How to Find a Reliable Roofing Contractor

In 2011 alone, the Better Business Bureau received millions of inquiries on how to find trustworthy roofing contractors. Some homeowners affected by natural disasters like tornados or hurricanes found out, to their horror, that they were tricked into paying for substandard services. As such, be sure to screen any prospective roofing contractor really well.

An easy way to find out whether a contractor deserves your trust is to ask for references, credentials, and contact details. References can give you more detailed information about the background and desirability of a potential roofing contractor. Meanwhile, you’d be more confident hiring a contractor with a legitimate address than somebody you can’t even get a hold of.

Next, make it a point to verify the roofing contractor’s license to operate. In fact, this should be standard procedure for every contractor you wish to hire. A trustworthy roofing contractor should be able to produce a genuine license to operate within your state.

Once a contractor merits your approval, you can then deal with the insurance company yourself. Keep in mind that the insurance contract should only be between you and the insurance company. Any contractor that tells you otherwise may not have your best interests at heart.

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Why roofing contractors need licenses

General contractors across the United States, such as roofing contractors, are required to secure licenses before they can render any form of service to customers in their respective states. States have different standards when it comes to licenses awarded to general contractors primarily because of the different climate conditions around the country. Roofing licenses also expire at different times in each state.

Roofing contractors in St. Louis, for example, have to prove that their services can provide adequate protection against the scorching summer sun. Like most of the Midwest, the weather in St. Louis can be humid and hot. Licenses for roofing contractors are not granted at the state level but instead awarded and regulated at the local level.

Obtaining a roofing license is not always an easy process but is nevertheless necessary. Among other things, a roofing contractor must pass an examination that covers topics like law, business, and construction, with a special emphasis on the state and the Uniform Building Code.

Finally, a license serves as an added assurance for clients that a roofing contractor is worth of trust. In other words, having a roofing license is not only necessary to operate within a state but also helps a roofing contractor maintain a competitive advantage in the market.

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Banish Flat Roof Banes with the Help of St. Louis Roofing Contractors

Commercial property owners in the Midwest, including in St. Louis, IL, need to make the effort to maintain flat roofs, such as conducting a thorough inspection after a heavy snowfall. Flat roofs are easier and safer to walk on than steep-pitched roofs, making an inspection less dangerous. However, a slippery surface can still create hazards for non-professionals, so it would be best for property owners to rely on seasoned St. Louis roofing contractors. The latter can not only do the job more safely, they will also be more mindful of problems like loose fasteners, splits, cracks, and blisters, which may otherwise go undetected by amateurs.

Flat roofs that have become extremely problematic will likely require major repairs or replacements by an experienced St. Louis commercial roofing company. A roofing replacement will give the owners an opportunity to install a flat roof that is more water-resistant. A good option is to apply Gaco coating which provides seamless insulation and waterproofing.

http://www.oasiscommercialroofing.com/banish-flat-roof-banes-help-st-louis-roofing-contractors/

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Strengthening Roofs with Help from St. Louis, MO Roofing Contractors

While this incident took place in Pittsburgh, it can serve as a lesson to commercial property owners in other places, including those in St. Louis, MO, to regularly have their roofs inspected and maintained. This is particularly true for aged commercial buildings where the roof decks are likely to have insufficient ventilation, making the roof more prone to ice dam formation and water accumulation. Owners of commercial buildings with flat roofs–where snow and water can’t easily slide off– should especially be mindful of such conditions.

Fortunately, experienced roofing contractors in St. Louis, MO can install a new flat roof for commercial buildings that are highly resistant to the effects of heavy snow loads. According to ThisOldHouse.com, a well-designed flat roof is smooth, strong, and, most importantly, watertight. Not all of these qualities are guaranteed in all metal panels or asphalt shingles. To achieve these properties in commercial roofing, roofers need to install ethylene propylene diene terpolymer (EPDM) or the innovative Gaco coating.

http://www.oasiscommercialroofing.com/strengthening-roofs-help-st-louis-mo-roofing-contractors/

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Signs that Need the Help of Roofing Contractors

As with medicine, preventing incidents harmful to your business is better than remedying them all the time. Improper maintenance of your building's roofing can lead to untoward events to your employees, your customers, and your business overall. Recognizing the signs that warrant the expertise of a roofing contractor is important when it comes to avoiding those mishaps.

The simple peeling paint jobs and uneven coating of your roof could be an early sign of deterioration. Water damage and the passage of time can lead to deformities in the materials of your roof. Aside from leading to structural integrity damage, rots or molds are harmful to the health as well if it coincides with your building's ventilation.

All surfaces, sides, and corners of your establishment can be an area with leaks. These can eventually lead to molds and are obviously in need of immediate attention. Storms and other natural calamities usually take a toll on the exterior of the building. Anticipation of the need for repair and maintenance after they strike should be natural to you, too.

The only way to see these warnings would be through regular comprehensive inspections, which can be professionally done by roofing contractors. You can get professional repair, maintenance, and replacement installation services from them. It would be a worthy investment to prevent unnecessary accident-related expenses.

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Recent Winter Weather Should Prompt Roof Checks

The past few weeks had St. Louis, MO experiencing the effects of the winter weather. As expected, ice and snow affected water pipes and sewer drains. As a result, professionals have been busy fixing broken pipes and clearing icy drains.

Amidst the clearing of ice and snow on the ground, the same applies to the roofs, as well. Ice and snow can also accumulate on roofs that might result in considerable damage. They might collapse after being unable to sustain the weight buildup of snow, especially older roofs.

Normally, fresh snow is about two to four times lighter than old snow. When fresh snow piles on top of old snow on the roof, however, it increases the chances of the roof collapsing from too much weight. A mix of ice and snow can be quite heavy, with one inch of ice weighing as much as a foot of snow.

Given the scenario, ice and snow needs to be cleared from the roof as soon as possible. Roofing contractors in St. Louis, MO can perform the clearing as well as inspecting roofs for possible damage. The sooner the roofs are inspected and cleared, the sooner any issues can be resolved before they worsen.

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