Top-Tier Residential Roofing Services East Texas: Building Trust
Hiring a Residential Roofing Company in East Texas
Getting a roofing contractor to install your roof is a significant investment for your home. But you can take steps to ensure you hire a reputable company. You will want to get references from other homeowners, and you will also want to make sure the contractor provides a warranty.
Get references
Getting references when hiring a residential roofing company is a crucial step to take. It can reveal a lot about a company’s strengths and weaknesses.
The best way to get references is to talk to past customers. You can also check out online reviews. Using the right review site will give you a good idea of a company’s reputation.
A roofing contractor that offers references is a good sign. If a company refuses to provide a connection, you should proceed cautiously. If you get a referral from a company that does not do quality work, you may have a problem in the future.
If a company provides a reference, you should ask questions about their project completion, how clean the job was, and if the roof is still in good condition. It would be best to ask why the reference did not hire the roofing company again. This will give you insight into a company’s work ethic and how well they care for their clients.
Get a warranty
Getting a warranty when hiring a residential roofing company is a great way to manage expectations and ensure your roof performs at peak levels. While warranties vary, they all include certain features.
There are two main types of warranties: the manufacturer’s warranty and the workmanship warranty. The more common latter covers a variety of problems, including faulty installation.
However, the most basic form of warranty is a manufacturer’s warranty. This protects your new roof, but you or your contractor cannot change it. Roofing manufacturers provide a list of requirements for their warranties to remain valid.
The best warranties cover a combination of labor, materials, and maintenance. A good contractor will be eager to offer full coverage. This can reduce the odds of a warranty need, but research before you sign on the dotted line.
A No-Dollar-Limit (NDL) Warranty is a typical roofing manufacturer’s warranty. It typically lasts for between 10 and 30 years. These warranties are most helpful in cases where you need to get your roof fixed but do not have the funds for a complete replacement.
Avoid door-to-door contractors
Using door-to-door contractors to replace your residential roof is a common scam that can be costly. You need to do your homework before you sign any paperwork. It’s a good idea to ask about your contractor’s insurance coverage, state licensing, references, and the company’s bond information. You can also search online for reviews and check the Better Business Bureau’s database.
Scammers prey on homeowners who are afraid of losing their homes. They will try to play on your emotions and guilt you into working with them. In addition, they often use low-quality materials and work on homes that don’t need them. They can also convince unsuspecting customers that they won’t have to file a claim with their insurance. Ultimately, they will take your money and disappear.
The most common roofing scam involves contractors offering a “today only” deal. These companies may claim you’ll get your deductible reimbursed if you file a claim. However, having your insurance company inspect your home before you agree to a contract would be best.
3 Types of Material
Let’s face it; nothing in life is easy. Making your house what you’ve always wanted it to be can be lengthy and arduous. Such is the case when deciding what roofing material you want to land on top of your home. With endless options and designs, it can be nerve-racking to narrow the playing field.
So in the interest of sanity, we’ll at least get you started on the right foot. Let’s begin with a standard comparison of the four main types of roof toppings. Due to customer demand, most residential roofing contractors in East Texas use these three types of roofing materials.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles came into early development at the turn of the 20th century. Asphalt shingles are named because they are made with a base mat of materials such as paper, cellulose, wood fiber, or other materials saturated with asphalt to make them waterproof. A top coating of adhesive asphalt is applied, and ceramic granules are embedded.
The result is a sturdy, durable, yet flexible shingle popular among roof buyers. 75% of homeowners in the United States use asphalt shingles.
Advantages:
- Cost-Effective
- Wide variety of styles and colors
- Standard lifetime protection
- Easy To Install
- Expected Lifespan: 20-25 years
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is one of the new kids on the block. Although some form of metal roofing has been used widely since the 1970s, its emergence as a heavy hitter in the roofing arena has only been in the last decade.
Metal Roofing comes in various colors and textures that simulate other materials like stone or natural wood. So the metal doesn’t look so metal. What makes metal roofing attractive is its function as much as it is aesthetic. It’s ideal for reflecting sunlight and holds up exceptionally well under high winds and torrential downpours. It’s also great at insulating the inside of your home.
Advantages:
- Energy Efficient
- Eco-Friendly
- Can be installed year-round
- Standard leak protection
- Wide variety of styles and colors
- Expected Lifespan: 35-40 years
Tile or Slate Roofing
In the Southwest, tile roofing is practically a part of the culture, giving the area a unique and identifiable look. Depending on the quality, a tile roof may last 50 to 70 years–or even more! Traditional clay tile roofs are hefty and sometimes require more structural reinforcement than other roofing materials. However, tile is now offered in new lightweight versions that can be used on most structures without additional support.
Tile roofs perform better under harsh conditions than many other roofing materials. They resist damage caused by hurricanes, earthquakes, and other weather extremes better than most options. Roof tile is also fireproof and carries a class-A rating.
Advantages:
- Very attractive and ornate
- Long-lasting
- Custom design and patterns
- Durable
- Natural materials
- Expected Lifespan: Over 50 Years