Posts tagged with "Roofing Contractor"

Why You Should Never Work with an Unlicensed Roofer

When it comes to the safety and integrity of your home, particularly your roof, cutting corners by hiring an unlicensed roofer can lead to a myriad of problems that far outweigh any upfront savings. Shelby Roofing & Exteriors has observed first-hand the pitfalls of engaging with unlicensed contractors. This post aims to inform homeowners in the area why it’s crucial to opt for licensed professionals for any roofing task.

The Safety Benefits of Hiring Professional Roofing Contractors

There are many safety advantages to hiring qualified roofers for your roofing needs, both for you and your property. Roofing is a hazardous profession that necessitates certain expertise, tools, and abilities to protect all parties involved. Professional roofers are taught to operate at heights safely and adhere to all safety precautions to avoid mishaps and injuries.

Experience and Skills

To manage roofing projects safely and effectively, professional roofing contractors possess the requisite experience and skills. They have received training on how to spot any safety concerns and take the necessary precautions to reduce them. Their familiarity with current industry norms and best practices guarantees that the task is completed securely and competently.

Safety Equipment

Qualified roofers should have access to the right tools and equipment for working at heights. This includes any equipment that helps avoid falls and accidents, such as scaffolding, ladders, and harnesses. Professional roofers may guarantee their safety as well as the protection of people on the job site by utilizing the appropriate equipment.

Adherence to Rules

Skilled roofers know regional construction guidelines and rules about the security requirements for roofing tasks. They make certain that every job is done by these regulations to keep your roof structurally sound and to prevent accidents. Employing a qualified contractor can guarantee that your roofing job is finished safely and in compliance with the law.

Liability Coverage

Reputable roofers have liability insurance in case there are injuries or accidents on the job site. This protects both them and their consumers. With this insurance, you can feel secure in the knowledge that you are not responsible for any mishaps that may arise during the roofing installation. It also offers financial security in the instance of property harm or personal injury.

Emergency Response

Skilled roofers can react rapidly to evaluate the situation and carry out any required repairs during the case of a roofing emergency such as leaks or storm damage. Their swift action can guarantee the security of your residence or place of business and aid stop additional harm to your property.

In conclusion, using a skilled roofing contractor has many safety advantages that safeguard your property, you, and the project’s labor force. They are the greatest option for guaranteeing a safe and effective roofing job because of their experience, knowledge, safety gear, adherence to rules, liability coverage, and emergency response capabilities. You can be confident that your roof will be erected or repaired securely and properly if you engage in professional roofing services.

Commercial Roof Replacement: What to Expect

When your Missouri commercial building sustains damage or its roof ages to the point of requiring replacement, Shelby Roofing & Exteriors can help you. In this blog, we’ll consider the process of commercial roof replacement, including the planning phase, installation, and inspection.

Commercial Roof Replacement Timeline

The total commercial roofing replacement project takes about two weeks, but most of that consists of planning. The planning phase typically takes one week, during which time you collaborate with your roofer to plan important aspects of the job. Once work begins on the roof, the project moves quickly. An experienced commercial roofer installs a replacement roof in three to four days, barring weather or other delays.

Prepare Your Business

Meet with your contractor to gain an understanding of the scope of the project and prepare accordingly. Coordinate with your contractor to minimize business downtime. Let’s consider the scoping, waste planning, and safety considerations that go into a roofing job.

Scoping

Your commercial roofing professional evaluates the current roofing system and recommends the top replacement choices. Because manufacturers consistently improve materials, the ideal roof for your commercial building might differ from what you have now. The roofing contractor also helps you put together a timeline for the project, including any time you’ll to shut down business operations for the roofing work.

Debris and Waste Removal

Your roofing contractor needs access to your building’s dumpsters so the work crew knows where to stash the day’s trash. You will need to designate areas for debris collection so workers can drop roofing materials during the tear off process. Work with your contractor to schedule daily pickups by your waste management company or another contractor so debris doesn’t pile up and ruin your curb appeal.

Safety Review

When you hire an experienced commercial roofer like Shelby Roofing & Exteriors, you benefit from a safer process. Our Missouri business complies with all Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards. We use proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and fall protection systems, plus adhere to stringent ladder usage guidelines.

Replace the Roof

Once you finish the planning phase, work moves quickly and efficiently. Your roofing service begins by removing the existing roofing materials. The foreman inspects the decking next; if it requires no repairs, work commences on the roof replacement.

The work crew installs the new roofing materials, including a layer of felt underlayment to protect the structure from moisture and rooftop insulation to reduce energy costs. Your commercial building’s new roof might consist of:

  • Metal panels
  • Single-ply membranes (TPO or EPDM)
  • Built-up roofing.
  • Consult with your roofer to choose which material best suits your building.

The roofing team seals the roof to prevent leaks. They use specialized tapes, adhesives, and caulk to seal seams and joints. The lead contractor inspects the flashing and the overall installation before allowing the work crew to apply sealant or other coating materials to waterproof the roof.

After the final clean-up of the job site, the roofer conducts a final inspection. When the roof passes inspection, the crew goes home, and you resume business as usual in a building with a spiffy new roof that enhances your curb appeal and impresses your customers.

Contact Us Today

When your Missouri business needs a replacement roof, call Shelby Roofing & Exteriors. Founded by Pat Shelby in 1983, we’ve provided top-notch commercial roofing services to Southern Illinois and Missouri ever since. Call us today.

3 Things You Need to Know About Finding the Right Roofing Contractor

When you need a roofing contractor, who do you hire? Common sense says you should never hire the first contractor that agrees to check out your roof. You also shouldn’t hire the least expensive without finding out why that contractor is the least expensive. There are at least three things you should be doing before you ever agree to hire a roofing contractor.

1. Ask to See Proof of License and Insurance

Always ask to see the contractor’s license and proof of insurance. The contractor should never balk at providing you with this information. The license says he’s legally able to work on your roof, and the insurance covers him if he has an accident (or his employees have an accident) while working on your roof.

2. Ask About the Roofing Products the Contractor Uses

There are high quality roofing products and then there are the basic, generic roofing products that will get your roof by. Ask the contractor what products he intends to use and then do your homework to see what those products typically cost. If you want a durable and longer lasting roof, make sure the contractor is using better materials.

3. Check for Experience

Has the contractor just started the business in the last three years or less? If the contractor has a decade or more of experience doing roofs of all kinds, that’s the right person to hire. Hiring someone who has never done roofs before or just recently started may result in a roof that isn’t what you expected. Hire experience over lower cost.

Ask Around

The best contractors get the most praise. Whether it’s online reviews or neighbors that have all used the same contractor, there’s always someone that everyone recommends. Just make sure you check off the above list before hiring the most popular contractor. 

3 Things You Need to Know About Finding the Right Roofing Contractor

When you need a roofing contractor, who do you hire? Common sense says you should never hire the first contractor that agrees to check out your roof. You also shouldn’t hire the least expensive without finding out why that contractor is the least expensive. There are at least three things you should be doing before you ever agree to hire a roofing contractor.

1. Ask to See Proof of License and Insurance

Always ask to see the contractor’s license and proof of insurance. The contractor should never balk at providing you with this information. The license says he’s legally able to work on your roof, and the insurance covers him if he has an accident (or his employees have an accident) while working on your roof.

2. Ask About the Roofing Products the Contractor Uses

There are high quality roofing products and then there are the basic, generic roofing products that will get your roof by. Ask the contractor what products he intends to use and then do your homework to see what those products typically cost. If you want a durable and longer lasting roof, make sure the contractor is using better materials.

3. Check for Experience

Has the contractor just started the business in the last three years or less? If the contractor has a decade or more of experience doing roofs of all kinds, that’s the right person to hire. Hiring someone who has never done roofs before or just recently started may result in a roof that isn’t what you expected. Hire experience over lower cost.

Ask Around

The best contractors get the most praise. Whether it’s online reviews or neighbors that have all used the same contractor, there’s always someone that everyone recommends. Just make sure you check off the above list before hiring the most popular contractor. 

Let Your Home Breathe With Better Roof Ventilation

You may discover ventilation problems with your roof if you inspect the attic. Many people first find out about roof ventilation problems when they assess their energy use. A roof that doesn’t ventilate properly will strain your heating and cooling systems. It may be difficult or impossible to heat or cool the building properly altogether. Your contractor may recommend adding certain types of vents to your building to fix the issue. Proper ventilation will keep your attic reasonably cool and keep the roof from wearing out early due to heat issues. 

Use Multiple Vent Types for Great Results

Your roofing contractor can help you assess the issue completely and develop a long-term strategy. Many buildings utilize a combination of ridge vents and soffit vents to get the best results. Some people add turbines or gable vents as well. Box vents are also a great solution for many buildings. Ridge vents are installed near the top of the roof and are considered some of the best vents for releasing heat. Soffit vents are installed near the bottom edge of the roof and help supply the attic with fresh air. Box vents and gable vents can be used alone or in combination to do the same job for other buildings. Box vents can be matched to your shingles and are placed near the roof. Gable vents will often include a mesh screen and are installed right under the roof gable. 

Shelby Roofing and Exteriors has provided quality contracting services for over 40 years. We help residential and commercial clients in the St. Louis, MO and Southern Illinois areas. Contact us today for help with your building. 

How to Find a Roofing Contractor You Can Trust

The quest for a roofing contractor can be daunting, especially when you are faced with finding a qualified and reliable one. You want someone you can trust to complete your project from start to finish without any major issues or surprises along the way. You would also want to find a roofing contractor offering competitive rates and quality workmanship. 

But with all the different roofing companies, how can you be sure which one to choose? 

Read Reviews and Ratings

Check online reviews and ratings from past customers on Yelp, Angie’s List, or Google Reviews. You can also ask around your family and friends if they have hired any contractors in the past and what their experience was like. When reading the reviews, ensure they are recent and relevant to the type of work you seek.

Ask for Referrals and Recommendations

If you can’t find reviews or ratings online, another good option is to ask for referrals and recommendations. Contractors are more likely to provide accurate references for their work if they have a reputable business. Ask anyone who has recently had roofing work done about their experience with the contractor and if they would recommend them again. 

Research Online 

Check out the roofing contractor’s website and social media pages for background information and customer testimonials. Ensure that they are licensed and insured in your state and members of professional organizations like the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA). This will give you peace of mind that a certified expert is handling your project. 

When researching online, check out any pictures or videos of past projects. This will give you an idea of what kind of work they do and if it is up to your standards. 

Visit Local Supply Stores

Finally, you can visit your local supply stores for roof contractor information. Ask them about any contractors they have worked with in the past and whether or not they were satisfied with their work. You can also ask if they know of any reputable contractors in the area specializing in specific roofing types. 

Finding a trustworthy and reliable roofing contractor can seem daunting, but with the right research and resources, you can be sure to find one qualified to handle your project. A professional roofing contractor can complete your roofing installation, repair and maintenance projects on time.

Essential Questions You Should Ask Before Hiring a Roofing Contractor

Roofing contractors are an essential part of any construction project in terms of aesthetics and ensuring a safe and structurally sound roof. They are responsible for installing and maintaining residential and commercial roofing systems, ensuring that the job is done correctly and on time. Before hiring a roofing contractor, it’s important to ask them some essential questions to ensure you are getting an experienced professional who will do a great job. 

What Type of Certifications or Licenses Do You Have?

Ask the contractor what certifications and licenses they have; this will give you a better idea of their qualifications. Make sure you check that any certifications are up-to-date and valid. It’s also worth asking if they have additional qualifications, such as roofing installer certification from the Manufacturer’s Association. 

What Type of Insurance Do You Have?

Roofing contractors should carry liability insurance in case of any accidents or injuries that may occur on the job. It’s also good to make sure they have worker’s compensation insurance, as this will cover any medical costs associated with a work-related injury. 

Do You Have Any References?

Ask the contractor for references or customer testimonials to understand their work. Ask them if any clients are willing to provide feedback on their services. You could also check online reviews and ratings to see what other customers say about the contractor. 

What Is Your Process for Installing a Roof?

Ask them how long the job usually takes, what type of materials they use, and their installation approach. You should also ask them if they offer any warranties or guarantees on their work. 

Do You Offer Any Maintenance Services?

Inquire about maintenance services, as this is vital to ensuring your roof remains in good condition. Ask them what kind of aftercare they provide and if they have any experience with repairs and replacements. 

It’s essential to take the time to do your research and ask as many questions as possible so you can find the right contractor for the job. A professional roofing company like Shelby Roofing & Exteriors can provide all the answers and assistance you need to ensure your roof is installed correctly and looks great. We have years of experience in residential and commercial roofing, so you can be sure that any work we do will meet the highest standards. Contact us today for more information about our services and how we can help with your next roofing project.