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Asphalt shingle roofing is the most popular type of roofing and there are plenty of reasons for it too. Asphalt shingles are quite easy to install and hardly need any maintenance. Fiber glass roof shingles are on the other hand fire resistant. Both fiber glass and asphalt are available in a wide range of colors and signs.
Asphalt shingles are very cost effective they start at $.80 per square and go up according to the various factors like the height, geographical conditions and the slope of the roof. They are inexpensive and last for 15 to 20 years. Of course the life of the shingles also depends on other factors like the quality of the shingles, the thickness and the maintenance too. Weather plays an important role in the life of the shingles. In hot weather they tend to get spoilt faster. It is really important that you choose the correct person for installing your roof. Installing a new roof is very expensive and if the roofer is not an expert he may ruin the roof and you will always have trouble with it. Anyone may start a roofing business but few have the necessary knowledge and skills of it. There are some tips for what you should look for in a good roofer.
How to select a good roofer
To begin with a good roofer must be experienced. In this field experience counts and a roofer who has at least 15 years experience is the best one. A novice can’t have that at knowledge which an experienced roofer will have.
Next you should also see to it that the roofer of your choice is available, if he is not available there is no point in waiting for him if your roof needs immediate attention.
A good roofer will always be able to give you reference of his previous work done. If he says he can’t then it means he has something to hide. After getting the references do check them out. Once you have inspected the roofs and found them pretty well done then the next thing you must do is talk to at least two references that the roofer has given. You must find out from them if they are satisfied with the roofer and would they give him a repeat work. Next ask them if their roof has ever leaked and if it has did the roofer attended to the leak promptly and did he charge for it? Did he do the work aesthetically without damaging anything and within your budget?
You should also find out if he has at least $1 million of liability insurance and covers workmen’s compensation.
When you hire a roofer you must clarify with him how he is going to install the new roof. Will he install it on the previous one or lay a new one. You should not have more than two layers and if the present layer is curled or damaged you should not install another layer on it without removing the damaged one.
You should also know the guarantee period of the roofing. It should be at least one year, however three years is always preferable. You should also enquire about the shingles that he will use. You may enquire about its quality and all other relevant details. Don’t forget to discuss the trash too. You must know how and who will remove the trash and how he will protect your plants, lawn and driveway while he is at the job. Last of all don’t forget to discuss the payment schedule. One third as upfront is the normal routine and the rest when the job is done.
You must also enquire if the underneath plywood decking need to be replaced. Don’t get it replaced if it is in perfect condition. Also get the roof jacks and pipe boots checked. Thus get all the relevant information and select a roofer only when you are full convinced of his capabilities.
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