How To Choose A Roofing Contractor

July 2009 Volume 1 Number 7

The purchase of a new roof system is an important decision and should be treated as an investment. Before you spend that hard earned money, spend a little time learning how to evaluate roofing contractors. First and foremost, insist on working with a professional roofing contractor. The following guidelines can help you select a professional:

Check for a permanent place of business, telephone number and tax identification number.
Ask for proof of insurance. Insist on seeing copies of liability coverage and workers’ compensation certificates.
Check to see if the contractor is properly licensed.
Make sure the contractor is financially stable. A professional roofing contractor can provide current financial information about his company.
Look for a proven track record along with client references and a list of completed projects. Make sure that the contractor has successfully completed projects similar in size, scope and dollar value as your project.
Call some people on the client list to find out if they are satisfied.
Insist on a detailed, written proposal, with complete descriptions of the work, job specifications and payment terms.
Have the contractor explain his project supervision and quality-control procedures.
Carefully read and understand any roofing warranties offered and watch for provisions that would void it.
Choose a company committed to worker safety and education. Does he have a written safety program?
Have the contractor list the roofing manufacturers with which his firm is a licensed or approved applicator.
Require a letter from the chosen manufacturer that states this contractor is approved, can receive a warranty and that the manufacturer has looked at the project, specifications, details and approves it’s application.
Keep a healthy skepticism about the lowest bid. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Remember, price is only one of the criteria for selecting a roofing contractor. “Cheapest is not always least expensive.” Professionalism, experience and quality workmanship should weigh heavily in your decision

For a professional contractor that exceeds these criteria, call Spann Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc., your full service roofing contractor.

Roofing Resources

For additional information on roofing products, specification and news check these helpful websites:

www.nrca.net www.crsmca.org www.spri.org www.rci-online.org www.coolroofs.org www.ricowi.com www.tileroofing.org www.asphaltroofing.org www.fmglobal.com www.astm.org

Spann Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. offers a vast array roof services to meet your needs like:

New Construction • Reroofing • Renovation Inspections • Maintenance • Repairs

And superior products you can trust like:

Modified Bitumen • BUR • Single Ply Coatings • Metal • Tile • Shingles

459 Allied Dr. • Conway, S.C. 29526 • 843-347-2220 • Fax: 843-347-9719 www.spannroofing.com