Residential Roofing Contractors Erie PA provides roof installation services to various homeowners. They can work on sloped or flat residential roofs and incorporate building codes and permits into the process.
Choosing a licensed, insured, and bonded contractor will ensure that the job is done correctly and protect the homeowner from potential liabilities if something goes wrong.
Your home’s roof is a critical structural component that protects your family and property from harsh weather conditions. It’s one of the most important areas in a house and requires expert care and attention to ensure it lasts for years to come. However, unlike other parts of a home that can be handled by a homeowner or someone with little construction experience, roofing work is complex and technical and carries significant liability. This is why a roofing contractor must be licensed in order to perform residential roofing services.
Typically, a professional roofing contractor will have a wide range of general and roofing-related services that they offer. They may also provide additional services, such as insulation and painting. However, it is important that you choose a roofing contractor who specializes in the type of work that you need done. For example, a residential roof repair contractor will have more specific expertise in shingle and tile roofing styles, while a roof installation contractor will be more knowledgeable about all of the options for new roof construction.
In addition, it is important to ask a potential roofing contractor about their references and professional reputation. A reliable, established company should be able to provide you with references that you can verify and contact to check their reliability. They should also be able to discuss your project in detail, including cost, materials and warranties, timelines and payment arrangements.
In the State of New York, all roofing contractors must be licensed in order to conduct roof repairs or installations on homes. While it may be tempting to hire someone who is not licensed, this is a serious safety risk for homeowners. You would not trust a cab driver without a license to navigate NYC traffic, so don’t trust anyone who isn’t a licensed roofer!
Experience
Residential roofing contractors specialize in the installation of new roofs and repair existing ones. They are knowledgeable about the various roofing materials and can recommend a style that closely matches your home’s architecture. They also provide valuable advice on how to maintain your roof, ensuring that it lasts for many years without significant damage.
A good residential roofing contractor is experienced, and they have a track record to prove it. Ask your shortlist of potential contractors to provide a list of past clients and references, and request details on their roofing work. If a residential roofing contractor seems unwilling or unable to supply this information, this may be an indication that they are not a quality roofer.
An established and qualified residential roofing contractor should be able to offer you flexible financing options for your roof project. This will make the entire process more affordable and less stressful for you. Having a new roof is a major investment, and you shouldn’t have to come up with the entire cost upfront. A good roofer will be willing to finance the project for you in easy monthly payments that fit your budget.
Local roofing professionals are part of your community, and they prioritize maintaining the safety and beauty of their neighborhood. They know what type of roofing is best suited to the region’s weather conditions and climate, and they understand the problems that homeowners often face with their rooftops. They can immediately adjust their work to suit these circumstances, which saves time and money for their clients. It also helps them ensure that their projects comply with industry standards and regulations. They can also advise homeowners on their insurance policies, which will cover any financial losses incurred as a result of unfinished or substandard work.
Insurance
Residential roofing contractors must have adequate insurance coverage to protect themselves and their clients. Most insurance companies will not do business with a roofer who does not have the proper coverage. In general, roofers should carry liability, commercial property, and builders risk insurance. In some cases, small businesses can bundle these policies into a business owners policy (BOP). In addition to these policies, roofers should consider adding a tools and equipment floater to their insurance, which provides coverage for specialized roofing tools and materials that aren’t covered by standard auto or home insurance.
Liability insurance protects the business in the event that a client is injured while on the job or damage is caused to the building during construction. This includes situations where the roof itself falls or if a client trips over shingles or other debris left on the work site. Additionally, this type of policy covers the cost of any legal fees that the company might incur due to an accident.
Workers compensation insurance is almost always required by law and covers medical expenses, lost wages, and disability benefits for employees who are injured on the job. Typically, it will cover accidents that happen on the job site and even in vehicles that are being driven to or from a project.
If the company has a lot of recurring work and needs to transport equipment from one location to another on a regular basis, it may be necessary for them to carry inland marine insurance as well. This will provide protection in the event that a truck or van is stolen or damaged while in transit. Lastly, most small businesses will also need to obtain commercial auto insurance if they use cars, trucks, or other vehicles for their business.
Permits
A residential roofing contractor should be licensed by the local authorities in order to perform work. This ensures that the construction is done to the highest standards and that it will not pose any dangers for the building occupants. The process typically includes inspections of the roof and its various elements by local officials, ensuring that all work meets the necessary requirements. This can also help to protect the homeowner in the event of a future lawsuit, as it will show that the work was performed legally.
In New York, for example, a residential roofing license is required to perform roof installation and other exterior renovations. To qualify, individuals must have three years of experience and pass a specialized roofing exam. In addition, they must register their business and obtain liability insurance coverage. If they have employees, they must also have workers’ compensation coverage.
While it may be tempting for homeowners to skip the permit process, this can result in a host of complications down the line. For example, if you decide to sell your home, potential buyers will want to see proof that all work on the property was done legally. If you cannot produce this proof, they may decline to purchase your home or raise the sales price considerably.
In addition, skipping the permit process could even lead to criminal prosecution. It is therefore important to hire a reputable contractor who will be responsible for obtaining all the necessary permits and scheduling inspections before and after the construction process. In most cases, the contractor will also be responsible for re-doing any work that fails to meet code. For more information, contact the local authority’s licensing department.
Warranty
A warranty is an excellent way for a roofing contractor to show their commitment to quality work. It is also a standard offering for any legitimate company that wants to stay in business and continue to provide high-quality services to their customers. A roof is a substantial investment, and one that should be protected with a reliable roofing warranty.
A good residential roofing contractor should offer both a workmanship and material warranty. Workmanship warranties usually cover any errors during the installation process, while material warranties provide coverage against defects or failure in the products. These warranties can range from 10 to 50 years, and it is important to review the details of each.
Be sure to ask about the warranty offered by a prospective roofing contractor before making any decisions. Generally, a standard workmanship warranty runs from five to ten years, while manufacturers’ warranties typically last 25-30 years. In addition, you should ask about the manufacturer’s enhanced warranties that are available with their products. These warranties offer additional protection and are only available through contractors who are credentialed to install the product and registered on behalf of the homeowner.
It is important to note that roofing warranties are not transferable, and the original roofing contractor must be contacted in case of a claim. Additionally, most manufacturers require homeowners to register their warranty within a specified window of time after the product is installed. Failure to do so can void the warranty. Additionally, homeowners must maintain their roofing system according to the specifications set by the manufacturer in order to keep their warranty intact. This includes conducting regular inspections and cleanings, as well as completing routine maintenance as recommended by the manufacturer.