To answer this question, the contractor must first inspect your roof. Barring extreme cases, repairs can be the best course if you haven’t yet gotten the full life out of the roof. If the shingles are in good condition and you’re only experiencing water intrusion through the usual sources (e.g. around penetrations, along roofline intersections), a re-roof or replacement may not be necessary. What if the shingles are past due? If your roof has only one layer of shingles, it is possible to re-roof. If it has two layers, the existing shingles need to be removed before your new roof is installed. Every town has guidelines for roofing and it is the contractor’s responsibility to know and follow these guidelines.

There are many ways to find a roofing company (phone book, internet, word of mouth), but there are even more “fly-by-night” contractors out there. Here are some important tips to follow: § The most important tip: Make sure they are LICENSED and REGISTERED. § A roofer should have an address. An established location helps guarantee that your contractor will be around in case of problems and will be able to stand behind the warranty and services they have promised. § Do not consider bids from contractors you have not met or interviewed. A professional presentation of estimates lets you know that the contractor has taken the time to inspect your home and has explained to you the terms of the estimate. A contractor cannot give a homeowner a proper bid without an inspection. § Make sure that the contractor has a complete insurance package. This protects you from involvement in employee injuries, third-person liabilities, and damages consequential to the work being performed. § A contractor should have a thorough knowledge of roofing procedures, be able to explain the process to you, and answer your questions. § Check how long a contractor has been in business. § Ask for references and repeat business in your area. It helps to have 3 to 5 references and/or job sites where you can see the contractor’s finished work. § Ask about the contractor’s memberships and affiliations with professional organizations. Never choose the lowest bid off the bat. A low price can signal a contractor’s shortcomings and is not a reliable indicator of the actual value of the proposal.

A roofing contract should cover, at the very least: § Projected start and end dates § Product details and specifications (including material selections, quantities, manufacturer warranty information) § Installation procedure (including work supervision and cleanup and disposal details) § Workmanship warranty information § Option to terminate

Depending on the size and structure of the roof, most can be completed in a day or two. Roof installation should only be interrupted by inclement weather.

The contractor should be responsible for the removal and disposal of all materials. Cleanup and disposal should be included in the initial estimate and in your final contract.

Roof rot is a common enough occurrence. The contractor should take into consideration that there may be hidden damage, allow for this in the estimate, and make sure the homeowner is duly informed