Replacing a roof is no small task. You might have garnered from our name that we know a little bit about the subject! We would be happy to set you on the right foot for your next roofing project.
From the number of squares needed, labor costs, and materials used – you do not want to overpay, but you also want a quality job that will last for years to come. You’ve come to the right place. Below we will delve into some questions that will help you when it is time to replace your roof:
How do I pick a Good Roofing Contractor?
We suggest chatting with multiple companies. Ask them about their process, ask for references, pictures, and/or details of other jobs they have completed. Inquire about how they will get rid of the roof waste upon project completion.
Additionally, don’t forget to ask if they are licensed and/or insured to do the work in your area. Check to see if they will provide you with an estimate for your project as well. Any decent company will do this without asking for money upfront.
Think you found the right one? There is still more research to do. Start by checking reviews online. Look at the BBB, Facebook, Yelp, and Google My Business – just to name a few. Look at the good and bad reviews. One negative review doesn’t necessarily mean that person isn’t the right one to work with.
The same goes for a positive review. By reading both, you should be able to form a decently accurate opinion of the individual in question. We’d also recommend searching for their business name in Google or Bing. You may find brand mentions on forums or other sites with pertinent information.
Did that narrow it down any? There is still work to do. Go through your estimates. Look at the materials used, job time, and any other specific variables you deem essential. Use all of the information you’ve gathered to pick the most suitable one. We believe in our product, our experience, and our service. Check us out online; you’ll be happy you did!
What should be included in a Roofing Estimate?
Know what to expect! We include the items listed below in your estimate, providing you a full breakdown of your project. You will be able to look at your available options and truly see the value in what we offer. Let’s take a look at what your roofing estimate should include:
- Insurance and licenses – Any roofing contractor you higher should provide these with their estimates. If they don’t… run! It would be a huge mistake to let an unlicensed/uninsured individual replace or repair your roof.
- Project start date – By letting you know the day they can start work, you will be able to determine if their availability will work with your project’s timeline. We always let you know this; it’s our goal to fit your project into our schedule. Not the other way around.
- Estimated time to complete the project – Right in line with the starting date, this will allow you to know if a contractor can complete your project within your timeline. Some families/companies may prefer not to be in the home and or building while roofing is going on. Look for someone who can complete the job quickly and efficiently, like us!
- Scope of work – This should be a very comprehensive explanation of the work yet to be completed. It should outline the entire project as well as list all of the materials that will be utilized. You should look at things like nails, underlayment, and the types of shingles they will be using.
Additionally, research the type of sealant they will be using to seal nail holes or any other areas that will require waterproofing. Look at your estimates and do some research to determine who is using the best materials at the best price. We fully break this down for you, allowing you to see the true value of what we offer. - Guarantee – Your estimate should also have a section that discusses the contractor’s workmanship and material guarantee. Your shingles and other materials generally come with a good warranty, and the contractor’s work should as well. Our workmanship and quality are second to none! That is why we back it up with our industry-leading warranty.
As you can see, your roofing estimate should contain plenty of information. Every project has unique needs. If you want something specific included in your estimate, be sure to tell your contractor. If you are unsure or have a question about something on your estimate, be sure to ask about it! That is what we are here for!
Should I Call a Roofer or Insurance First?
Often when a roof is damaged, the home or business owner immediately calls their insurance. It makes sense, right? You pay for it so you should use it. So herein lies the question, who should you call first? Most people would say insurance.
It’s also what I would have said before doing my research. The truth is, roofing contractors, deal with insurance companies all the time. We know the ins and outs of the entire claim process as we deal with insurance companies daily, give us a call, and we can help you get the ball rolling.
Here is a scenario:
Hail from a spring storm has caused damage to your roof. You are already upset, and rightfully so, your house is torn up! You call your insurance company only to be barraged with a million questions. You finally get off of the phone, frustrated and upset.
An adjuster will be coming to your property within the next week or so. You aren’t given a definitive date, so you are just stuck in limbo. The adjuster finally shows up, he takes a few pictures, and that’s all you know.
Again, you’re stuck! Two weeks later, you finally get the call stating that your claim has been approved (This isn’t always the case, it can be quite tricky to garner their approval). So here you are weeks later, finally contacting roofers, looking for the right one to complete your job!
That whole scenario could have been avoided. By calling us in the beginning, you would have saved yourself a lot of headaches. Express roofing could have instantly given you a start date for your replacement.
Furthermore, we could have acted as a mediator between you and the insurance agent. Ensuring you were given enough money via your claim to cover our work as well as high-quality materials. Hopefully, this lesson will help you to avoid the aforementioned headaches and frustration in the future.
How do I get Insurance to pay for a New Roof?
First, you need a good understanding of your policy,
what is covered, and what isn’t. Why would this be the case? The honest answer is rather unfortunate. Often insurance companies will just deny a claim for no real reason other than they don’t want to pay.
Never accept no as an answer without knowing all of the facts. When approaching them with your claim, make sure you are ready to rebuttal their initial ‘no.’ By knowing what your policy covers, you can explain to them what should be covered and why.
If you don’t have a copy of your insurance policy, login online to view it, it should be available there. If you have difficulties retrieving it online, simply request it via mail, email, or phone.
Do you have a repair policy or a replacement policy? This will affect how they handle your claim. Exactly as it sounds, a replacement policy covers your whole roof. A repair policy includes depreciation of your current roof into the claim, meaning you could get a lot less money depending upon your policy type.
Be sure to call us as soon as you are aware of roof damage; generally, your homeowner’s policy will require immediate replacement or repair of your roof to prevent further damage to other areas of your home. Commonly, they only give you thirty days or so to file a claim, so be sure to work fast!
If you have an agent you know and personally trust, you can give them a call. In our experience, it generally expedites the process and saves you frustration by letting the roofer handle this.
There are several reasons that an insurance company may deny your claim. It is generally in the best interest of the owner of the property to also have their roof independently inspected aside from examination the insurance company provides.
Nothing against insurance companies, but they have to act in their best interest; you also have to do the same. Here are some of the reasons they may deny your claim:
- Improper roof installation
- Defective roofing material
- Age of the roof
- Improper attic ventilation
- Lack of maintenance
- The damage is only cosmetic
These are just a few of the reasons you might see that big ole’ denied stamp! This is where your independent inspection comes in handy for your rebuttal! If you hired the right roofer, they will be right by your side, helping you fight for your claim.
What time of year is Best to Replace a Roof?
Honestly, this is very dependent upon
your location. Across the board, it seems that we are busiest during the late summer and or early fall. The main reason for this is it’s the time of year where the weather is best suited for it. It’s not as rainy as spring (again dependent on location), but it is warmer.
Late summer or fall is the best. That being said, what is the worst time to replace your roof? No general time of the year, but a rainy day is never an ideal time. Temperatures under 45* can also affect the adhesion of shingles and sealants negatively!
Either way, it can be done; both scenarios mentioned above can be worked around.
Unfortunately, we don’t always get to pick when our roof will be repaired. Having regular inspections can help you find and fix a problem before it becomes an issue. People commonly get their roofs inspected for heat damage in the early fall or water damage after a dreary wet winter. Consider it a preventative measure that could save you a lot of money in the long run.
How can I pay for a New Roof with No Money?
Multiple methods can help you pay for a roof with zero money upfront. Everyone’s situation is different, so we will provide you a few different options.
Payment Plans
Did you know we can finance the project for you? No bank involvement. Just a simple monthly payment made to us until your roof is paid for.
Have a contractor that doesn’t offer to finance? No problem, many banks offer loans (personal or against your equity) that will allow you to start your roofing project with no upfront cost.
A credit card always comes in handy. If you have one, you can simply defer the costs to that card and pay it off in monthly payments. I would suggest checking all sources and choosing whatever offers you the lowest interest rate.
So the bank said your credit is a little low? That’s okay; there are still other options. Many small finance companies offer loans for home projects. The interest may be higher than the two previous options, but you can use this as a way to repair your roof and your credit.
Insurance
We’ve talked a lot about insurance, but it is always worth a shot. Your roof needs to be damaged by natural forces for this to be an option. Even if your roof is older and you only have repair policy, getting some of the costs covered is better than none at all!
Still, Having Issues?
Have you exhausted all the above options? There are programs out there designed to help you if you are struggling! Grants, crowdfunding, family, or other charities are available. Some counties offer assistance for families that fall below a certain economic threshold.
Do your research, and remember it is okay to ask for help if you need it! With roofing, the longer you wait, the worse it will get. Not to mention, a damaged roof can lead to other problems that will just lead to more expenses.
Do you have more questions?
We sincerely hope that this information answered the questions you had. If not, feel free to reach out to us. We will do whatever it takes to help you. A roofing project is very involved; we have the experience to help you from start to finish.
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