How to Find the Best Roofing Contractor in Oxford
How to find the best roofing contractor in Oxford (or anywhere)
My Top Tips for hiring a roofing contractor
Before you start do some research on the internet about the roofing materials which are available. There are many types of roofing materials available – clay or concrete tiles, slate, roofing shingles, and roofing felts for flat roofs, and and the choice of material will affect the overall budget. For example clay tiles are generally more expensive than conrete tiles. You may also be affected by the type of roofing materials in neighbouring properties. With this knowledge you won’t be going cold into discussions with a contractor about materials to be used.
Start asking friends, neighbours and work colleagues about who they would recommend as a contractor. They may have direct experience of roofing contractors or they may know someone who has such expereince. if they do know about a contractor ask whether the contractor completed the job as expected, and whether they would hire them again. Ask whther they were couryeous and polite. Local Builders’ supply shops, DIY shops and estate agents amy also have some knowledge of possible contractors you can hire. Try not just going to Yellow Pages and picking a contractor at random. In asking for referrals make sure that the job done is comparable with the job you have planned
Contact the contractor. What was your first impression of the contractor? Was the contractor pleasant and courteous? Did the contractor return your call promptly? Did the contractor set up an appointment with you within a reasonable time (usually within 24 hours)? Ask relevant questions such what employer’s liability and insurance they have, how long have they been in business, do they have a particular specialty, how many employees? If time is a priority for you, ask how soon a project could be started.
Meet the contractor and discuss the options. First of all clarify whether you need a complete new roof or whether a repair job is adequate. if it’s a whole new roof discuss the options on roofing materials to be used. Ask the contractor the following questions:
- What warranty will they give? Will they provide a warranty on both parts and labour? How long will the warranty last. For a new roof you would expect a warranty of at least 10 years
- Do they specialise in residential or commercial roofing work?
- How long will the job take? A roof can be replaced in a week or in even less time if they have a large and well organised workforce
- How long have they been in business? Normally you would want one with at least 5 years experience
- What type of roofing styles and colours will they offer? This is where your initial research about roofing materials will come in handy.
- How much will the roofing job cost? Get a written estimate. In talking to diiferent contractors make sure that each estimate is based on the same information so that you are comparing like with like
- What steps will they take to ensure the minimum of disruption while the job is done and to ensure that everything is cleaned up before they leave?
- What steps will they take to ensure the safety of their employees while on your property and the safety of anyone in the vicinity of your property?
- What liability and employer insurance do they have? Get it in writing.
- Do they offer financing schemes or payment through credit card? Will they give discounts for cash payment? How much do they want upfront and how much as each milestone is reached?
- What references will they give for recent and comparable work?
Get this information and a written estimate from at least three contractors. Make sure that the estimates contain the same quality materials; some times the lowest bid is not using the same quality materials.
Do not automatically pick the cheapest estimate. Also if one estimate is significantly higher than the others the chances are that the contractor may not want your business because he is up to his eyes already in work.
Check the references which each contractor has given you. Ask the key questions of the referees. Were the jobs completed to their satisfaction and would they use the same contractor again?
Once you have made your decision, sign a written contract with the contractor. Ensure that the contract specifies the work to be done, total cost, payment schedule, start date and estimated completion date and a written warranty. Make sure the contract includes the roofing materials and the brands and colours to be used and any additional work such as replacing guttering. Make sure the contract specifies that the contractor is responsible for cleanup when the job is done and the removal of all waste materials.
Watch this video about flat roof contractor
A professional’s touch on a flat roof leak repair. Water was intruding through a bad seam in a ponding area of the roof. After filling the void with 1/2″ celetex insulation board (he tapered the edge’s with his foot for a smoother transition to the existing roof) he fastened some 75lb base sheet and then applied the Johns Manville granulated modified bitumen cap sheet. As you can see, this roofer has bled a few seams in his day (he has a tattoo of a propane torch on his arm!). He torches the “meat” of his roll, then returns to bleed the seams. His foot seaming technique is known around here (new orleans) as the “Tucky Two-Step”. A Perfect 1/4 to 1/2″ bleed everytime. This application was a rare occasion that matching white loose granules were not applied to the still hot tar seam to blend it in with the rest of the roof field and to protect it from sun damage (with the rest of the roof being well aged, granule coating the hot seams on this patch would certainly be overkill). Please help to answer the question about flat roof contractorHow do I know if the roofer I hired for a flat roof did a good job?
I recently had a flat roof installed on my garage. My problem is the workmanship of the job. The roof does not leak, but looks awful. The aluminum roof coating looks terrible. It looks like someone took tin foil and put it on my roof.
Also, there are numerous crinkles, tool marks, footprints, etc. There is also an area next to a corner which is built up with a different material, is bulging and looks terrible. Also, before the roof was done there was a depression which held water. The contractor told me this area would be “built up” (this was not specified in the contract). Now, this area still holds water and appears not to have been “built up” as he said.
At this point, I have not paid the balance due. Should I pay the man?
About Author
Philip Tucker -
About the Author:
Philip Tucker is a video marketing specialist working with selected local businesses and currently specialising in roofing contractors. Obtain a Free report on how to find the best roofing contractor in Oxford through the following site http://www.bestoxfordroofingcontractor.com
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May 7th, 2010 | by roofing contractor |
By Trey on May 8, 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 8, 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 Shizzle DIzzle on May 8, 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 bellshouse1 on May 8, 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.
By arjzv on May 8, 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 Renoir04 on May 9, 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 11, 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 mealking on May 11, 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.