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Owning a home in New Jersey means performing regular maintenance and deciding when to repair or replace exterior areas, such as your roof. When the building materials on a roof begin to degrade, this leaves a house vulnerable to serious damage. Finding the right roofing contractor in your area to repair or replace your roof without straining your budget may seem daunting, but our professionals at Cherry Roofing and Siding stand ready to guide you through the process.
When Do You Need a Roofing Contractor?
Depending on the materials used to build a roof, most can last up to 30 years or more. However, New Jersey’s harsh winters and summer storms that bring wind, hail and heavy rain can cause significant damage over the years and lead to many problems, such as:
- Missing shingles
- Exposed flashing
- Sagging
- Attic leaks
When these issues go unchecked, they can lead to serious leaks and even attic flooding. Birds and small mammals may find it easy to get into your attic and nest there, leading to further problems. Finding a reputable roofing contractor to make repairs as soon as you discover these issues can prevent further costly damage in the future.
Where Do You Begin To Find a Roofing Contractor?
Some homeowners put off roof repairs because they are not sure how to find a qualified contractor in their area. You can prevent the problems that putting off the search might cause to a roof that is already damaged by reviewing building and roofing codes and requirements in your neighborhood and matching those needs with an online query.
Once you narrow down your search, keep a checklist handy so you can verify that the contractors on your list meet some important qualifications.
What Qualities Should You Look for In a Roofing Contractor?
Finding a qualified roofing contractor can prevent many problems, from insurance woes to inspection and licensing issues. Knowing what to look for as you browse different companies can help you make a more informed decision.
Provides Proof of Bonded License and Insurance
Working with roofing contractors who can show proof of insurance and are licensed and bonded protects you, as the homeowner, from worker injuries that occur on your property and financial damage from any possible wrongdoing on behalf of your contractor.
Offers Written Estimates
A qualified roofing contractor or company provides their customers with written estimates outlining the necessary work, material and labor costs. This helps you stay within your roof repair or replacement budget. Many offer free estimates.
Hires Experienced Roofers
When it comes to repairing your roof, experience matters. Ask your prospective roofing company about its hiring process and how much experience it requires of its workers. Experience often affects the quality of roofing work, and hiring knowledgeable workers makes a world of difference in the appearance and longevity of your new roof.
Offers References
A roofing company that offers references from previous customers can provide peace of mind and give you an idea of the company’s levels of experience, professionalism and pricing. You can pair these references with online reviews for a more complete picture.
Keeps You In the Loop
When you have questions about your upcoming roof repair or replacement, a quality contractor takes the time to listen to your concerns and answer all your questions. Our contractors understand the importance of keeping customers informed regarding what they can expect or which steps the roofers need to take if they come upon a problem during the construction process.
What Are Some Common Roofing FAQ’s?
As you meet with prospective roofing contractors, asking them a list of questions can help you understand the scope of the necessary work and what you can expect before, during and after the repair or replacement of your home’s roof.
Will the Contractor Inspect the Current Roof?
A thorough inspection of your current roof is essential for finding all potential problems. Not only does this help a company provide you with an estimate but allows you to better understand the overall scope of the work needed.
What Is Roof Flashing?
When you lose shingles off your roof due to high winds or torrential downpours, it exposes the flashing underneath. This roof component directs melting snow and rain away from your roof to prevent attic leaks. Your roof may also have flashing around the base of its chimney. Flashing is typically made of copper, steel or aluminum.
How Long Does It Take To Replace a Roof?
The timeline of your roof repair may depend on a variety of factors. If your roof needs replacing, the job may take anywhere from several weeks to a month depending on its size and which materials you choose. Our roofers work quickly but with care, ensuring that roof replacement interrupts your life as little as possible.
What Causes a Sagging Roof?
If sections of your roof sag, this may indicate imminent failure or collapse. Aging materials, the weight of heavy snow or inadequate sheathing can all cause sagging.
How Serious Are Missing Roof Shingles?
Roof shingle damage can occur in many ways, from windstorms to damage caused by animals, such as roof rats, that are looking for a warm place to nest. While shingles add an attractive aesthetic to your roof, they also protect your attic from leaks and rotting insulation.
How Dangerous Is a Leaky Roof?
While a small roof leak might not seem like a serious problem at first, it can grow without warning and cause major damage to the interior of your attic. Leaks also encourage mold growth in your attic’s insulation and cause it to spread to other areas of your home. Over time, a leaky roof may even cause dry rot and a partial collapse of your roof.
Contact Us Today For All Your Roofing Needs
When your New Jersey home needs roof repair or replacement, taking the first steps of finding a qualified contractor may seem difficult. However, when you know which questions to ask, you can make the most informed decisions possible. Contact us here at Cherry Roofing and Siding for all your roofing needs and a free estimate. Take that first step today and put quality and experience in your corner.
Jun 06, 2024
