Handyman vs. Roofing Contractor: What’s the Difference?
The types of work that a handyman and a roofing contractor do often overlap. This can make it confusing for homeowners to determine which professionals to call when they have a job.
Common Roofing Scams and How to Avoid Them
Homeowners are often targeted by scammers offering roofing work at cheaper prices. Scammers prey on propertyowner’s fears that working with a reputable company is too expensive. To protect yourself, be aware of these common scams:
– Storm chasers appear after severe weather events, offering roof work where it may not be required. Ask for credentials and a local address and phone number.
– Good Samaritans may knock on your door and claim to notice roof damage. Get a second opinion before signing contracts.
– Low bidders offer attractive prices that later increase as unforeseen problems arise.
Restoration Roofing Services offers roof repair and replacement and commercial/residential services to address all your needs. Call us at (334) 350-3350 or fill out our contact form for a quote today!
4 Siding Contractor Red Flags Homeowners Should Know
If you’re planning to replace your roof and siding, you naturally want to hire the best contractors for the job. After all, this is a significant investment, and your siding serves as one of your home’s defenses against the elements. However, not all roofing and siding contractors are trustworthy, and some may try to take advantage of you. It’s crucial to watch out for the following red flags when choosing a contractor:
1. Lack of insurance: Always ask your potential contractor if they have workers’ compensation insurance. Although the requirements for contractor licenses and insurance vary according to location, an honest and reliable contractor will have these credentials ready when you ask. If they refuse to show you their credentials, be cautious as you won’t have protection from liability.
2. No portfolio or reviews: Check out the contractor’s portfolio or customer reviews before signing the contract. This way, you can quickly evaluate whether they are as reliable and trustworthy as they claim to be. Conversely, the absence of reviews and a portfolio should make you avoid them at all costs, as it suggests their past customers didn’t have a great experience with them.
3. Aggressive sales pitch: If a roofer or siding contractor is too aggressive with their sales pitch or refuses to explain the benefits of costly siding material, consider it a warning sign and move on. The contractor may be trying to close the sale as soon as possible, so you don’t have time to research.
4. Asks for too much upfront: If a potential siding contractor asks for too much money upfront, it’s best to look for another contractor. This is a sign that the person doesn’t run their business efficiently. Any reliable siding contractor should have enough funds to finish your project without requiring too much money upfront.
If you’re looking for restoration roofing services and reliable siding contractors, Restoration Roofing Services can help. Call us at (334) 350-3350 or fill out our contact form to request a quote.
Different Ways Bad Roofing Contractors Cut Corners
Undertaking a roof replacement project is a significant investment. You want to ensure the job is done correctly the first time. However, working with just any professional roofer may not be enough. Working with an honest roofing contractor who won’t cut corners on your project is crucial.
Some unscrupulous roofing contractors may try to deceive you in the following ways:
1. Using Second-Grade Shingles: Some dishonest roofers may use second-grade shingles, which cost less due to their factory defects. This can result in shingles being blown off by wind uplift, leading to moisture infiltration and premature deterioration.
2. Not Using Enough Nails: Some bad roofers may not use enough nails when attaching your shingles, which can weaken your shingles’ hold on the entire roof. This puts your roof at high risk of being blown away during severe weather events.
3. Improper Ice and Water Shield Installation: A lousy roofer may do the bare minimum when installing ice and water shields. This is a significant problem because the shield needs to be installed with more overhangs to provide adequate protection. However, some unscrupulous roofers tend to install it only 24 inches from the exterior wall to save costs.
To ensure the best results for your roofing project, it’s best to hire a GAF Master Elite® contractor. By hiring GAF Master Elite contractors, you’ll get qualified roofers who can provide you with products and services you can count on for years.
If you’re planning a roof repair project and need professional assistance, don’t hesitate to contact Restoration Roofing Services. We offer top-quality residential and commercial roofing services. You can call us at (334) 350-3350 or fill out our contact form to request a quote.
Important Questions to Ask Your Prospective Roofing Company
When you plan to replace your roof, the skillset of the roofing company you choose will significantly affect the performance, appearance, durability, and lifespan of your new roof. Therefore, conducting thorough research on different roofers before hiring them is essential. In this context, Restoration Roofing Services provides a list of crucial questions that you should ask your prospective roofer before finalizing the contract.
(more…)
Top Tips for Prolonging the Life of Your Roof
Roofing systems can damage or deteriorate over time, regardless of material and design. However, with a proper roof maintenance program, you can avoid many roofing issues and prolong the life of your roof. That said, maintaining your roof doesn’t seem to be too overwhelming. Small steps can often make a big difference, especially when done consistently.