Calling all roofers, no flames anticipated on this one!

[Microcell]

Aside from personal recommendation, what else should I look for in a roofing company? Is there an acronym of certification I should look for that is the best? The insurance guy was out on my roof this time (last time it was the car) and looks like the whole thing needs to be replaced. Also if you want to tell me the benefits of a 40 year roof as opposed to 30 that would be great too! He already told me he will pay not to have overlay- he said it is cheaper to overlay but the shingles are not warrentied that way (funny, the previous owner did overlay so the roofing company has to rip off two layers of roofing, guess she pocketed some money)! So any info your roofers or roofers wives want to share so I get a good company would be great.

For those of you that were reading my car thread, if you are curious about the way insurance did the roof payout, it is a 70% check straight out and then the remaining 30% once the work is done. All paid to me. Very interesting. They also pay for some guttering and windows as well as damage to the air conditioner.

I feel so vindicated about the flames on the car thread, because get this: The adjuster himself from the insurance company told me that he is giving $75 dollars for a service call to get the coils combed out on my air conditioner, but that he would just go to Home Depot or somewhere and get the brush for it for 7 dollars and pocket the rest! I told him that some of my friends told me that would be unethical to do that!!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

All I can say after having been burned on our last roof, choose a company that has been in business for a long while.

We choose someone to do it that was "fly by night". We didn't realize they were BTW. During hail storms or issues, fly by nights will come in and by an established company so it appears that they have been in business for awhile.

Well we had problems later and no company to go after. Since we choose the company to do the roof we are responsible for any "aftermath". Insurance will not pay for additional damages once they pay for the roof replacement.

 

[disneymom3]

Personally as I am going through this right now, I would go with personal recommendations. It is so hard to tell who will do a good job. Between myself and my friends we have now referred this same guy through 4 levels and he is not done yet. Too bad you don't live close to me!

 

[Microcell]

All the neighbors are divided between like 5 places! I hate that we are entering the season where we can't count on a good test of rain on a new roof!

I called a place based on the multitude of lawn signs. There are many out at least since we all got hit by hail!

 

[Pop Daddy]

go with short men, there good for all that climbing and bending over

 

[Microcell]

Pop Daddy! Long time no see! Long post.


I thought young strapping men whom I could offer lemonade would be better, ya know strong big hunky types!

 

[Laz]

From recent experience, I would recommend that you first study the building codes for your area or state. Many states follow the "International Residential Code" Do NOT rely on you conunty or city inspector. I made sure that the roofer used nails instead of staples, and that the nails were of proper length and used 4 nails to a tab. Check you ventilation and make sure you have enough in the roof. Make sure you do not overlay, and when they strip the old roof off, make sure the repair any damaged roof boards.

I put a 30 year roof on. 30 or 40 is a matter of preference, but you have to ask yourself how long you are going to remain in that house

 

[llp479]

As someone who had to replace a roof, siding, and screens due to hail damage here's my two cents. Look in your phone book and find a LOCAL company that will be around should you have problems. This is what we did and boy am I glad. Many of my neighbors used the "storm chasers" and now when they've had issues, there isn't any one here to back their work.

I actually got bids from 5 different companies, including our local Home Depot. Call a local builder and see who they use. I'm glad we took our time and didn't rush into anything.

Also, many of the storm chasers wanted the insurance check signed over to them. The only way any one got paid was when I saw an itemized bill for the work, and then I wrote the check.

Good luck!