How to choose a roofing contractor in Houston?
The questions contained in this post are designed to help you determine the reliability, reputation and experience of a contractor; as well as his dedication to providing you with the best roof system possible.Being confident you’ve selected the right roofing contractor will help assure that you have a quality roof overhead and that your hard-earned money has been wisely spent.
It is certain that you will want a roofing contractor who employs capable applicators to install the roof. There are several roofing system types like Metal, Shingles, Flat, Tile and Slate. So it is clear that you will need to select a roofing contractor that are certified and experienced in your roofing system type.
These are the steps you should follow when making a decision for your roof.
Interview the Contractor
You cannot choose a professional roofer by looking at an estimate and comparing prices. Allow yourself some time and go through their website, talk to roofing contractor about your concerns.You will be surprised at how many options you have.
Good contractors take pride in their work, and so should the sales person representing the company.
- The salesperson should show pride and enthusiasm in discussing other jobs.
- The salesperson should be knowledgeable about other jobs.
The questions to ask
- What is the full name and address of the company?
Getting the complete address of the company can be an important factor in determine a company’s time in business. If a post box is given, ask for a full street address. Try to hire a contractor that has an office.
- Does the company carry insurance?
A contractor should carry comprehensive liability insurance and worker’s compensation insurance to protect you in the event of a roofing accident. Contractors who carry insurance and follow safety guidelines on fall prevention endure higher job overhead costs. These expenses could be the cause of price variations between contractors who follow the standards versus those who ignore them.
Uninsured contractors: Roofers who do not carry insurance will most likely be cheaper to hire as they do not have the large insurance premiums to pay.
There are a variety reasons why full insurance may not be carried by a contractor, such as:
- Not a full-time contractor
- Operates as a partnership or self-employed without employees
- New in business
- Can’t afford insurance premiums
- Doesn’t stand behind work
- Is the company a licensed or credentialed contractor?
When you pose this question, you are, in effect, asking if the contractor is licensed by your state and/city. Not all states require contractors to be licensed but if they are licensed means they had passed a written examination in his specialty that means they have solid knowledge and experience in roofing.
Several roofing manufacturers offer a variety of programs to professional contractors that establish their credentials as a knowledgeable roofing company. Homeowners can view a contractor’s credentials as another indicator of their degree of knowledge, professionalism, and dedication to the roofing trade.
- How long has the company been in business?
Needless to say, longer is usually better. Less than 3 years may signal an unstable business or one low on the learning curve. On the other hand, everybody has to start somewhere. References will be helpful to double check any business, and are especially important when dealing with the new business. You can even check in the Better Business Bureau.
- Will the company provide referrals or references from previous jobs?
Ask for photos of completed work, if available. Keep in mind, however that many roofers will not have photos. Request a list of names and phone numbers of customers (It is not necessary that all customers should be new and checking all the customers you can check randomly)
- What is the company’s workmanship warranty?
Typically, contractor workmanship warranties are for one year or more. The length of the warranty is less important than the intent and ability of the roofer to stand behind his warranty. That is best evaluated using customer referrals. Ask customers specifically for information about these four things:
- Did he perform his work on a timely bias?
- Was he responsive when asked for information and changes?
- Did he act as if he cared about the customers interests?
- And finally, would you call the company trustworthy?
- What is the company’s track record for solving customer complaints?
Find out company information from BBB.
- Try to find out how your 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 Better Business Bureau and licensing departments, find out if any complaints have been filed against the contractor’s whom you have interviewed. (http://www.bbb.org/houston/business-reviews/roofing-contractors/rocket-roofing-corp-in-missouri-city-tx-90005539/http://www.bbb.org/houston/business-reviews/roofing-contractors/rocket-roofing-corp-in-missouri-city-tx-90005539/http://www.bbb.org/houston/business-reviews/roofing-contractors/rocket-roofing-corp-in-missouri-city-tx-90005539/).
For more information visit our website http://rocketroofingcorp.com
Watch this video about flat roof contractor
Before roof coatings can be applied, the roof needs to be as clean as possible to ensure adhesion. Remember, a roof coating only works when it is fully adhered to the substrate. In this video, the existing PVC roof is very chalky and dirty. Pressure washing removes loose dirt and debris and creates a clean surface for the primer or topcoat. Extremely dirty or greasy roofs should be washed with a mild detergent or degreaser and rinsed thoroughly. Let the roof dry completely before applying any coating. How clean should the roof be? Rub your fingers on the roof. If your fingers stay clean, your roof is ready. Lexis contractors understand the importance of a clean roof and take no shortcuts. Please help to answer the question about flat roof contractorWhat do I need to watch out for when hiring a roofing contractor?
We have a flat roof that has several leaks.
So far, only one contractor has been here for an estimate. The other two just quoted me prices based on each leak. A fourth contractor quoted me his hourly rate, and said they don't come out to do estimates. When they come out, they just fix the leaks.
Also, none of the contractors are giving any kind of warranty/guarantee about the repair?
In addition to checking their license and asking for references, what else do I need to watch out for? I thought I was being diligent, asking for several contractors, but I didn't expect them to not even come out to do estimate.
About Author
Brandon -
About the Author:
Brandon
Roofer
Related How to choose a roofing contractor in Houston?:
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- How to Choose the Right Roofing Contractors in Houston
- Roofing Contractors – Seven Questions to Ask your Roofer
- Questions that you need to ask to Calabasas Roofing contractor
- How Not To Hire Unlicensed Roofing Contractors in Houston
- Flat Roofing in Connecticut
May 18th, 2010 | by roofing contractor |
By Trey on May 19, 2010
It depends entirely on how strong the addition was made. If the roof is just 2×4 studs instead of 2×6 or greater, you have a good chance of problems. And if the waterproofing of the flat surface may break if you try to use it to walk on a lot in all kinds of weather and poke through with chair legs, etc.
The usual solution if the strength is there is to build the "patio" almost like you were making a deck near the ground: a strong sill atfached to the house and pads to rest on the roof and spread the force. Then the waterproofing of the addition stays intact and the deck can be level even if the roof has some slope for drainage.
If the floor of the house is very close to the level of roof, then there isn't really space to do that above. I would suggest getting someone to design it or ask for estimates based on a design being described to you and see how much trouble they think it will be.
By thegurlupstairs on May 19, 2010
Make sure it's in writing as to how they'll charge if water damaged sheeting is found, ie, time and materials, or will you supply the material and they repair. They won't know if there is damage until the roof is exposed.
Absolutely ask for references.
Check the BBB.
Don't hesitate to get more than one estimate.
Find out what kind of roofing material they plan to install…is it good quality or some cheapy stuff? That info should be included in the contract and can be verified at your local lumber yard.
How will the roof be loaded? Is a truck with a boom bringing it in? If so, how will the contractor ensure that your yard won't be hammered.
Who will be responsible for getting rid of the debris? Easier for them to do it…just get it in writing!
Ask that it be in writing that they "sweep" the yard (with a magnet) to get rid of any nails that fall to the ground. Even if they tarp the area, nails bounce
As far as meeting with the foreman, it might not be a bad idea. Good to know beforehand if you'll be able to communicate with him.
Best to you!
By Renoir04 on May 20, 2010
I would recommend to do the following:
1) Make sure they are a licensed contractor, who will be getting the building permit for you.
2) Ask the contractor if he will be overseeing the work.
You don't want one of those guys that you only see once, hire a bunch of unkilled labor to do all theactual work, and are never around to make sure the work is being done right.
3) Get a few more estimates for cost to do the whole job. I prefer getting at least 3. If they refuse to provide a free estimate for the whole job, then don't even consider them.
4) Whatever you do, do not give the contractor a huge check up front. There are a ton of horror stories out there, where people have gotten ripped off that way. I suggest a stepwise payment based on the progress of work done. The chunk of which isn't paid until the job is passed by the housing inspector.
By starlight on May 20, 2010
Definitely a rubber roof requires a great deal let maintenance and will last 15 to 20 years. This will be a true water proof roof system. Paper and tar is old method and will last 7 to 10 years before needing replaced. UV rays effect both but tar faster. Long term Rubber. Short term is moving in 5 years paper and tar.
By Shizzle DIzzle on May 20, 2010
If you are looking for a highly recommended Foam Roofing contractor, you are on the right track. First, you want a foam roofing contractor who has been consistently recommended highly by both old and new customers. If they promise a 10 year warranty, make sure they have been in business for at least 20 years! Finally, verify that they are in good standing with the Contractors State License Board. Type in the company's license number at http://www.cslb.ca.gov/ and see how long they have been in business and if their worker's compensation insurance is in good standing. Other organizations, such as Diamond Certified, go even further to interview prior customers of companies they sponsor to verify high customer satisfaction ratings. As you mentioned, the Eichler Network is another organization that actively seeks and sponsors reputable contractors. The best Foam Roofing contractors receive a lot of word-of-mouth referrals from neighbors that were happy with the work.
Only one foam roofing contractor in the Bay Area also offers solar power installations. Take a look at http://www.dura-foam.com/. Dura-Foam Solar Center is not only a SunPower Dealer for the world's highest efficiency solar electric panels, but also highly recommended by the Diamond Certified Organization, Angies List, Eichler Network, Better Business Bureau, and ValueStar. Dura-Foam Solar Center takes responsibility for the whole project by guaranteeing both the roof and the solar installation. You can check the maps on their website to see that they have done thousands of jobs in the Bay Area over the last 29 years. Their vast network of satisfied customers since 1981 is delighted to share the Dura-Foam Solar Center Experience.
By arjzv on May 20, 2010
You can do one of two things. Either ask a competitor to come inspect the roof and give you an itemized list of what's wrong with it *just tell them what happened and that you are looking for someone who can show you what's wrong and what needs repaired* or you can contact your insurance company who can set you up with someone who can check it for code. Once you get the documentation showing the lack of work done you can put in writing your complaint and demand it be redone. If they refuse, you have it in writing that you are unhappy with the product and also paperwork showing what damage is done. Take pictures! That way if they DO try to sue you for the money you can have that on your side. They won't get a DIME if you're in the right.
Do NOT pay until all the above has taken place or they can claim you damaged it etc. you wouldn't have paid if you weren't satisfied etc. and you won't get it fixed by them.
By mealking on May 20, 2010
A metal roof is not a good idea. Ponding water will leak through the seams even if they are soldered because expansion and contraction will open up the seams. Ponding water will also cause the steel roof to rust prematurely.
A better option is a rubber membrane roof. Warranties as long as 40 years are available. A reputable roofing contractor will make quick work of the roof job and be around for any problems that may develop … in other words, they will be around to take care of any warranty problems.
Good luck with your roofing project.
By bellshouse1 on May 22, 2010
You need to check with your local Registrar of Contractors to see if there are any open or previous infraction by the builder. You will also be able to see how long the builder have been in business for (the longer the better). When comparing estimates, you need to make sure you are comparing apples to apples. A $20k spread is huge for a small project so somehow, one of the bids are missing services, whether it is demolition, hauling fees, materials to match existing, etc. If you're putting concrete tiles on the new gable roof, does it happen over a large expanse of windows/sliding door? Any of those builders include additional support on the header and foundation due to the increased load?
Just compare the differences in terms of included scope of work from each builder. By doing so, it may give you a better understanding of the price discrepancies.