Do All New Roofs Come with A Warranty?

All new roofs installed by contractors that operate legally come with multiple warranties – here are some important things that you should know about the types of roofing warranties that you will get:

• Standard manufacturer’s warranties – these warranties cover the products purchased for the roof, with protection available in the case of manufacturing defects. This type of warranty covers only for the faulty materials, so any other costs related to the handling of the defective material will need to be covered by the buyer;
• Workmanship warranties – the Gaithersburg roofing contractor who performs the installation of the new roof will need to provide a labor warranty to protect the client against roof failures that occur because of incorrect installation or other faults related to workmanship;
• Comprehensive coverage – this type of warranty is optional and comes for additional costs, but the coverage is much wider and much longer than in the case of the previous two types of warranties. Comprehensive warranties usually cover for damage sustained by a wider range of roof components as well as lifetime coverage, for workmanship errors, lasting for as long as the roof is in the possession of the person on whose name the warranty has been issued.

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What Is the Average Time It Takes to Replace Your Roof?

Roof replacement is a major home remodelling project, but an average asphalt roof takes only 1-3 days to be replaced, while concrete tiles take the longest, usually 6-9 days. However, the duration of the process in the case of your building will be influenced by a number of factors – here are some:

• The size of your roof – the larger the roof, the longer the replacement work takes;
• The complexity of the roof design – the volume of extra features on your roof will also have an impact on the duration. Roof slopes that feature multiple angles, multiple skylights, chimneys and other openings that need to be surrounded with flashing, multiple roof valleys that also need to be reinforced with flashing will all prolong the roof replacement process;
• The weather – roof replacement should always be performed in dry, stable weather, therefore one of the most important sources of information to consult before starting the northern Virginia roofing project is the weather forecast. However, rain or a storm can come unexpectedly even if the forecast is for fair weather, case in which the roofing site needs to be covered in foil and all installation work must be stopped until the weather turns dry again. The number of rainy days is thus also a factor that will impact the duration of your replacement project.

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3 Questions to Ask When Picking A Roofing Contractor

The roofing contractor that you hire can make or break your Potomac roofing project, so you need to be very careful when selecting your roofer. Here are three important questions to ask contractors before making the final decision:

1. Licenses, insurances and certificates – only roofers that carry a state-issued license and mandatory insurance policies can work legally, so asking to be provided copies of the documents is very important. You should also find out about any certificates obtained from roofing material manufacturers to prove training received in using specific materials;
2. Experience – you need a roofer who specializes in the material and the type of roof that you need, so ask the roofer about their experience and expertise. You can ask the contractor to show you their portfolio and you can also ask for references that you can check;
3. The roofing process – ask the roofer to walk you through the roofing process, to explain you every step involved. Find out about the size and the composition of the roofing team as well as about the services included in the price, such as the removal of the debris generated during the roofing process, the final cleaning of the area around the building and the disposal of any waste.

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Is It Okay to Replace Your Roof If You Get Spring Snowstorm?

While late spring, when the weather is stable and fair, is ideal for roof replacement, the beginning of the season might be capricious, with a higher likelihood of low temperatures and even snowstorms. Roof replacement using any type of material requires stable weather conditions, free from rain, snow and strong winds and some materials are not suitable for being installed under certain temperatures – here are some things that you should know:

• Temperatures too low for roofing – while metal roofs can be installed in almost any temperature, the materials that use adhesive sealants can become brittle in cold circumstances, therefore they should be put up only if temperatures are above freezing, the best range being 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Some types of tiles can also become more brittle and they might crack more easily;
• Other aspects related to weather conditions – roofing work should not be performed on wet surfaces or on surfaces covered in snow or ice. Working among wet or icy conditions is not only dangerous for the roofer – cold and wet weather also makes roofing work more complicated and more uncomfortable.

If your roof has been recently damaged by a snowstorm, it might be a good idea to find a temporary solution to the leaks or call American Custom Contractors to perform repair work right away.

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Who Is Responsible For Buying The Roofing Material For A New Project?

 

Buying roofing material for a new roof project is not easy. Browsing through catalogues and setting up your mind on some materials, textures and colors is not a guarantee that those materials are suitable for your project, therefore you should avoid making such decisions on your own and consult with a professional contractor instead.

Buying the roofing materials is definitely your responsibility, as a customer, but when it comes to purchasing them physically from a manufacturer and transporting them to the site, you can have your roofer deal with this process, if you regulate it by contract, to make sure that the materials are exactly those you pay for. Besides, some roofing contractors northern Virginia team up with certain manufacturers, which could get you discounts, or at least good offers, as well as full warranties.

Of course, you can also purchase the roofing materials on your own, if this is really what you want, but do not be too surprised if the roofer you contact for the installation will not be able to use them as a part of the roof system they can offer, which can make you lose some benefits included in roofing offers.

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Do Contractors Offer Payment Plans For Projects?

Many contractors are ready to offer payment plans for their clients, to meet their needs and also to prove their own level of commitment.

There are different kinds of projects, some of them being extensive and involving higher risks. As a client, it feels more comfortable and safer to make progress payment, as the work is completed. This way, you can better manage your budget and also feel confident that you do not pay for uncompleted work or for materials that have not been delivered. You will not feel like you are expected to provide working capital for the contractor.

On the other hand, plans can also help contractors to make more money. Cash payments can be a serious challenge for some people, especially when they need unexpected services (emergencies), so offering financing is a great sales and marketing strategy for a contractor, which will attract more customers and get more projects. Let`s just think about a home renovation project:  a low, monthly cost will offer customers the opportunity to buy more and build more, allowing for better sales for the contractor and business growth.

As a contractor, keep in mind that your customers will surely appreciate that you are willing to take into consideration their ability to pay.  For client help see https://americancustomcontractors.com/mclean-va/.

 

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Why Do Roofing Contractors Need Insurance?

Before forging ahead with the roofing work you need, you must evaluate a roofing contractor and make sure it meets all the important criteria in order to be hired. One of the most important is carrying adequate insurance.

The roof is the element that protects the entire building, therefore you must not take any risks on it. Hiring the wrong contractor can end up in taking way more money than necessary from your pocket to fix things up and pay for the roofer`s negligence.

Any roofing contractor should carry valid workman’s compensation and liability insurance – and these should also be verifiable! These types of insurance are mandatory because they protect you if accidents happen during the Potomac roofing project.

There are different accidents that may occur while a roofing contractor does its job. First, no matter how professional and well-trained workers are, mistakes can happen while performing different operations. In this case, professional liability insurance will protect you from having to pay for your roofer`s mistake. Secondly, considering the degree of risk associated with roofing and working at height in general, worker’s compensation insurance will protect you from being required to pay for workers that may get injured on your property (emergency medical services, doctor`s bills, or the worst scenario: funeral costs).

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How Do Roofing Contractors Work?

Roofing contractors do all kind of roofing works, from Gaithersburg roofing inspections and maintenance operations, to repairs and new roof installations, for all types of buildings. Most of them specialize in certain types of services (residential roofing, commercial roofing, solar panel installation etc.), by going through a certification process.

They work year round, including in winter, because nowadays the advancements in the roofing industry make it possible to perform roof work even when it is cold. Besides, emergencies happen all the time, regardless the season.

Reliable roofing contractors are licensed, certified, insured and always work on a legal contract basis. Roofing works are expensive, and clients should not take any risk by accepting to pay for unqualified services.

Here are a few things to expect when you contact a roofing contractor:

• You are entitled to receive written proof of the roofer`s credentials (copies of certificates, a list of referrals, etc.)
• Your roof must be inspected by a specialist and you must get a written estimate that has to include materials, costs and other important information that will be written in the contract too, once you agree on it.
• You must receive warranties for the services you pay for (warranties for the materials and workmanship)

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When A Storm Hits – 5 Things You Can Do to Protect Your Roof

Storms are among the most common causes for roof damage. While the harm caused by raging winds, hail, thunder and heavy raining cannot be entirely prevented, there is a lot that homeowners can do to help their roof survive with minimum damage. Here are some tips how:

• Checking and cleaning the roof surface – a clean and intact roof can stand up to the strong forces of nature more efficiently than a roof weakened by dirt and neglect. You should inspect and clean your roof twice a year and it is a good idea to conduct additional cleaning sessions whenever a strong storm is announced;
• Checking and cleaning the gutters – storms usually come with large amounts of precipitation that needs to be directed away from the walls of the building. Whenever you inspect and clean your roof, do the same with the gutters, too – that is the only way to reduce the risk of water damage;
• Never postpone repairs – storms can form unexpectedly, so your building needs to be in top shape at all time. If you notice any fault on your roof, arrange for timely repairs to make sure that your roof performs impeccably in case of a sudden storm.  Having scheduled maintenance from one of the roofing companies northern Virginia is home to is always a good idea.

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How Long Can You Wait to Do A Repair on A Roof?

 

Most roofing experts recommend to handle your roof’s repair needs right away, quick action being the only way to stop any damage from aggravating. Here are some things that you should have in mind when weighing the risks of postponing the repair of your roof:

• Some forms of damage become more severe almost overnight – most forms of damage associated with the exposure to water can aggravate very quickly. Hairline cracks in flashing stripes can quickly enlarge, any blisters that appear on the shingles and retain water can grow and transform into severe damage, therefore they are best addressed in a timely manner;
• Leaks – if your roof has started letting water through, you shouldn’t wait to get the repair started because any small gap, crack or hole through which water can seep in can quickly become a large gap through which water is no longer seeping, but pouring;
• Prevention of water damage to the building components other than the roof – any damage sustained by your roof and your gutters can affect the walls, the basement and the foundation of your building, too. A roof that cannot direct water away can let water soak the structures underneath, which can lead to the appearance of dangerous cracks and other forms of water damage in the building, get immediate roof repair at https://americancustomcontractors.com/potomac-md/.

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