• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Are There Any Roofing Contractors in the House?

C

Carbo

Diamond Member
Getting a new roof on the old house. The original three tab shingle roof is now 20 years old, and Katrina pushed it over the edge. (South Florida location, by the way).
I've got a few estimators coming by in the next two weeks to give me their views. Not having gone through this process before, what should I be asking? One hears many horror stories about roofing contractors. What about the differences in materials and types of roofs? Etc. Any help is appreciated. Thank you.
 
I'm not a contractor, but I replace my own roof last year.

In general ask about:

references!

also, are they bonded?

get an itemized estimate....

do you think you've got to replace and roof boards? if so, expect to pay a little more than they estimate.

got a chimney? ask about how they do the flashing...

go with the archetectural shingles...they look really nice and are faster (and easier) to put up.


 
I'm very close to doing my own roof myself. I can save $3,000 and get high quality dimensional shingles rather than cheap 3 tab ones if I do it.
 
... 'A roofing contractor's personal politics come into play heavily when choosing a job' ...
 
ask them if they intend to tear off the old roofing before installing the new. It is commonplace to roof over the existing, which isn't a bad thing necessarily if it's only the first re-roof. After 2 layers though, you can run into some issues with insurance.
 
There's no way I can do the job myself. Don't know how, don't have the tools, don't like heights. So that isn't an option, even though the cost savings can be substantial.
I'm thinking of going with the architectural style shingles instead of the three tab. I like the look better, and they are more durable from what I have read so far.
 
Originally posted by: MikeyIs4Dcats
ask them if they intend to tear off the old roofing before installing the new. It is commonplace to roof over the existing, which isn't a bad thing necessarily if it's only the first re-roof. After 2 layers though, you can run into some issues with insurance.
Click to expand...
Definitely going to tear off the old roof first. There's a small leak now and the underlying plywood needs tending to.

 
Have them quote a tear off with disposal, assement of underlayment condition, and a set price per square foot for repairing any bad underlayment. Get references. Get an estimate in writing , specifying intermediate measures to protect your home between tearoff and final job. They should also have a timeline or schedule to complete the job.
The worst thing to have happen is a tearoff, sloppy tarping or no tarp at all, and have them disappear for a week or two.
 
Originally posted by: skyking
Have them quote a tear off with disposal, assement of underlayment condition, and a set price per square foot for repairing any bad underlayment. Get references. Get an estimate in writing , specifying intermediate measures to protect your home between tearoff and final job. They should also have a timeline or schedule to complete the job.
The worst thing to have happen is a tearoff, sloppy tarping or no tarp at all, and have them disappear for a week or two.
Click to expand...


and definitely don't pay more than half upfront. better to do 33/33/33% if you can
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top