Posts Tagged roofers
Long Island Roofing Contractors Discuss Shingles Warranties
Regardless of which long island roofing contractors you choose, the type of shingle has some sort of warranty on the product which you should investigate. The roofing shingles you use should at a minimum comply with government standards and have a minimum warranty that the shingle will perform as promised. Warranties are not given for the shingles by Long Island roofing contractors but the manufacturer and usually range from 15 to 40 years. SOme even come with a limited lifetime warranty.
While roofing shingle warranties are often considered always included, there can be significant differences in warranty coverages between similar shingles. Unknown to the homeowner, some warranties only cover the cost of the shingles, but doesn’t include the physical labor costs needed to remove the old roof and install the new shingles.
It’s important to note that most shingle manufacturers have specific installation instructions and improper installation of your roofing shingles can void your warranty. Always check that your Long Island ROofers install according to the manufacturers recommendations.
Over the years, all homes will endure many types of weather. Here they are discussed:
Wind Warranty
High winds can be very damaging to shingles. Powerful gusts will rip the shingles from your roof, but even weaker winds can cause costly damage.
Shingles will lift, even if only for a second, in strong enough winds. This can be the start of two problems. First, when the shingle lifts, debris and moisture can blow in under the shingle. Once the shingle returns to its original position, it traps the debris and moisture. If there is too much moisture, it could leak through your roof and damage your home. The trapped debris also keeps the tile from lying perfectly flat, which lets in more moisture and debris.
Wind also causes shingles to warp, which not only lets in more moisture and debris, but can also cause shingles to crack or break.
Algae Resistant Warranty
Algae growth is a common roofing problem that causes dark streaks on your roofing shingles. The algae can be cleaned away, but it will likely return, especially if you live in a humid climate. If you have had algae problems before, you should look for algae-resistant coverage on your shingle warranty.
When setting up a job with Long Island Roofing contractors, always find the shingle with the most applicable warranty to the type of environment you are in.
LI Contractors Top Ten Tips for Homeowners
Many LI Contractors guarantee their work and are full licensed by either Nassau or Suffolk County government. But when a problem arises, what recourse does a homeowner have to get the problem resolved? Before this happens, learn from the following ten tips to hep avoid a problem with a LI contractors work.
1. Not knowing what you want. If you don’t know what you want, you might not like what you get. Also, if you change your mind and change the job halfway through, the contract – and price – have changed (Hint: it won’t get cheaper). Know clearly what you want done.
2. Not getting everything in writing. You don’t want to hear, “I didn’t say I was going to include the gutters.”
3. Not having dates in the contract. Did you want it finished this year? You better have it in the contract.
4. Paying too much up front. A deposit may be a reasonable request when the contract is signed, and money for materials prior to the start date. Never pay in full before the job is finished.
5. Hiring unlicensed contractors. Actually, this can be okay, if you know what you are doing (and he does). The license doesn’t mean you get expertise, but it does mean you get leverage. A contractor will right his wrongs to avoid losing that license.
6. Hiring the first one in the phone book. Ask friends who had work done, or the owner of a hardware store. Find a recommendation based on a similar job to yours.
7. Thinking there will be no problems. Weather delays, employees quitting, and more will happen. Having problems is okay, but it’s not okay if the contractor can’t work out the issues to your satisfaction.
8. Expecting neatness. Believe it or not, it is sometimes efficient to leave things laying where they’ll next be used. There will be messes, so prepare accordingly. Cover things if it will be a dusty job, for example. Also be clear in the contract that the jobsite will be cleaned up at the end of the job.
9. Not having penalties in the contract. This is important on large jobs. It’s one thing to say “Work to be completed by May 2nd,” but better to add, “$100 per day to be deducted from the contract price for each day the job is unfinished beyond May 2nd.” That’s what I call a motivational clause.
10. Thinking contracts will prevent problems. They help, but unreasonable people on either side of a contract can ignore them, or use “literal readings” to make things even worse. Find someone you can work with, and keep your eyes open.
Understanding these ten LI contractors tips can make your next remodel or repair job that much more smooth.
