If a person occupied the same house their entire life, they would eventually have to replace their roof. The life span of a roof greatly depends on the quality of its construction and the materials used. Well-built roofs can last for about 20 to 30 years for asphalt shingled roofs and up to 50 years for tile and steel roofs. Environmental conditions, such as temperature and humidity, also have a huge impact on these figures. Eventually the time comes when a roof will start to show signs of deterioration and replacing by a roofer Houston contractor should be the objective in order to minimize the damage to the underlying materials from the elements.

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The reconstructed roof should be the best quality possible, which results from not only installing the proper material; more importantly, quality is also determined by the ability of the roofing specialist. Therefore, it goes without saying that getting a quality-built roof that will be serviceable for the longest time possible depends upon finding a reliable roofer Houston. There are several approaches that a homeowner can use to guarantee that they select the best roofer in Houston to work on their project:

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Hire a Previous Roofer ? If the current roof has been a good quality roof and has had a long lifespan, it might be advantageous to hire the previous roofer. Making such a decision is a sensible approach, since the homeowner already knows the quality of the work and should anticipate that same quality work on a new roof. Having previously worked on the roof, the same roofer should have a more accurate estimate as well as a completion date.

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Ask Friends and Relatives ? Neighbors or relatives who have had relatively recent roofing work done are a good source of information. Ask them if they were pleased with the end result of their roofing system project. There is no better way to get an accurate assessment of quality workmanship than from someone who has had similar work done on their roof. If they were satisfied with the result, ask for the name of the roofing contractor that was used.

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Better Business Bureau ? For anyone living in the United States or Canada, one way to determine the reputation of a roofing company is by visiting the website of a local Better Business Bureau. This well-known non-profit group evaluates the reliability and professional conduct of businesses based on customer reports. This can help narrow the list of available roofing companies in the area by getting a candid review for each potential roofing contractor.

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The re-roofing process is a costly and time consuming procedure that should yield a beneficial result. A reputable roofing company can make all the difference in saving homeowners from a frustrating experience. A good roofer Houston will be able to provide the homeowner with an accurate estimate and completion date for the project and then finish the work by the promised date. Homeowners should carefully review any and all information provided to them regarding roofing contractors because it is very true that reputation does matter when it comes to selecting the best contractor for a roofing project!

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When a home is currently roofed with wood shakes, it is important to understand the repair factors that every insurance company must observe. For every wood shake that is repaired, a certain amount of surrounding shakes will be damaged or broken. If a critical mass can be reached, it becomes cheaper for an insurance company to replace the roof.

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Under most circumstances, an impact resistant shingle will induce a discount on a home owners insurance policy. Be sure to check with your agent to see how much you can save with an impact resistant shingle. For more information on the specific requirements for an insurance claim on your wood shake roof, visit: http://asaproofing.com/

Written by Nick Dorotik

nick@asaproofing.com

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What Qualifies as an Emergency?

The right roofing material will prevent leaks and considerable damage due to extreme weather conditions. When the roof is compromised, water, critters, and debris may enter your home. A fast repair or protective covering can solve the issue.

In many instances, technicians will place an emergency tarp to prevent water infiltration. This tarp is only a temporary fix that allows technicians to perform more thorough repairs. Depending on the time, the repairs may need to be completed the next day. It?s nearly impossible to completely fix a roof in the middle of the night.

When Roofers Get a Call

If a leak occurs during a storm, and you need to call for emergency repairs, it?s best to know what to expect. For instance,aroofing technicians will need to wait until the worst of the storm subsides. Safety is a number one priority. Furthermore, there is little a roofer can do during high winds, heavy rain, or lightning.

If a fire has caused damage, a roof may mobilize and perform thorough repairs wherever possible. Often, fires compromise the overall integrity of a roof, making it dangerous to access. We need to assess the situation before we can proposeaa solution.

Contact Us

Finding a roofing contractor is simple. They can be found by word of mouth; in the phone book; in the classified section of magazines; or on the internet. Finding the best one to for repairs or re-roofing can be challenging, especially when it comes to cost estimates.

There are many contractors to choose from and it is often difficult to decide which one is the best-suited for a project. Whatever criteria is important to each individual should hopefully come up with a list of at least three top contenders for the job. The next step would be to ask each one to submit price proposals and from there, a decision can be made based on those cost estimates.

It is important to learn a few things about what contractors consider when calculating a cost estimate in order to have a rough figure to match with an allotted budget. It is also vital to have some basic knowledge about the project in order to select the right builder.

Roofing Bids

Bids are comprised of labor and materials. Material costs are easy to compute since it is usually based on the available market price. Labor costs are calculated based on the following:

• Accessibility ? The cost will be higher if a site is inaccessible and old materials hard to remove.
• Condition ? In some cases, a new roof can be laid over an existing one which entails less labor; however, when old material must be removed, a builder will charge extra for this task along with hauling and disposal charges.
• Inclination ? Builders often increase the price if the roof is steep as this will require special tools to access and accomplish the task.
• Style ? Some contractors also take into consideration the style of the roof that will be installed as some styles and installation will cost more than others.

Points to Consider

Before accepting a proposal, there are several points that must be given careful consideration to determine if a proposal is reasonable and will have a good outcome. Following are some things to consider before making a final decision.

• Price Range ? It is important that the proposal is within a budget. Bids will range both high and low depending upon how each contractor handles unforeseen problems. It is essential to balance the quality of anticipated workmanship with an acceptable price range.
• Fixed Price Estimate ? It is vital to determine that a price proposal is final. To prevent it from changing before a job begins, have a builder sign a contract confirming that the estimated price is fixed and final.
• Inclusions ? Before accepting a bid, it is important to ask about inclusions. The final amount should include labor and materials as well as any necessary supplies such as nails and caulking as well as hauling and disposal charges
• Warranty ? Ensure that a contractor will provide both a manufacturer?s warranty and a contractor?s guarantee. A manufacturer?s warranty covers the materials used in a project for a certain number of years ? if properly installed. A contractor?s guarantee assures the workmanship provided again for a certain number of years. Both of these are provided without any extra charge unless so indicated.

Part of choosing the right roofing contractor is find the best bid; however, it is not always wise to choose the lowest bidder. Price should not be the only basis of selection as a low estimate could mean poor workmanship while a high bid does not guarantee the best quality job for that price. The bottom line is again that balance between cost and quality. Before signing any contract, it is imperative to understand all aspects of a bid as well as the accompanying contract to ensure the right price along with a quality outcome!

Call the Pros at Schulte Roofing To Discuss Your Houston Roofing Repair Issues!

Is a Houston roofing repair company in your immediate future? Contact the experts at Schulte Roofing at 800-367-7663 who can help all greater Houston area customers with any roofing needs!

Hail is one of the biggest causes of roof and other exterior damages. Large pieces of hail abreakashingles and knock them loose. Hail dents and cracks your gutters leaving your home susceptible to water damage. The good news is that most homeowners? insurance policies will pay to replace your roof if hail damages it. Here?s what to do if you suspect damage after a storm.

Signs of Hail Damage on the Ground

It?s hard to see roofadamage from the ground, butathere are some other damages you can look for that might indicate your roof is damaged too.

• aLook for dented gutter or roof screens-aInspect your gutters for dents or other signs of damage. Odds are, if your gutters are damaged your roof is too.
• aExamine siding and windows- Small punctures in siding and dents in metal window frames show hail damage to your home?s exterior that are probably even worse on the roof.
• aCheck your outdoor air conditioning unit- Your A/C?s metal top might show hail dings.
• aCheck out your deck and painted surfaces- Hail can chip paint and wood, which indicates what might have happened on your roof.

If you see signs of hail damage, there might be further damage on your roof. If you don?t have the right kind of ladder to get on your roof or if your roof has a steep pitch, stay on the ground. If your roof is damaged enough to warrant replacement, you will need an estimate from a qualified company. Call your roofing company to inspect it for you.

Inspecting Your Roof

We do not recommend you try an inspect your own roof. Most roofing companies offer free estimates/inspections, so if you think your roof may be damaged sign up for a free appointment and avoid the risk and hassle of climbing on your roof.

If you decide to inspect your roof before contacting an expert, use caution while you?re on the roof. Check for missing or broken shingles along the top ridge of your roof first, then work your way down. Feel shingles to check for indentations.

If you look at your shingles and they have a shiny, silvery appearance, it indicates hail damage. Hail knocks off the top, protective layer of asphalt. If your shingles are shiny, your roof is in the last stages of its lifespan.

Check roof vents and other metal surfaces for dings. Broken skylights show where large chunks of ice broke through. Examine your gutters from above to see if they show signs of damage.

Repair or Wait?

The purpose of homeowners? insurance is to repair your home when it?s damaged by circumstances outside your control. Some policies have a statute of limitations on how long after a storm they will pay to repair damages. You pay a lot of money every year to make sure you?re covered for just this type of natural disaster.

Choosing the Right Roofing Professional

The most qualified roofing experts usually aren?t the ones that show up at your door after a storm offering free estimates. The best companies stay in demand year-round. Look for a roofing contractor with these qualifications.

• aInsurance. Ask to see certificates for liability insurance and workers? compensation.
• aClear and competitive pricing. Find out exactly what materials they use, how long your new roof will last, and if there are any hidden costs. Get it in writing to protect both you and the roofing expert.
• aReferences and experience. Choose a company that has an established business and satisfied customer base.

Able Roof has an entire team of residential and commercial exterior problem solvers. We have offered the best customer service to over 250,000 customers already. If you suspect hail damage, call us today for a free estimate.