work.

#5. Purchasing the wrong materials

Before you start a DIY roofing project, you need to purchase all the necessary materials and tools. Since there are different types of roofs, every roof structure requires a unique approach and materials. If you are not familiar with that, you can easily buy something that will not be of use.

That will double the money spent and extend the time you need to complete the project. When all the things start to pile up, you will be annoyed and possibly lose the will to finish the project. However, since you have already started, merely stopping is not an option. You have to finish it.

That may result in a poor, rushed job that will only require a new project very soon.

#6. You will spend a substantial amount of money

If we do simple math and add all the expenses, you will have for a DIY roofing project, with possible additional costs due to errors. You need to be ready to spend a lot of money. You can’t even sit down and set a precise financial budget because you don’t know how much everything will cost.

A tremendous benefit of hiring professional roofers is that you get an offer right away, and you know if you can afford it or not. Furthermore, many quality companies have discounts and special offers for returning customers. It is a fact that you will pay less if you hire contractors for this.

Hire professional roofers for your peace of mind

Let’s do a quick summary of possible outcomes if you decide to start a DIY roofing project:

• you may injure yourself;
• the project may fail;
• if the project fails, there is no warranty, and you pay for all the additional expenses;
• a lengthy and challenging project will increase your stress levels;
• you might purchase the wrong tools and materials for the job;
• a DIY project can cost a lot of money, and you cannot create solid a financial plan due to many unpredicted circumstances

These six dangers of DIY roofing projects are more than reason enough to hire professional roofers and let them take care of everything. You will save money, time, and energy and enjoy your new, quality roof for many years to come!