A roofer, roofing contractor, or roof repair contractor is an experienced tradesperson specializing primarily in roof repair. Roofers repair, replace, or install the roofs of commercial buildings with a wide variety of different materials, such as asphalt, bitumen, shingles, and metal. In addition, some roofers provide specialized services such as repairing or installing green roofs.
Roofing contractors may perform a variety of services. Some specialize in repairing residential roofs, while others offer services for commercial buildings only. For example, residential roofers may perform services to fix leaky fashions, replace damaged sections, repair cracked or missing shingles and tiles, replace single-ply membranes, repair missing protrusions, replace single or double-hung and attached vinyl siding, correct pitched roof patterns, replace single and double-hung skylights, correct roof v flashing, correct and replace single-ply roof shingles (either replaced or reinstalled), replace deteriorated materials and repair small gaps in single or double-hung roof sections. Other services typically offered by a roofing contractor include inspecting the roof for damage, repairing and replacing damaged flashing and sealants, repairing skylights and vent fans, repairing and replacing roof deck tiles, and repairing and replacing roof trusses.
Commercial roofers are employed by businesses large and small to repair and install roofs on commercial buildings. These contractors are responsible for replacing, repairing, and installing the roofs of commercial buildings, replacing, repairing, reinstalling, and installing single-ply roofing systems. Some contractors also provide maintenance services for commercial roofing projects. They may be called “roofers” or “repairmen,” but they often perform many tasks that are mistakenly thought of as being part of the job title of “roofer.” These “other” contractors are just as crucial as the roofers.
Roofers should always be licensed, insured, and bonded. This will protect both the contractor and the consumer. A roofing company that does not meet these requirements lacks the responsibility and professionalism necessary to ensure the roof’s integrity and safety. Likewise, a company that hires someone who does not have the proper training is careless about health and safety or is illegally practicing as a roofer is negligent with its operations and employees.
One of the things a contractor should do is post a business license and insurance policy on the wall of their business. This will help prevent misspeak from clients who may ask questions regarding the services being provided and whether or not the contractor can perform the services. Having a list of satisfied customers that includes previous clients is also good business practice. Additionally, the contractor should have their certifications and insurance documents available for inspection by any customer.
As a roofing contractor, you must understand the difference between roofing shingles and asphalt shingles. This can be a confusing point of contention between contractors and consumers. The difference is whether or not asphalt shingles are better for the environment and are more cost-efficient over the roof’s life. Asphalt shingles are made from limestone and clay, and as they age, they become vulnerable to cracking, chipping, or failing. However, the manufacturing process and the manufacturing regulations of asphalt shingles ensure they are a superior product and last a lifetime.
Another critical step in ensuring long-term sustainability is to hire roofing professionals who are bonded. By bonding the roofing contractors, homeowners will not be irresponsible with their client’s money. For example, it would be irresponsible for a roofing contractor to suggest to a homeowner that a sealant is needed on a leaky roof only to suggest the homeowner apply an even more toxic chemical agent that ends up causing the homeowner to have health problems. By hiring reputable and bonded roofing professionals, homeowners can rest assured that their contractors have taken all measures necessary to ensure the health of their families and the general safety of the community as a whole. Additionally, if the roofer is bonded and insured, there is a greater chance that the homeowner will receive a fair and reasonable settlement in the case of an accident.
It is easy to find pros when it comes to roofing contractors. However, one of the best ways to find reputable contractors is to ask friends or family members who have recently worked with contractors for referrals. If a professional roofer tells you that they were referred to you, that referral means that the contractor has made it a point to care about the client’s experience and has made sure that the contractor they are working with is bonded and insured. If you do not feel comfortable with one of your friends or family members as a referral source, you can also look through a professional directory of contractors to find pros.
