Figuring out the best way to get a new roof can be a daunting task. It may have been many years since you last replaced your roof, or this may be your very first roof replacement. In all instances, a quality roof installation is a must. Without a doubt, a roof replacement is a significant project with long-term implications.
A properly installed new roof featuring top-quality materials delivers reduced maintenance costs and peace-of-mind for many years to come. In fact, the average lifespan of a high-quality roof is often measured in decades.
For many homeowners, a roof protects their most valuable asset. It protects a home, possessions and family from nature’s worst onslaughts. Given these realities, proper vetting of prospective roofing contractors is a must.
Simply put, you want it done right.
The Vetting Process: Step-by-Step
When you are looking at roofing contractors, there is a process of elimination. Although there are numerous roofing contractors in Bergen County NJ, only one will survive your stringent selection process.
Here are four key qualities to look for when you are vetting roofing contractors in Bergen County NJ.
1. A Solid Local Reputation
When you vet a roofing contractor, consider how strong their local presence is. Perhaps you’ve seen their trucks and equipment at residences and businesses elsewhere in the community. Perhaps neighbors, friends, relatives and/or co-workers have heard of them.
A referral from someone you know is very valuable. For a variety of reasons, local contractors have an edge over out-of-state roofers. In the future, local roofers are available when you need them, whether it is for repairs, an emergency inspection after a bad storm or seasonal maintenance.
A good full-service roofing contractor will often be certified to install a variety of residential and commercial roof systems. Some homeowners find an extra measure of security in knowing that a roofing company has the know-how to take on commercial as well as residential projects.
2. Relevant Experience
Since re-roofing is a labor-intensive process, the experienced roofer often has an edge in efficiency. A more efficient roofing company that gets more done in less time is in a better position to provide a more competitive quote.
The ideal roofing company will have experience relevant to your needs. Every residential roof presents a unique array of challenges. A highly experienced roofer will suggest a roofing solution crafted to your special situation. For example, an experienced roofer accounts for chronic issues like leaks, excessive organic growth or more difficult roof protrusions.
3. Factory Certifications
Roofing companies serving New Jersey homeowners often secure and maintain certifications with top roofing manufacturers. For example, GAF has its Master Elite certification, and Owens Corning has its Preferred Contractor certification program. To retain its certified status, a roofing company must participate in periodic training that keeps key personnel abreast of industry developments.
Certified contractors are qualified to offer warranties that non-certified roofers cannot. For example, GAF offers its top-of-the-line Golden Pledge Warranty only through its network of Master Elite roofing contractors.
4. The Right Insurance
It is not enough for a roofer to simply say, “Yes I have insurance.” A roofing contractor must have the right coverage, and he must be willing to show you current certificates of insurance.
There are two primary kinds of insurance that the state requires home improvement contractors to have – liability insurance and workers compensation insurance.
General liability insurance covers a variety of adverse events that are uncommon but possible. This type of insurance addresses many kinds of claims, including those arising from property damage, bodily injury and faulty workmanship.
Roofing companies must also make sure their crews are properly covered by workers compensation insurance. Since roofing contractors face high premiums compared to most home improvement contractors, some roofers, unfortunately, show up at a job uninsured or underinsured.
The stakes are high when uninsured roofers are working on your property. For example, if there is a mishap, it is possible that a claim will be made against your homeowner’s insurance policy.
The proper vetting of roofing contractors requires some time. However, the search for an experienced, trustworthy roofing contractor is more than worth the effort. Such a contractor will install a high-quality roof system with a minimum of fuss. Finally, when your chosen contractor is certified by a major roofing manufacturer, he is in a position to offer a top-notch manufacturer’s warranty that will provide important peace-of-mind for years to come.
Contact CRS Today
Since 1977, CRS has provided a full range of residential roofing services to the homeowners of Bergen County, Passaic County and Essex County, NJ. GAF, North America’s largest roofing manufacturer, has certified CRS as a Master Elite contractor. Fewer than one in 50 roofing companies achieve this coveted goal.
CRS takes extra steps to give homeowners peace-of-mind. For example, while many roofing contractors maintain $1 million worth of liability insurance or less, CRS has more than ten times that amount.
When you need a roofing contractor in Bergen County NJ, look to CRS for professional services priced right. To learn more about our services, or to schedule a no-obligation visit from our certified roof inspector, please contact us today.
