724-483-2035
1-866-357-7190
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Homeowners have many things to think about when replacing or repairing a roof. Hiring the right contractor, deciding whether to replace the roof or repair it, choosing the style and material, an deciding how long you want the waranty to be. All these factors and more must be weighed. 
You'll want to choose your contractor carefully. The problem is that many contractors are better talkers than roofers. Call around. Check the market. You'll probably find quite a few contractors interested in doing your roof. Get several estimates and ask each contractor for references. Call the references and don't be afraid to ask a lot of questions. Ask detailed questions. Ask if they'd mind if you stopped by to see the work that was done.
Different types of roofs require different installation procedures. You'll be best off with a company that is experienced with the kind of roof you're looking to install. This is especially true with slate and concrete roofs. As we said, many roofers are great marketers. Do not get so caught up in their presentation that you forget to ask for their portfolio and a list of references.
While everyone hopes that nothing will go wrong with your new roof, you should get a solid warranty. Warranties vary. In general, the longer the warranty the higher the cost. We generally recommend a roof that carries a 25 or 30 year warranty on material. The difference between a 25-year and 30-year warranty can be $500.00 or more. Will you own the house 30 years from now? Will the selling price be higher because of your roof warranty?
One thing we don't recommend is a lengthy warranty on workmanship. Why not? Because if your roof is poorly installed, you'll know either after the first rain storm or for sure within the first year. A two year warranty on workmanship should be plenty. Longer warranties add a lot to the cost of a roof and are unnecessary at best.
Well, obviously, the price will be a concern. A contractor might offer to do the work for a fixed price or he may offer an installation price that is based on how long the installation takes. Every roofer knows how long it takes to get up and down a ladder and how long it will take to install your roof based on its size and pitch. If it rains one day and the crew has to hang out in the truck or in your garage, that shouldn't cost you. In any event, a flat installation fee lets you know exactly what you can budget roofing material.
Aside from the price and the flat fee versus time-based fee issue, make sure to choose the roofing material carefully. You're going to be looking at your roof for a long time. The consequences of buying the wrong roof are a lot worse than those of buying the wrong pair of shoes or even the wrong car. Do your research. When in doubt, Google. And talk with friends and relatives about their experiences. Who's really happy with their roof and the company that installed it? Ideally, that would be everybody, but you and I both know roofing nightmares happen.
AP Home Services | 528 McKean Avenue, Charleroi, PA 15022
Telephone: 724.483.2035 | Toll Free: 1.866.357.7190 | Fax: 724.483.4934
Email: Info@AP-homeservices.com