Glendale Roof Replacement

Need to Replace Your Roof?

You probably think you don't need to replace your roof until the current one starts leaking. However,  if you wait till then it will most certainly be more costly. Why? Because when you see leaks, the damage to the structure will already have happened and it will be more expensive to repair. 

Here’s a few things to look for in deciding whether its time to hire someone to replace your roof:

• How old is your current roof? If it was installed properly and with the correct materials, a shingle roof should last 15 to 20 years, sometimes longer, and a tile roof should last 30 years or more. It could depend on how many layers of shingles you have and if it has been properly ventilated. If you've lived there for a while and you’re not sure when the roof was installed, you might want to get a roof inspection done by a professional roof replacement contractor.
• • Go outside and view the roof. Are the shingle lines straight? Do you see sagging or other issues? Sagging means that the sheathing under the shingles is deteriorating. Pay close attention to the valleys, the most important part of your roof, because that’s where water flows to the gutters and down to the ground.
• • Do you see any cracked, curled or busted shingles? Any cracked or broken tiles? As shingles and tiles get older, they will deteriorate. Are there any shingles or tiles missing or out of place? Look to see if all of the tabs or end pieces are still intact.
• • Is your chimney flashing made of roof cement or tar? Chimneys can be a critical weak spot on roofs and need to have a long-term, water-tight fitting like sturdy metal flashing.
• • Go up in your attic, in the middle of or right after a heavy rain, and see if you find any signs of leaks or water damage. Also check to see if there's any sunlight coming through the roof where it shouldn’t be showing.

If you're seeing any of these issues, hire an experienced, qualified roof inspector to give you a professional opinion.

Hiring the Best Possible Roof Replacement Contractor

Hire the right roofing contractor for your project to make sure the project goes as smoothly as possible. You need to find a qualified, professional roofing contractor. Observe some of the new roofing jobs in your neighborhood and then search around on the internet and before long, you’ll find the right company. Call and talk to the owners of the companies you choose to get estimates from. They should get back to you with a proposal after sending their foreman/estimator over to inspect your property. Making enough calls that you’ll have at least 3 companies to consider.

Now the challenge is to choose the best one of the group for your project. How do you do that? By following three golden rules of hiring contractors:

• 1. All estimates are not created equal
• A contractor must inspect the roof being considered before they can submit a credible bid. Expect each company being considered for your business to offer insights on the work that needs to be done, including your best options and the time that will be needed. If you interview a contractor that is not willing to explain their quote in as much depth and detail as you need, eliminate them and move on to the next prospect.
• 2. Get references and check them all
• Go with a well-established company that supports its claims to quality and supplies you with recent and past references. Online testimonials are good, but they’re not as credible as speaking directly to someone thats had experience working directly with a roofing contractor. Positive reports on a site like Angie’s List, Home Advisor or Yelp shouldn’t be ignored – just remember that not every good contractor worthy of consideration has been reviewed online. If possible, go out and personally visit roofing jobs completed by the companies on your short list.
• 3. Look for a long history and professionalism
• Surfing a contractor’s website, you’ll want to see signs of professionalism, such as Better Business Bureau affiliation, trade magazine rankings, or maybe industry awards. Also, elite or master certification from a leading manufacturer or two shows a commitment to training and quality. If you really want to avoid surprises, pay close attention to the companies whose work has been officially recognized by the institutions that matter in the construction field.

Once you find the company you want, it’s time to check that they carry workers’ compensation coverage and at least $1 million of liability insurance. Obtain the roofing contractor’s insurance representative’s name and ask to see their proof-of-insurance certificates. Once you’ve verified these documents are legit, its time to talk about putting together an estimate, which they should do for free. 

Make sure you will receive a guaranty that covers leaks, flashing failure or any other installation related issues. A one-year warranty is the least you should require. Two or three years is what you should request. These same items need to go into the agreement, which should also include the type and quality of the materials that will be used. Request the highest-rated, longest-lasting shingles or tiles you can put in your budget.

Manufacturers usually guaranty their products for 20 to 30 years. Some warranties can be voided if you install shingles over existing shingles, so tearing off the existing layer might be required, and it will be an additional expense. Asphalt shingle roofs usually last 15 to 20, so a 20-year warranty should be good enough. Tiles should last 30 to 40 years. Make sure you receive copies of all the proper paperwork and proof of your purchase, in case you have to any problems with the roof down the road..

If you’re still looking for the right roof replacement contractor, give Mikku and Sons Roofing and Repair a call at (623) 465-1068 for your free consultation and estimate.