Things to consider when choosing a roofing contractor
Most municipalities require a permit
Most municipalities require the roofing contractor to pull a permit, which means the roofing company MUST be licensed with the state to do roofs if the value of the work (repair or installation) is more than $2,500.
Is your contractor licensed? Please understand this is a state of Alabama license rather than a city or county business license. See below from the State of Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board.
If you hold an Unlimited Home Builders License, you are qualified to engage in residential roofing and DO NOT need a Roofers License.
If you hold a Limited Home Builders License, you ARE required to get a Roofers License to engage in residential roofing
We are state licensed (#29318) to do any and all work on your home!
More to a roof system than meets the eye
Replacing your roof is an investment. A BIG one. How can you prolong that investment? Two big factors that age a roof quickly: the sun and heat build-up in the attic.
Typically, residential shingles are made of asphalt, which dries out over time, becomes brittle and cracks or breaks. High winds can blow the damaged shingle off, allowing wind to blow off more shingles and next thing you know rain gets in your home.
The sun beats down on the shingles, along with rain and ice and snow (sometimes), these will wear out any shingle over time.
Also, the heat build-up in your attic will cook the shingle from underneath as well. Attic temps in the summer here in Alabama can reach 130-150 degrees (F). The only way to combat this excessive heat is for proper attic ventilation, and to keep the heat out of your living space you need insulation. It’s a must. So let’s talk.
Roofs - Shingles vs. metal
Shingles: made from asphalt with a layer of colored granules on top to protect from the elements and to make it pretty. These are sold as a 25-year shingle or a 30-year shingle (you can get 40-year shingles as well but pricey)
Roofs are measured in squares no matter the type of roofing. A roof that measures out to 2,500 sq. feet would need 25-squares of shingles (this is a basic example.)
Metal roofs come in a few varieties, seamless, corrugated, standing seam and metal tiles or shingles. Metal roofs will cost more up front, but if installed correctly can last 40-50 years.
Metal roofing comes in a wide variety of colors to match your aesthetic requirements, are fire resistant and energy efficient as well.
Some folks worry whether they are nosier than a shingle roof when it rains, and I can personally attest that they are not.
The must haves
License - What kind of license should my roofer have?
In Alabama, any work over $2,500 requires the roofing company (or roofer) to have an Alabama state license, either as a roofer or a home builders license. Once the company has that license, they can go to the municipality and pull a business license, and then once they have that, they can pull a permit to do your roof work. Lots of steps, but that’s why some choose to side-step the requirements.
Insurance - liability and workers comp. Liability protects your home and property. Workers comp takes care of a worker if he/she gets hurt while on the job. Insist on both and get a copy of their Certificate of Insurance (COI). Check the dates to make sure it is still active.
Bond - a guarantee that protects the client and offers assurance of quality roof construction and roof replacement.