There are about as many New Orleans roofing contractors to choose from as there are doctors, and I suggest you take the same care in choosing your roofing contractor as you would your doctor. While it’s clear that you are going to want a roofing contractor that employees capable installers, and it’s clear you will need to evaluate each proposal you receive and decide on the best price/value relationship for you. How then can you decide which roofing contractors are truly the professional roofing contractors you should do business with.

Interview them. Whether you are talking to a salesperson or the owner themselves they should show pride and enthusiasm in discussing other jobs. If they do not it may indicate his amount of involvement in the actual work.

When meeting with each New Orleans roofing contractor use the following seven questions to guide you through their interview.

1. What is the full name and address of the company?
Having a company that is nearby increases the likelihood of better and fast service. If you are provided a PO Box ask for a street address also.

2. Does the company carry insurance?
Workers compensation and liability insurance to be specific. If a worker is hurt and the roofing contractor does not have insurance the home owner is liable. Ask to have current certificates sent to you. Do not accept the roofing contractor at their word. They may carry health, life, and auto insurance. Bland assurances of insurance coverage may refer to these.

3. Is the company a licensed or credentialed roofing contractor?
Many state and local governments require roofing contractors to be licensed or credentialed. Contact your city and county clerk’s office and find out if there are any requirements for roofing contractors in your area. Even if there is not still ask your contractor. The truly professional New Orleans roofing contractors will most likely have proof of license or credential from other entities. Like a manufactures’ installation training certificate.

4. How long has the company been in business?
Longer is usually better. More than three years, but everybody had to start somewhere. A new business should not be disqualified from your decision making process, but if everything else is equal. Longer is usually better.

5. Will the company provide referrals or references from previous jobs?
Ask for a list of ten names and phone numbers of recent customers, within the last twelve months. It is not necessary to call all ten, but choose two or three randomly and call. Ask the referrals at minimum four questions. First, did he perform his work on a timely basis? Second, was he responsive when asked for information and changes? Third, did he act as if he cared about the customers interests? Finally, would you call the roofing contractor trustworthy?

6. What is the company’s workmanship warranty?
Some warranties are for one year, some are longer. The length of a New Orleans roofing contractors warranty is not really as important as customer referrals. Most workmanship errors will be found within the first year, probably the first good storm. The reason this question is important and most roofing contractors will warranty the workmanship, and the manufacture will warranty the product as long as it is installed correctly. Make sure you understand both warranties and ask for a copy of each.

7. What is the company’s track record for solving customer complaints?
Try to find out how your roofing contractor handles problems when they do arise. Request a referral from a job that involved a complaint. Ask the contractor if he has ever lost a job-related court case. Ask if his contractor’s license has ever been suspended and why. Also, in talking to the appropriate authorities, such as the Better Business Bureau and licensing departments, find out if any complaints have been filed against the contractors whom you have interviewed. Many contractors in business for any length of time have been involved in a dispute. Ask how the dispute was resolved, to test your roofing contractor’s reputation.

If you are looking for GAF-Elk roofing systems in New Orleans, please call us today at 504.390.3874 or complete our online request form.

One important time to have a roof inspection done on your home is after a severe storm has hit. Often times heavy rain, hail, and high powered winds will damage numerous shingles on your roof. Another thing that can happen without you noticing is over time continual rain can wear away the singles that are on your roof. During a full roof inspection you will have your shingles inspected, check for any areas that have the potential to leak, and check the overall condition of your roof.

So how often should people really have their roof inspected? A moderate number would be around twice a year. This should be more than enough to take care of your roof. The only time you should break your regularly schedule inspection times is due to an emergency or potential damage that has been caused by a natural disaster.

The main thing a roof inspection can lead to is repair. If there is only light damage and just a few shingles here and there that are no longer doing their job they can be replaced easily. If you have a severely damaged roof that will take extensive amounts of repair your best option might be to have your entire roof completely replaced. This will involve repairing any wood, wrapping the roof again, and putting on fresh shingles to give you that full protection from the elements while at home.

If the damage has been done to your roof by a storm of any sort you can file a claim through your insurance company to have your roof repaired or replaced. Your Baton Rouge roofing contractor can actually make your claim for you and help you through the process by negotiating with your insurance company. This saves you the trouble of having to call your insurance company and it will only cost you your deductible in the end. It is very common that people are unaware that their roof has damage on it so calling in for an inspection is a smart thing to do.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Middleton

If you are looking for a Roof Inspection In Baton Rouge, please call us today at 504.390.3874 or complete our online request form.

Now a Good Looking Top

Since these roofs can be designed to look like other types, you will not be able to tell from on the ground that a simulated cedar-shake metal roof was not the real one. Lightweight steel roofs can be painted through a special process where real earth-tone granules are embedded in the final paint coat that then is covered with a high-protective clear coating.

Safety Sells

There are quite a few advantages using a this type of roof. For one, they do not burn! Aside from the obvious benefit from not being able to burn, a home topped by a metal roof may result in significant savings when it comes to insurance costs.

Energy Savings

During the summer, a metal roof causes less attic heat than traditional roofs while retaining a greater amount of warmth during the winter. This can be seen as a significant reduction or retention – as much as 34 percent in warm climates. The savings in air conditioning alone can warrant purchasing a metal roof.

Easy Installation

For homeowners thinking of making a switch to lightweight steel roofs, installation over old shingles is possible eliminating the need for any costly tear off. Metal roofing is manufactured in large sheets making it easy to install by experienced roofers.

Copper is Cool

Roofs made from copper not only provide all the benefits mentioned concerning steel roofs, but produce an aesthetically pleasing weathered green patina over time. The great drawback choosing copper is that it is very expensive and can price out as much as $1,100 per square.

REDUA63YRCRN

Why get your roof inspected? As a homeowner or potential buyer, it’s important to know everything you can about the place you live.

Prevention: Regular roof evaluation – it is recommended to have a professional examine your house top every two or three years – can help determine if minor problems and leaks stand to become major issues in the future. These checks can spot damage by weather or rodents or other elements and allow you plan for timely repairs that may not cost you as much now as a larger fix would have down the road.

Value: If ever you think of selling your Louisiana house, a buyer is going to want to know the condition of the roof. As it is the objective of the buyer to choose a home that doesn’t require extensive repair, should your roof require great attention it can make selling a challenge. Regular inspections can alert you to repairs necessary before you put your home on the market, and they can help evaluate the selling price.

Renovation: Say you wish to remodel your home and have an addition built. Even if you don’t plan to add a story to your house, a new room will require extension of your roof, and you want to be certain the structure matches your present one. Regular inspections can help you figure out what needs to be done to ensure the roof is even and strong.

Just a small payment for inspection can save you larger bills for repairs if you leave roof problems unnoticed and unattended.