Roofing Contractors South Jersey are construction professionals that oversee the entire operation of roof installation from start to finish. They also help shepherd the project through permits and inspections.
A contractor’s professional reputation, licensing and insurance are all important factors that homeowners should consider when evaluating candidates for their projects. Here are some helpful tips: Request references and validation; ask about workmanship warranties – usually five to ten years; and product shingle warranties from the manufacturer.
Roofing contractors are construction professionals who specialize in roofs. They can handle the entire roofing project, from assessing the condition of your roof to constructing and installing a new one. They can also help you obtain permits and insurance coverage, as well as shepherd your project through the inspection process. They may also offer a warranty on their workmanship and products, which can be a big plus.
Local roofing companies often offer better customer service than general contractors, since they are more familiar with the area’s unique environmental conditions and building codes. They can also provide more accurate estimates and complete the work in a timely manner. Furthermore, they are likely to use quality materials that can withstand the elements and last for decades. Check out shingle samples and customer feedback to gauge the company’s craftsmanship, professionalism, cleanliness, and responsiveness.
Some states require that roofing contractors hold a state license. Others require that they register their business and maintain workers’ compensation coverage. In either case, be sure to ask about their licensing and insurance accreditation before hiring them. Additionally, ask if they perform all work themselves or use subcontractors.
Roofing specialists can save you time and money in the long run by handling all aspects of your home improvement project. Moreover, they can provide access to high-quality materials at a discount and reduce the need for future repairs. In addition, they can handle any other exterior projects you may have, such as siding and window installations. They can even help you with your energy costs by advising you on proper insulation. This will help you to keep your house cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
Experience
Roofing projects have unique challenges that require specific skills honed through years of experience. A skilled contractor is able to assess the situation, discern problems before they become serious, and proactively address them with efficient solutions that reduce costly repairs down the road. The experience a roofing contractor brings to the project also helps them set realistic timelines and budgets that keep jobs on track and minimize the risk of unforeseen expenses.
The quality of materials used by a roofing company is another important factor to consider. A reputable company will use top brands that are well suited to weather and are durable enough to last for decades. On the other hand, a fly-by-night roofer may try to steal your money by using cheap or generic products that don’t hold up to the elements.
When choosing a roofing contractor, ask them what kind of work they specialize in. Unlike general contractors who have a broad range of construction knowledge, a roofing specialist focuses on roof-related issues only. This enables them to provide more in-depth, detailed answers to your questions and ensure that the work they complete on your home meets industry standards.
There are many types of roofing specialists, from shingle replacement specialists to commercial low-sloped systems. Each type of specialist has their own unique expertise and niche services. For example, a shingle replacement specialist will focus on installing or repairing residential sloped roofs that have asphalt shingles as the primary material. A commercial low-sloped system, on the other hand, might be built with PVC or EPDM components. A specialized roofing contractor will have extensive knowledge of each of these systems.
Licensing
Roofing Contractors are licensed at the state, county, and municipal levels, depending on their jurisdiction. They must complete extensive training, apprenticeships, and pass one or more exams to earn their license. Depending on their jurisdiction, they may also be required to provide proof of insurance and financial solvency. In some cases, they are required to carry worker’s compensation and liability insurance.
Generally, state licensing requirements for roofing contractors are at the commercial or residential level. They are typically regulated by the state’s Home Improvement Commission or the State Licensing Board for Contractors. In addition to demonstrating their experience, applicants are often required to submit references, take and pass a trade exam, and provide proof of general liability and workers’ comp coverage.
While Maine does not have a state licensing requirement for roofers, the North East Roofing Contractors Association plays a significant role in maintaining industry standards. Moreover, homeowners in this state can seek a qualified professional by checking the association’s member list to ensure they are hiring a licensed roofing contractor.
In South Carolina, roofers are required to obtain a state license for commercial or residential projects that exceed $25,000. They must register as residential specialty contractors and select the roofing classification. In addition, they must pass a trade exam and business and law exam, demonstrate their financial status, and show proof of insurance.
Similarly, in Tennessee, roofers require a license at the home improvement contractor level to carry out roofing projects. In addition, they must obtain a special license for asbestos abatement work. Other states, such as Wyoming, don’t require a state license for roofers. However, they must be certified by the Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety or the Water Well Contractors Licensing Board for projects involving these areas.
Insurance
Roofing contractors have unique insurance needs that require special consideration. Unlike other contractor professions, roofers are typically considered more dangerous and can have higher insurance rates than their counterparts in other trades. This is due to the fact that roofing companies perform complex and expensive work. Fortunately, expert brokers can assist roofing contractors with finding coverage that fits their specific business.
General Liability Insurance: This is an important type of insurance that provides coverage in case a third-party is injured or their property is damaged by your work. This type of insurance can cover legal costs, settlements, and judgments. If a client claims your roofing services resulted in damage to their home, this type of insurance can cover repairs or replacement cost.
Workers’ Compensation: This is a must-have for all roofing contractors that employ people. It pays for treatment costs, lost wages, and death benefits in case an employee is hurt on the job. This is a mandatory type of insurance in New York City for all businesses with employees, and the premium is influenced by payroll size, claims history, and the industry risk rating.
Commercial Auto: If your business uses trucks, vans, or cars to transport tools and equipment to jobs, this type of insurance will provide liability coverage for the vehicles in case an accident happens. This type of policy can also cover other costs, including damage to customers’ homes or the vehicle itself.
Business Owners Policy: This multi-part policy combines the features of general liability, business interruption, and property coverage into a single policy. It is a great option for roofing contractors that want to save time and money by having all their business needs covered in one place.
Warranties
When it comes to roofing, two important warranties come into play: the manufacturer’s warranty and the contractor’s workmanship warranty. Both are designed to provide the homeowner, roofing contractor and product manufacturer peace of mind. Typically, the manufacturer’s warranty will guarantee the quality of the roofing materials and may be available for several decades. The contractor’s workmanship warranty, however, can be much shorter in duration. Workmanship warranties typically cover installation errors, which can dramatically influence the life span of a roof.
When comparing the benefits of each type of warranty, consider whether a full-coverage or a prorated plan is best for your needs. The former is more expensive up front, but offers the safety net of unlimited protection should a problem arise. Prorated warranties, on the other hand, reduce coverage each year after the initial coverage period, eventually reaching zero percent in the final year of the contract.
Lastly, consider what other requirements might affect your roofing warranty. For instance, some manufacturers’ warranties only apply to their products when contractors install them on a pre-approved list and according to specific guidelines. Similarly, homeowners living in areas prone to high winds should make sure weather-specific protections back their roofing warranties.
The last thing you want is to find out your warranty has been voided due to something you didn’t realize was a violation of the terms of the agreement. Common violations include failing to set a reminder on your calendar to have your roof inspected, hiring a different contractor and failing to register the warranty. All of these issues could lead to expensive out-of-pocket expenses if you need to claim on your warranty in the future.