A high number of factors can be presented when it comes to choosing the right roofing contractor. The question that should first be posed is; who is a ‘right’ contractor? The answer is quite simple: One who is licensed! That leads us to the next logical question in line: Why is a licensed roofing contractor right? We will answer this question as we take a look at the fact why is it so much important to hire a licensed contractor.

First of all, a roofing contractor’s license says a thing or two about them. One is that they have obviously passed the eligibility criteria and that is how they have obtained a contractor’s license. This makes sure that a licensed contractor has ample knowledge and at least some experience in their respective field. Moreover, since licensed roofing contractor has a license, it allows them to get a permit for re-roofing your house. This permit gives you the opportunity to have your roof inspected by a city official who will see whether your roof has been prepared in a way that complies with the mandatory code of roofing. Similarly, your licensed contractor will be legally responsible for your roof that he has built, to pass the code. If your roof is not found up to the code, your contractor will be held liable, so much so that his license can be revoked on account of building roof that is not found to meet the mark of required quality.

Furthermore, before hiring a contractor, ask them to give you a copy of their license. Do not hesitate in doing that as it is your right. If a contractor fails to produce his license, do not hire him. Roofing customers loose a whopping $25 million every year to unlicensed contractors. Do not let yourself become one of them!

Roof replacement can be daunting task for many. Whenever we come across a roof replacement task, the first thing we generally look at is cost estimates. While there are consultants and companies out there who can help, but it is always better to get some know-how of what to look for to establish roof replacement estimates so that you are in a better position to carry out and supervise the task. Following are some considerations that will directly or indirectly affect you cost estimates.

1. Partial or full Roof Replacement
Determine the state your roof is in. if it hasn’t been completely worn off and only has parts of it damaged then you may not have to replace the whole roof. However, sometimes the whole roof has to be torn off. This adds to the cost of roof replacement.

2. Number of Roof Layers to be Replaced
Most cities in the US allow up to three roofing layers with asphalt or other shingles. Whether you have to remove only one layer or more is going to affect the roof replacement estimate. At times, there is damage mostly in the lower layers and for that upper layer(s) needs to be taken off too. Keep these factors in mind when preparing an estimate.

3. Cost of Shingles
The type of shingles you are going to use will be a main factor driving your estimate. For example if you are going to use asphalt shingles they are going to cost you much lesser than when you plan to use the heavier architectural shingles. That is because these heavier shingles costs almost double the amount of asphalt ones.

4. Cost of gutters
If there are gutters you need to repair along with your roof then it will add to your roof replacement estimate.

5. Other Preferences
If you want extra durability then you may opt for metal roofs. While these roofs cost a lot more, they have a tendency to last for a much longer time. If you want to later on save on your energy costs, you should invest into good insulation.

These and other considerations will help you get a more accurate estimate for roof replacement.

It is common for your roof to contract serious damage overtime. This damage could be due to the weather conditions, malfunctioning of the roofing material or simply wear-n-tear disintegration. Many of these situations and roof conditions can be handled with roof repair and without needing a replacement. However, there are also conditions where repairs won’t do and you will find yourself needing a new roof altogether.

It may not always be easy to tell whether you need a replacement or a repair. Here you will find three ways to determine when you should go for roof replacement vs. roof repair.

1. Keep a check on your home’s interior
The very initial signs of roof damage can be seen in the interior of the buildings. If you are witnessing flaking paint, stains of ceiling, paint discoloration and wall paper that is peeling off, be wary about the condition of your roof. These may be caused by small holes or by cracking shingles. The former and the likes will need only patch up or small repair, while the latter will not be corrected by merely repair. The key is to nip it in the bud. Do not keep waiting until the damage becomes significant. Hire a consultant to draw up an estimate on repairs vs. replacement. Compare the cost of the separate estimates with the expected life of the roof after the treatment. Having compared everything, take an action accordingly. 

2. Know about the life and durability of your roofing material
Different roofing materials need different maintenance and care levels. For example, you need to inspect and treat shingles annually and bi-annually, while PVC doesn’t need almost any maintenance at all. Knowing out your roofing material will let you be in a better position to decide whether an d when it needs a roof repair vs. roof replacement.

3. Age of your current roof
A factor that will be prime in all your decisions regarding roof treatment is the age of your roof. Such as a damaged roof with shingles which is over 20 years old, should rather be replaced vs. a similar roof with an age of less than 15 years. However, do check your roof once to twice every year whether or not it is a certain age.