Question: I may need to replace the roof on my house. I have never done this. What do I need to look for in a roofing contract?
Answer: Contracts can be simple or wordy. It is important to know what an acceptable level of detail in a contract to re-roof should be for your home. Rosie on the House certified partner, Canyon State Roofing tells us what is needed beyond the scope of work in a re-roof contract.
Robyn Charland says the typical information of the type of roofing material and its color are the basics, but there is much more that should be spelled out. Here are some tips to consider when it is time to re-roof your home.
Before signing a contract
An integral part of any re-roof will be the warranty that runs with the roof. Take the time to understand the nuances associated with the warranty type you are getting. Charland warns that not all warranties are the same.
Warranties are specific to the manufacturer of the roofing materials.
There may be a different warranty for the underlayment or substrate than for the tile or shingle material.
We have seen recently that several synthetic underlayment systems are failing. Make sure all the products your roofer uses are compatible and covered by the warranty provided.
Many manufacturers will exclude items you might think would be covered. Some exclude warranty transfers to someone who may purchase your home. Note that some only cover materials and not labor. Know what these are before you sign the contract. This may be the most potentially contentious aspect of your contract.
Before the work commences, the person in charge of your project, the superintendent, should come out to inspect the job and your homeβs surroundings. This is also an opportunity to meet you, and exchange information so you know whom to contact. This person should visit the project daily while the work is performed.
Protecting your property
Protection includes a lot of information you should have about the steps a company will take to prevent damage to your home.
Tarps are used in a variety of ways. They will cover your landscaping and protect other areas of your home from dust and debris. They also protect those portions of your roof that are uncompleted at the end of the workday. Have your roofer explain how they will be used, and spell it out in the contract.
Driveway protection. During a re-roof, tearing off the old roof will require a dumpster to be delivered to your home. Their steel wheels can scar and damage your concrete or paver driveway. Charland says you should insist on plywood being placed on the driveway surface before dumpster delivery.
HVAC equipment protection is critical. Dust and debris can get into fans and cause a lot of damage. Charland recommends a hard covering be placed on a stand that protects the equipment while allowing it to function. Wrapping equipment or putting a tarp over it will not let the necessary air flow properly.
Daily cleaning routines. Re-roofing generates not only dust and debris, but also pieces of roofing materials, nails and the plastics some roofing materials are packaged in. Have your roofer explain their cleaning regimen. Charland says once a day may not be sufficient. Ask if they will sweep the ground with magnets. Picking up sharp nails and bits of metal flashings will help protect your children, pets, and tires from any harm.
Ask about their safety program. Each project should have a written safety protocol specific to that project. There are OSHA requirements that need to be met. Crew safety and your safety are important. Some re-roofs will require harnesses for fall protection. A ground crew member may act as a lookout. A written safety program may protect you from any claims, as well.
Documentation. A good practice is where a roofing company will provide you with photographs before and after the work is done. This is evidence of how the project was completed and any damage corrected. They should provide documentation of proper flashing, particularly in sensitive or hard-to-observe areas. Photos of proper underlayment systems, fastening systems and general construction practices can be archived for future warranty issues and passed to the new homeowners for their records.
There are many parts to a solid contract. Products that will be used, cost and payment schedules, dates and timeliness are the basics. These beyond the scope of work points should be included. Donβt sell yourself or your roofer short by not paying attention to other significant details.
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