A great deal is at stake when you entrust the task of repairing your roof to a local roof repair contractor. A successful repair will protect your home, family and possessions for a long time to come. However, low-quality work may result in future problems. Undoing the damage often costs more than the original repair itself.
With so much at stake, it is understandable that homeowners look for signs that their roofing contractor is trustworthy. Fortunately, there’s peace of mind that comes from knowing that the state of New Jersey and roofing manufacturers share your interest in quality work.
Important Certifications
What exactly do we mean? First, the state requires home improvement contractors, including roofing contractors, to go through a regulated registration process and to have the right insurance. Second, roofing manufacturers certify roofing contractors they trust to install their products.
Manufacturer certification, proper state registration and the right insurance and all increase a homeowner’s confidence in a local roof repair contractor. Always make sure that any roofing company you’re considering has all three.
1.Manufacturer Certification
Manufacturers of quality roofing products want to work with trustworthy contractors, just like you do. They designate roofers they can trust as factory-certified contractors. Therefore, look for a local roof repair contractor that is certified by a major roofing manufacturer. Perhaps the two most coveted of these certifications are GAF’s “Master Elite” and Owens Corning “Preferred.”
GAF
Only three percent of the nation’s roofing companies achieve GAF’s Master Elite status. This factory certification is a strong predictor of customer satisfaction. A survey of 28,000+ homeowners served by GAF certified contractors revealed that 93 percent would recommend their roofing contractor to others. The Parsippany-based manufacturer only trusts certified contractors to offer its very best warranty, the Golden Pledge. This warranty covers materials and labor for as long as you own your home. It is also transferable from the roof’s purchaser to the next owner of the home.
Owens Corning
Owens Corning Preferred contractors have extensive knowledge of the products and installation practices. They are part of an exclusive network of roofing professionals who meet high standards and strict requirements for professionalism and reliability.
2. State Registration
You also want to know that the state of New Jersey has properly certified a local roof repair contractor to perform home improvement services. New Jersey’s Contractors’ Registration Act requires all home improvement contractors, including roofing companies, to register with the state. Once a contractor receives a state registration number, it is to be displayed at the place of business, in ads, on contracts, customer correspondence and other business documents.
Many homeowners find it reassuring to know that the state in which they live has laws in place that regulate the conduct of home improvement contractors.
3. Proper Insurance
Local roof repair contractors must have two very important types of insurance – general liability insurance and workers compensation insurance. Both are required under state law. The State of New Jersey requires a contractor to “File proof that it has secured and maintains, in its name as the insured, a policy of commercial general liability insurance in a minimum amount of $500,000 per occurrence.”
Although the state requires that a contractor to have a minimum of $500,000 worth of liability insurance, it is best for a homeowner if the roofing company carries more substantial coverage. A contractor’s business liability insurance protects you against things like a worker’s inadvertent damage to your home, a falling object that injures a passerby or damage from faulty work.
The state of New Jersey also requires that every employer carry workers compensation insurance. Benefits are paid to workers who are injured on the job. This requirement also extends to out-of-state employers who perform work in the state. Given the safety concerns, proper training should always be a top priority when roofing projects are underway. Contractors need to understand and adhere to OSHA safety regulations.
If you allow uninsured individuals on your roof and there is an injury accident, you could conceivably face a claim against your homeowner’s policy.
An important tip – Ask for an opportunity to review the contractor’s certificate of insurance that proves there is adequate liability insurance in force. Also, ask to see verifiable proof of workers compensation insurance.
Contact Us Today
CRS has served northern NJ homeowners for more than four decades. We are a true full-service contractor that you can count on for everything from expert repairs to full roof replacements, and from certified roof inspections to routine maintenance.
CRS is one of the local roof repair contractors you can trust. When a severe storm damages your roof or a roof leak suddenly appears, count on us to resolve the issue in an efficient, expert manner.
We are a factory-certified Owens Corning Preferred Contractor and GAF Master Elite Contractor. We are also a state-licensed contractor (Lic. #13VH03467900). We carry $11 million in liability insurance, ten times more than most. We also carry a proper workers compensation insurance policy.
Arrange for our certified roof inspector to visit your property, and we’ll prepare a competitive, no-obligation quote for you. Contact us today!
