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That day has finally come. Youve dreaded it, but you knew eventually youd have to deal with it: your roof has a leak.
If youre lucky, you might only have a small stain on the ceiling that needs to be repaired. If youre unlucky or if you procrastinate, much worse can happen. Simple leaks can escalate into damage to the framing and sheathing that supports your home. Water can invade your living space and precious heirlooms can be destroyed.
Even worse is the pain and frustration of finding a roofing contractor who you can trust. Its not easy. Thats why roofing is one of the highest categories for complaints to the Better Business Bureau.
However, there are precautions you can take.
Educate Yourself
Ask for help from your library, or do the research yourself on the Internet. A great site to learn about roofing basics is at www.gaf.com (click on the Smart Choice icon).
Get Referrals
Ask neighbors and friends. Make sure the roofer you select is factory-certified. There is a free service at 1-888-LEAK-SOS (1-888-532-5767) that selects among the best 2% of the roofers in the country. Each of these Master Elite professional contractors is factory-trained, certified and has a local reputation for great quality and value.
Ask Tough Questions
Do they have current liability insurance? Dont just take their word for it, have them show you proof. If something happens to your property, youll need to be sure that they have coverage that will protect you. Do they carry current workers compensation insurance? If they dont, and their employee has an accident on your property, you may be at risk. Are they licensed and do they follow national, state and local building codes? If they dont, and your local building inspector finds out, you may be forced to rip out the job and start again at your expense.
Do they understand how to provide adequate attic ventilationwhich is critical for the proper functioning and longevity of your new roof? This is an area in which many roofers perform inadequately. However, if ventilation is not done right, your energy bills can be excessive and potential damage to your home and roof can occur.
Check The Warranty Coverage
All roofing materials come with a manufacturers warranty against material defects, although the scope and length of coverage differs from manufacturer to manufacturer. In addition, many contractors offer their own guarantee against errors in their workmanship. You need to feel comfortable that both your contractor and the materials manufacturer are financially strong and likely to be
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