If you live in an area of the country, such as Massachusetts, with harsh winters you might be wondering why anyone would consider roof replacement in the winter time. Well, it’s not as uncommon as you might think. Many roofing contractors offer their services year round even in cold and snowy regions like Massachusetts, which is where I’m from. Roofing Massachusetts homes during the winter is no different for a roofing contractor than doing it any other time of the year, with a few exception, and some roofing contractors and there crews even say that they prefer it. First let’s go over what makes roofing more difficult this time of year and the arguments against having a new roof installed right now.

It’s too cold outside for a roof replacement.

This argument just doesn’t hold any water. It may be cold out now but who cares? Your roof doesn’t care. The crew installing your roof doesn’t care. Don’t worry about the guys doing the installation. If the cold weather bothered them that much they wouldn’t be up there installing your new roof in the first place, they would be working an indoor job. I know a lot of guys that prefer roofing in cold weather just because it is cold. Try roofing a black roof in the middle of the Summer. Lots of fun, let me tell ya. In the Summer if it is 90 degrees on the ground it feels like 110 degrees up on that roof (and sometimes is).

There is too much snow on my roof to have it replaced right now.

This, my friend, is why God created snow shovels. It is really not a big deal to shovel the snow off of a roof. It usually takes a half-hour to an hour to remove the snow and most roofing contractors don’t even charge you extra for this as long as they are there to replace the roof and not just shovel snow (a service which many roofing companies provide in the North East). Does the crew need to be careful while doing this to avoid falling? Of course. However, the crew needs to be careful in every regard when it comes to roofing a house, this is nothing new. These guys are professionals and safety should always comes first, and does always come first with a responsible roofing company.

Alright, I just gave you 2 reasons why many people think roofing shouldn’t be done in the winter and why they aren’t really very good reasons at all. Now let me give you the 4 best reasons you should consider having your roof replaced this time of year.

1.) Ice dams causing leaks.

The winter time in Massachusetts tests your home and roof in ways unlike any other time of year. The most common cause of roof leaks during the winter is the dreaded ice dam. An ice dam is formed over the eaves of a house from built up snow melting and running down the roof only to refreeze at the very edge of the roof line. Here in Massachusetts, as well as other cold climate areas, roofing contractors use a product called “ice & water barrier” together with proper drip-edge flashing techniques to prevent ice dams from damaging your home and causing leaks. This technique, when done properly, provides added protection for at least 3 feet up from all edges of the roof. Many older roofs do not have “ice & water barrier” installed. If your roof is leaking because of ice dams this could be a great time to have the roof redone properly and insure that ice dams will not be bothering you and your home again.

2.) Winter conditions, in general, make a bad roof worse.

If you had a bad roof before winter hit it is only going to be in worse shape once spring arrives. There are many factors that adversely affect your roof in the cold weather. I already discussed ice dams but there’s more. During the winter as the temperature fluctuates it makes your shingles expand and contract causing curling and cracking in older shingles. Now let’s say some of your old roof shingles curl a bit, then you get a nice wet, heavy snow and the weight of the snow causes some of those curled shingles to crack. Now you have a potential new roof leak. Also, when that wet, heavy snow then freezes it will possibly cause even more damage to your old roof shingles. The thawing and refreezing that occurs throughout the winter time is nothing but bad for old shingles. Old roofs hate the cold winters.

3.) Faster service on your new roof installation.

It’s a simple fact that Massachusetts roofing contractors, and roofing contractors in general, are not as busy during the winter. What this means for a homeowner needing a new roof is that the roof contractor you choose might be able to install your new roofing in a matter of days from the time that you sign the contract as opposed to waiting weeks, or even months sometimes, if you hold off until the spring, summer, and fall months. For many homeowners this reason alone should be enough to have your roof done in the winter time.

4.) Save money by taking advantage of a slow time of year for roofers.

Who doesn’t want to save as much money as possible especially when it comes to an expensive home improvement project such as re-roofing. For the same reasons that you may be able to receive faster installation service on a new roof from a roofing contractor during the winter, you will also probably receive a better price than you would during the warmer months. Most professional roof installers will provide you with the same labor warranty for a roof installed in winter time as a roof installed any other time of year. The material warranty is provided by the shingle manufacturer and will be the same regardless of what season the roof was installed. Roofing contractors want to keep their crews busy and will give you a better price just to avoid having to lay off employees during the winter slowdown.

So what are you waiting for? If you have a house with an older roof that needs replacing get in touch with a local roofing contractor and find out for yourself why roofing Massachusetts homes or a home in any other area is a perfectly viable option in the winter time and often a bargain!

Before proceeding further into the article, let me give you a brief introduction about Minnesota. Minnesota is the twelfth-largest state and is located in the mid-western region of United States. It is referred to as the “land with 10,000 lakes” and is a US state with weather conditions that differ from one season to the other. The forests, parks and wilderness areas of Minnesota, offer loads of recreational opportunities to the tourists as well as people of this state.

The state faces heavy winds, rain, thunderstorms, blizzards and hail- that cause trouble to people living over here. The homeowners of Minnesota know that winters can bring in some harmful weather conditions for them. With strong winds and temperatures falling below zero, the buildings and homes must be properly protected to ensure the safety of those residing inside. The residents of Minnesota have to ensure that robust and strong materials are made for the construction of their homes and workplaces!

Obviously, this is not a good news for your roof, no mater what the material its’ made of! The roof of a home is the biggest asset that protects an individual from the harmful effects of Mother Nature. A sound and good roof ensures that you are fully protected and your supports/ delicate systems stay in the best shape. Hence, it is vey important that you contact a licensed and local Minnesota contractor, for fixing up any problem with your roof.  The roofing contractors will carefully examine or analyze the roof- and find out what needs to be done for getting the roof back in shape.

However, the biggest issue that arises here is to find out the right contractor. With so many licensed and efficient contractors in the state, it becomes very difficult for finding the one that may attend to your needs and requirements. There are numerous ways for finding out the right roofing contractor. Firstly, you may surf the internet to know to know the roofing contractors skilled in slate, metal, asphalt, metal, tar and wood roofing installation. It is indeed a convenient and sure-shot method of finding out the correct information.

Another way would be to ask your neighbors, friends and relatives about the roofing contractors. They may refer names of some efficient and skilled contractors- to ease your task further. “Word of mouth” is one of the most reliable ways of getting to know about a particular contractor. The third step would be search through yellow pages- which lists only efficient and good contractors. Searching through yellow pages is also a convenient method of getting to know about skilled or talented roof contractors!

Well, above are some of the ways for finding a roof contractor for your home. So, use them and get the contractor of your choice!

Does your roof need to be replaced? If so, it’s probably time to call in a roofing contractor. But before you do, here are some tips from Cleveland.com’s Plain Dealing columnist, Sheryl Harris.

1. Consult your circle of acquaintances. Chances are one of your friends, family members, coworkers or neighbors has had to hire a roofing contractor. Ask these trusted individuals whom they’ve used and if they would recommend that professional.

2. Contact your local Better Business Bureau. If no one you know can recommend a roofing contractor, the Better Business Bureau is your next best bet for uncovering reliable companies. It’s also a good place to investigate any complaints that have been filed against a contractor you’re considering. While there, “give preference to companies with high grades and no customer complaints in the last three years,” Harris advises.

3. Put your roof repair or replacement project up for bid. Not only will this strategy help you obtain the best price, but “getting at least three bids lets you get a good feel for the cost and materials for your job.”

4. Before signing on the dotted line, make sure you get the scope of work in writing. This document should provide a detailed list of all the materials to be used, should outline payment terms and should specify whether or not cleanup is included. You don’t want to wait until it’s too late to haggle over the details. Better safe than sorry. Should it come down to a legal battle, a signed contract is your best friend.

5. Take the time to talk with each potential roofing contractor in person. One-on-one conversations will enable you to better gauge his or her trustworthiness. Harris suggests that you “cross anyone off your list who wants you to pull the required permits in your own name. Ditto if you feel as if someone’s pressuring you or not listening to you.

6. When evaluating estimates, be sure you’re comparing apples to apples. Cheap isn’t always better. In fact, it can sometimes be a warning sign that you’ll be getting poorer quality materials or inexperienced roofers. As Harris points out, “You’re not getting a deal if the work is so shoddy it needs to be redone or voids the manufacturer’s warranty.

7. Once you’ve narrowed down your list of candidates, ask your selected roofing contractor(s) for a list of homeowner references. Don’t just sit back and expect them all to give you a glowing report either. Make the effort to actually call them and talk to them about their experience. To get “an idea of how the work holds up over time and whether the company is still completing jobs in a timely, professional way, … make sure you get a mix of old and new customers.”

8. Get an inspection of the finished roofing project by your local city building department before paying the final installment. Also be sure to obtain copies of any warranties, “a statement that all subcontractors and suppliers have been paid in full” and extra replacement shingles.

You’ve heard of them, the roofing contractors who travel to suburban neighborhoods and knock on doors, promising to save you thousands of dollars by reroofing your home. Like most things in life, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Too often these “roofers” take your money, start the job, and then leave town with nothing but a pile of shingles as evidence their presence. Should anything go wrong with the roof, warranty information can be very difficult to gather.

Roofing scams are popular more popular than you may think and impact communities throughout the nation each year. Most “roofers” go to neighborhoods after they have been hit by a hurricane or a storm. These storm chasers target elderly people and claim that they can fix a roof for $2,000-$3,000 dollars.

Avoiding Scams:

To avoid a roofing scam from happening to you, NEVER accept any unsolicited offer for roofing work. Legitimate contractors are busy doing roofing work for their clients, not going around the local neighborhood in search of work. Also, legitimate roofers will be able to provide references, identification, and roofing credentials. To avoid being a victim of a potential scam, always remember, a legitimate roofer should never ask you to pay for the work up front.

Researching a Roofer:

To choose the best roofer to repair or install your roof–research! A good and easy place to start is by asking your friends and neighbors for the names of reliable roofing contractors they have used. Or look in your phone book’s yellow pages for local roofers, and then look for customer reviews of roofers online in addition to personally asking the roofer for references. When you contact roofers and get bids, make sure the bid price is reasonable and pay attention to the roofer’s professionalism. Often, you get what you pay for.

What to look for in a Roofer:

- Repeat business with a long term record of roofing in the nearby area
- Number of years in the business locally
- Professionalism
- Membership in local professional associations
- Knowledge of roofing materials and procedures

Evidence that your Roofer is Legitimate:

A professional roofer should be able to provide you with an up-to-date copy of their references. Your roofer should also be able to show you a copy of his insurance coverage. Look for a roofing contractor with sufficient liability insurance, such as a policy with at least a $1,000,000 of coverage.

Indicators that a Roofer is Legitimate:

- Local references (jobs completed in the last 30 days and 1+ years ago)
- Business license
- Credentials
- Workers compensation insurance
- General liability insurance

The Contract and Costs of the Job:

Before any work is started, get a written contract. The contract should include roofing estimate details such as hauling away the old roof, warranties, roof type, roof brand, and a schedule for when the work is to be completed. Also, make sure the price covers all materials, ventilation, and cleanup.

When choosing a roofing contractor, don’t fall for a scam. The tips provided should help better prepare you to spot potential red flags infamous of “storm chasers” and other deceptive roofers. Remember the importance of making sure your roofer’s background is well documented and has experience with roofing that you can review. Also, make sure you fully understand the contract before work begins so that everything goes according to plan. By following these basic pieces of advice, you are more likely to end up with a roof that you are happy with.

HOW TO AVOID A ROOFING CONTRACTOR SCAM

The easiest way to avoid a roofing contractor scam is to do your research first. Many roofing contractors will swoop in from out of town, purchase a local phone number, and then leave when the work is gone and once they have your money. Make sure the roofing contractor you are considering has been around awhile – the longer the better! Also – make sure your roofing contractors have a solid reputation for integrity and reliability.

Find out if your roofing contractor is a good choice by checking with the local Better Business Bureau, and see if they are a member. This will give you a good idea of how long they have been around, and will indicate whether or not they are just here for now and will be gone when there is a problem. Also, you can call your local county and city and run a check for their license as you want to make sure you are working with a licensed roofer contractor.

HOW TO DETECT A RIP-OFF ROOFING COMPANY

If a roofing company is ready to roof tomorrow, there is a good chance they are ripping you off. Ask them where they are getting their roofing supplies and call the supplier and find out how long they have been ordering from them (The longer, the better). If they are new roofing company and have no history in your area, be wary as they could be trying to capitalize on the business to make a quick buck. This means less quality roofing work for more money in most cases. Again, doing your research will help avoid a rip-off when considering roofing company’s.

WHAT TO ASK ROOFING COMPANIES BEFORE HIRING THEM

Below is a list of questions to ask roofing companies before you make a choice on who to hire:

May I have a list of references from some of your past roofing jobs?

How long have you been in the roofing companies business?

How many leaks have you had reported this year from roofs you installed?

Do you have any complaints filed with the BBB (this you can verify yourself as well)?

How long is your roofing companies warranty and what does it cover?

What is your time frame?(you want them on and off your roof in a week’s time or less)

In regards to clean up: Is it your responsibility, or theirs? Do they run a magnet to pick up loose nails? Do they clean up scrap shingles or metal roofing?

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN ROOFING CONTRACTORS

So far we have covered what you don’t want in roofing contractors, but what DO you want? First and foremost, you want a legitimate roofing company. Make sure you consider which roofing contractors will be there down the road if something were to go wrong. A solid, local roofing contractor with roots in your local area is typically better than a nationwide roofing company because they are more likely to take a personal stake in the work they do. If you follow all the suggestions listed in this roofing report, you should have a very easy time finding roofing contractors who are respectable, responsible and has a good local reputation.

Secondly, make sure you trust the roofing contractors you are working with. Don’t let a pushy salesman convince you to go with him, just because he talks a good game. Ask him how long he has been with his roofers. Check out his answers and do the research on his company. Make sure you feel good about the roofing contractrs you hire!

WHAT TO AVOID WHEN PICKING A ROOFING COMPANY

Avoid any un-licensed/un-insured/un-bonded roofing company

Avoid roofing companies who have too many complaints with the BBB

Avoid any roofing company that cannot or will not provide you with references

Avoid roofing companies with pushy sales people

Avoid any roofing company that can’t get the job done in under a week from start to finish

Avoid roofing company’s who don’t do their own clean up

Avoid roofing companies you don’t trust or that you don’t have a good feeling about

The first step in finding the perfect roofing contractor for your home is to decide–or have a sense of–what kind of new roof you want. Do you want to simply replace the roof you’ve got with the same asphalt shingles? Or are you interested in trying a new material, such as metal, ceramic, slate or something more unusual, such as a planted “green” roof? Whatever your choice, you’ll want to find a roofing contractor who specializes in the materials that appeal to you.

If you’ve seen roofs that you like in your neighborhood or town, don’t be shy about asking the homeowner who did the job and perhaps how much the roofing job cost. Asking friends, family, and others for recommendations is a good way to start your search. Professional builder and contractor organizations are another good resource.

Bidding Your Roof Project
Conduct quick telephone interviews with each of the contractors on your list. Check their availability, whether they’re licensed and insured, and willing to provide a client list. Once you’ve narrowed your list to three or four contractors, you can begin asking for written price estimates to determine roofing costs. Be sure that contractors specify what grade of materials they plan to use and what kind of warranty is offered, so you’re able to compare apples to apples.

Bids should include the cost of materials, labor, and all other expenses, as well as profits. Materials generally account for 40 percent of the total bill; profits are typically between 15 and 20 percent.

Check your top contender’s references and make a couple of quick calls to your local Better Business Bureau and your state’s consumer protection organization to ensure the contractor doesn’t have a history of upset customers.

There are about as many roofing contractors to choose from as there are doctors, and I suggest you take the same care in choosing your roofing contractor as you would your doctor. While it’s clear that you are going to want a roofing contractor that employees capable installers, and it’s clear you will need to evaluate each proposal you receive and decide on the best price/value relationship for you. How then can you decide which roofing contractors are truly the professional roofing contractors you should do business with.

Interview them. Whether you are talking to a salesperson or the owner themselves they should show pride and enthusiasm in discussing other jobs. If they do not it may indicate his amount of involvement in the actual work.

When meeting with each roofing contractor use the following seven questions to guide you through their interview.

1. What is the full name and address of the company?Having a company that is nearby increases the likelihood of better and fast service. If you are provided a PO Box ask for a street address also.

2. Does the company carry insurance?Workers compensation and liability insurance to be specific. If a worker is hurt and the roofing contractor does not have insurance the home owner is liable. Ask to have current certificates sent to you. Do not accept the roofing contractor at their word. They may carry health, life, and auto insurance. Bland assurances of insurance coverage may refer to these.

3. Is the company a licensed or credentialed roofing contractor?Many state and local governments require roofing contractors to be licensed or credentialed. Contact your city and county clerk’s office and find out if there are any requirements for roofing contractors in your area. Even if there is not still ask your contractor. The truly professional roofing contractors will most likely have proof of license or credential from other entities. Like a manufactures’ installation training certificate.

4. How long has the company been in business?Longer is usually better. More than three years, but everybody had to start somewhere. A new business should not be disqualified from your decision making process, but if everything else is equal. Longer is usually better.

5. Will the company provide referrals or references from previous jobs?Ask for a list of ten names and phone numbers of recent customers, within the last twelve months. It is not necessary to call all ten, but choose two or three randomly and call. Ask the referrals at minimum four questions. First, did he perform his work on a timely basis? Second, was he responsive when asked for information and changes? Third, did he act as if he cared about the customers interests? Finally, would you call the roofing contractor trustworthy?

6. What is the company’s workmanship warranty?Some warranties are for one year, some are longer. The length of a roofing contractors warranty is not really as important as customer referrals. Most workmanship errors will be found within the first year, probably the first good storm. The reason this question is important and most roofing contractors will warranty the workmanship, and the manufacture will warranty the product as long as it is installed correctly. Make sure you understand both warranties and ask for a copy of each.

7. What is the company’s track record for solving customer complaints?Try to find out how your roofing contractor handles problems when they do arise. Request a referral from a job that involved a complaint. Ask the contractor if he has ever lost a job-related court case. Ask if his contractor’s license has ever been suspended and why. Also, in talking to the appropriate authorities, such as the Better Business Bureau and licensing departments, find out if any complaints have been filed against the contractors whom you have interviewed. Many contractors in business for any length of time have been involved in a dispute. Ask how the dispute was resolved, to test your roofing contractor’s reputation.

Need a new roof? If your living room or kitchen sports large buckets for catching rainy drips, the answer is probably “yes.” Assuming that you are unable or willing to replace it yourself, you will be looking for a reputable roofing contractor to handle the job for you. The question then becomes, how do you find a dependable roofer?

The answer may not be as hard as you think. Here are a few possibilities to consider:

1. Check the telephone directory’s yellow pages. Browse the section called “roofing” for the names of local persons you can call for an estimate. Sometimes the ads will reveal key information about the person, such as location, hours of operation, and specialty areas. You also might find out whether the person accepts credit card payments, and whether he or she provides free estimates. Call two or three names, at least, for an idea of available contractors.

2. Contact the Better Business Bureau. While this organization will not provide a list of names for you to call, it can give you an indication of someone’s response to complaints so that you get an idea of his or her character and reputation.

3. Locate roofer-related organizations. There may be a roofers’ group or construction companies that can tell you what to look for in a roofing contractor, and perhaps recommend a few local names.

4. Ask local home building supply stores. Often they keep a list of specialists they recommend to area folks who are looking for consulting or hands-on help with building projects. Occasionally the store might sponsor a workshop or seminar featuring one of these experts. Attending a session may give you a better idea of the roofer’s credentials.

5. Browse online websites. Building companies and contractors as well as independent roofers are increasingly advertising their skills on the Web by hosting a website. Some offer free newsletter sign-ups or updated FAQ’s that help to answer visitors’ questions.

6. Ask for referrals. Wherever you get the name of a possible roofer for your project, ask for referral letters from clients, and then follow up by contacting these people. You may even want to take a glance at the workmanship.

7. Pay in portions. Never pay for a roofing job (or any type of home construction or remodeling project) up front. You can pay a third or a fourth as a down payment if you really want to, but make an agreement to collect partial payments in two or three intervals. Get a written estimate first, and if the person does not follow this or tries to change the terms of your agreement, report him to the Better Business Bureau or local authorities.

Having your roof done is an important job. Don’t let just anyone tamper with your roof. It is an important part of your home’s structure, and only an expert should tackle needed repairs and updates. For more information, contact your local Chamber of Commerce or building supply store.