6 SECRETS OTHER ROOFERS DON’T WANT YOU TO KNOW
Untold Roofer Secrets
Sorry, Central Arkansans. These mid-winter storms bring in more than just rain, sleet and wind damage– they also bring in storm chasers who claim to be able to repair the damage. And while some roofers are reputable, some are quite the opposite. We have the inside scoop on everything they don’t want you to know
“I’M NOT COVERED FOR THAT”
You know to ask your potential roofing contractor if he is insured, but be on the lookout for loopholes too. Instead of asking, “Are you insured?,” try asking, “What kind of insurance do you have?” Any worker that doesn’t carry both auto and Workers Compensation insurance is putting both themselves and you at risk. Think you’re overstepping your boundaries by asking? Think again. If there are any problems or accidents and your insurance company can prove you neglected to ask your contractor about insurance, you could find yourself with both damage to your roof and damage to your wallet.
“ALL OF MY EMPLOYEES ARE CONTRACT LABORERS”
Trust us when we tell you that you want to know how your hired roofing company is paying their workers. From “under the table” employees to W-2 ones, this seemingly small detail is important because, technically, if they aren’t regular, paid workers; they could be considered your employees. Translation? You could find yourself liable for any injuries they sustain on the job.
“I ONLY OFFER A ‘BRAKE LIGHT’ WARRANTY”
Just like with insurance coverage, deceitful contractors can easily find an escape clause. “Sure we offer a warranty,” says the roof scammer. What they’re leaving out though? That warranty expires as soon as you see their brake lights leaving your driveway. Be certain that you’re always getting a warranty that’s worth the paper it’s written on, and, yes, it should always be a written warranty.
When it comes to warranties, no other roofing company more confidently backs its work than P.I. Roofing does. In the unlikely event your roof encounters any workmanship challenges, we make any necessary repairs for absolutely free for ten years from the day of installation. And if we didn’t have anything to do with your roof? If a manufacturer makes excuses and refuses to honor its warranty, we accept their responsibility and repair your roof at no charge to you for a period of ten years, too.
“WE JUST DO THE BASICS (MAYBE NOT EVEN THAT)”
Sometimes, like the old adage goes, you get what you pay for. Some roofing companies can give lower than low bids on our roofing job, but they’re able to do that by cutting every corner they can and only doing what they absolutely have to do. Although some may call our efforts excessive, P.I. Roofing believes that working harder is essential to being able to bring you the best results. We don’t do the bare minimum. We do everything we can to treat your home as if it were our own– using six nails per shingle for a better hold, putting in ice and water shields to seal roof valleys and more.
“I’M USING LEFTOVER/ SECOND-HAND MATERIALS”
Your roofer should be able to offer a roof system warranty, and if he can’t, your mental red flags should begin to wave. When roof materials are ordered correctly– per specific project– they come complete with a roof system warranty. On the flip side though, very low bids may be indicative of a contractor using materials from a second-hand shop, which would not be so easily covered. Inexperienced roofers, on the other hand, are notorious for overestimating roofing material needed and using those leftovers on other jobs.
“I HAVE NO CREDENTIALS.”
Similar to the way you should always carry certain licensing materials in your car when driving, roofing contractors have their own credentials they should carry. First, he should have proof from the product supplies that he is an approved applicator. Without this, if your roof is installed properly, your manufacturer may not honor the warranty. Secondly, be wary of out-of-state contractors who seemed to appear overnight. Your roofer must have a state license. At P.I. Roofing, we carry ours with us at all times and are always happy to show it to our customers.
When you have storm damage on your roof and all that you know is that it needs to be repaired ASAP, it can be hard to pick the best contractor. But don’t be afraid to do your research! Similar to the way that you wouldn’t buy a car without kicking the tires first, you shouldn’t buy a roof just because someone knocks on your door.
At P.I. Roofing, we recognize how important our services are to our customers, and that you’re counting on us to provide the very best expertise and products to protect your home and your family– and that’s exactly what we do. Along with meeting all of your roofing needs, we consider it a privilege and an honor to serve you.
