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A Certified Roofing Contractor is Your best Choice
The life expectancy of your roof depends on
several factors; type of roofing, quality of material, and exposure
to harsh weather elements among the top. With regular maintenance
and normal weathering factors, a roof can last anywhere from 10 –
100 years.
Common roofing material such as built up roofing usually lasts 12 –
20 years, metal roofing 15 – 40 years, wood shake or shingles 10 –
40 years, asphalt shingles 15 – 20 years, and specialty material
like slate up to 100 years under good conditions.
Leaks start as small cracks in roofing material that may not be
visible; water may collect in an adjacent area. To detect such
damage, a close inspection of the roof may be necessary.
A certified roofing contractor can be called to avoid further damage
to the roof, or personal injury to the homeowner caused by trying to
inspect it his or her self. A roof inspection should be performed
annually; constant weathering by sun, heat, rain, snow, hail, wind,
and cold can cause roofing material to break down. A certified
roofing contractor will know what to look for.
A roof and soffit system should be properly vented to prevent
over-heating and moisture retention, two factors that can cause a
roof to break down prematurely.
Selecting a Qualified Roofing Contractor
A certified, experienced contractor offers various services. From
completely tearing off an old roof and replacing it with a new one,
to inspecting and “certifying” an existing roof. The latter is a
process in which the roof is inspected and “guaranteed” to function
properly for a certain period of time; usually 2 years. The
contractor takes responsibility for any necessary roofing repair
during that period.
A certified contractor is knowledgeable of roof system types,
materials, and installation procedures best suited to each project,
and will ensure there is adequate venting.
Ask potential roofing contractors questions such as whether or not
they are licensed and bonded. What liability insurance coverage they
carry, and whether it is up to date. Ask which roofing product
manufacturers they are licensed and approved by, for installation of
products and warranty purposes. Also ask if they are a member of any
regional or national trade organizations.
Several resources are available to find a certified roofing
contractor; referrals, local government licensing agencies, and web
sites that offer contractors for hire, or a list of contractors who
are licensed and bonded.
About the Author: D. Benjamin is the owner of
iapsales.com LLC - a family business specializing in HVAC products. We
are distributors of
Qmark Heaters,
electric tankless water heaters,
bathroom heaters,
patio heaters, electric heaters,
portable air
conditioners & electric towel warmers. Shop on line at
www.heateroutlet.com for these great home improvement products.
Iapsales.com LLC was established in 2003 and is the sister company to
Innovative Air Products located in historical Exeter, NH. We are a 2nd
generation manufacturers’ rep firm dedicated to providing residential &
commercial heating, ventilation and air-conditioning equipment. We offer
a great selection online at the lowest prices anywhere. We can also be
found on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube