Your roof covers your home, property, or business – and everything inside. From superficial items like your car or boat, to irreplaceable friends and family. When it comes to safety, your roof is often the most important factor and the least maintained. It’s easy to overlook the job your roof does because it’s not in the forefront of your mind – until something goes wrong. With TriVAN’s free roof inspections conducted by our knowledgable team, there is no reason to be in the dark on the condition of your roof. And if you have any damage that needs to be addressed, finding a trusted roofing contractor is the next step.
We highly suggest only going to reputable contractors, not your everyday roofer. And believe me, Texas has more than its fair share of opportunistic “roofers” looking to make a quick buck. Texas is one of a few states where you don’t need a license to be a roofer. Someone can claim to be a roofer without ever having stepped onto one before. “Door-knockers” or “storm-chasers” typically don’t have you or your roof’s best interest at heart. They quickly cash your check and by the time their faulty work exposes itself with harsher weather, they’re long gone. Finding a trusted roofing contractor for your home or business is essential and we here at TriVAN have all the general liability and auto insurance you could want. When narrowing down your list of roofing contractors, here are a few questions to ask.
1. Are they a member of any roofing organization? Reliable roofing contractors associate themselves with organizations that can corroborate their reputation. In turn, the organization is bound by strict guidelines and standards, which the members should strictly adhere to. The contractor can generate positive feedback for the organization by doing well or ruin its reputation by doing poorly. Therefore, there is pressure on the roofing company to perfect every project, so that they may continue to enjoy that partnership or accreditation. TriVAN Roofing has established itself as a commercial Elite Certified contractor with Duro-Last PVC roof systems, and as a residential GAF Shingle Manufacturer Master Elite License #ME21251 Certified Roofing Contractor, which honors among only 3% of all roofing companies in North America with this designation. GAF has strict guidelines that a roofing contractor must follow before they can be elected to receive the certification.
2. How long have they been in the business? A good roofing contractor knows the ins and outs of roof jobs. They can easily spot and address roof problems. If you are not ready for repair yet, they can recommend alternative roof covering products. You will know if the person you are talking to is a competent roofer if he can give you great advice on the available products to repair your roof and can explain to you in detail the procedure of roof repair. Usually, those who are more than three years in the business can provide you a comprehensive information on roofing.
3. Do they have a license and insurance? A reputable roofing contractor knows how to take care of his crew and his job. If a contractor offers you a very low bid for the project, there might be some loopholes somewhere. Ask him about worker’s compensation and liability insurance. What will he do if your roof leaks again after only a few months of completing his job? If he says he will repair it free, it must be in writing. If a worker is hurt while on your roof, is he liable for this? Ask for copies of these certificates for your own protection. Also, secure copies of their licenses or credentials. You may contact your city or county clerk’s office to find out the requirements for roofing contractors in your locale. In the State of Texas, a roofing contractor is not required to hold any license or insurance. This gives the property owner zero protection through the sale, terms of the contract, or the actual work done. More importantly, the property owner will carry the full financial weight of any damage that has been done by the contractor when the job is finished.
4. Do they specialize in this type of roofing? If yes, you may ask for photos or names of previous repairs similar to yours. If not, you may ask for possible names of roofing contractors that you can call. TriVAN carries not only the highest certification GAF has to offer but one of only 8 in the North Texas area to carry the prestigious Slate Certification. These are only a few of the many certifications and specializations that TriVAN actively carries.
Check back in a few days for part two of this segment, and continue to learn how to identify a reputable roofing contractor.
Call us at 877-487-4826 for any of your roofing needs, you’re not in this alone!
