Roofers are skilled professionals specializing in maintaining, repairing, and installing roofs. They can work on residential homes, commercial buildings, or industrial facilities.
Some roofers also work with other construction professionals to build houses or commercial structures from the ground up. They may also collaborate with carpenters to install windows and other interior elements.
Roofers often carry general liability insurance, which covers accidents that damage a customer’s property. Homeowners prefer to work with contractors that offer this insurance because it protects them from paying out-of-pocket for repairs or replacements caused by a roofing mistake. In addition, it can help cover the costs of lawsuits brought by customers or municipal authorities.
Some roofing companies also offer warranty policies. Manufacturer warranties typically cover material defects for up to 30 years, particularly in shingles. However, these warranties don’t necessarily include all possible problems. For instance, they may not cover hail damage unless it’s specifically spelled out in the policy. For this reason, it’s important to read the fine print carefully when choosing a roofer.
Roofing contractors also offer workmanship warranties, which are designed to address problems that arise from poor installation. The coverage period will vary, but quality contractors are more likely to offer a lifetime warranty or something similar.
Another popular option is to purchase equipment floater insurance, which covers the cost of replacing or repairing tools and other equipment that are stolen, damaged, or destroyed during a project. This is especially important for roofers, who rely on a variety of tools to get the job done.
Most state and provincial governments require roofers to carry workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. This type of insurance helps ensure that if a worker is injured on the job, they can receive proper medical attention and compensation for lost wages. Some states also require roofers to obtain a fidelity bond, which covers any financial losses from employee dishonesty.
While some roofers may opt to purchase a private workers’ compensation policy, most will pay into a provincially run program. The program offers similar protections to a private policy, but the premium is typically much lower. Depending on the state, some roofers may combine their workers’ comp and business owners’ insurance into a single policy that can help them save money while offering them greater protections. This can be a good idea for smaller roofing businesses that have less than 10 employees.
High-Level Customer Service
One of the most important things a roofer can do is to provide excellent customer service. This means being proactive about addressing any concerns or issues that may arise, keeping clients informed about the project timeline and any potential setbacks, and overall fostering a trusting relationship with each customer.
A great way to improve your customer service level is by using a virtual receptionist, especially during busy seasons or times of high call volume. This allows you to scale up your service levels without the cost and hassle of hiring additional employees.
Providing top-tier customer service will also help your business stand out from the competition. It’s been found that customers are twice as likely to recommend a company to their friends and family over a competitor. This can lead to more new customers and more business, so it’s worth the effort to ensure that your current customers are satisfied. You can do this by regularly following up with homeowners from the initial sale to the completion of the project and providing excellent communication.
Access to Better Tools
Roofers rely on a variety of tools that go beyond the basic hammer and nail gun. A prybar is a versatile tool that helps in removing shingles and other roofing materials, and a caulking gun dispenses uniform lines of caulking to ensure a polished finish. Several safety tools are also essential, including a ladder tool that hooks to a ladder and acts as a holder for tools or as a stabilizing stool on steeper slants, and a magnetic sweeper that cleans up nails from the yard after each job.
A metal cutter shear is used to quickly cut through metal roofing materials, and a specialized heat gun welds seams to ensure watertight connections. A cordless drill is handy for drilling holes and securing screws in the field, while an angle grinder helps with cutting and reshaping metal flashings.
Other tools, such as FSM software that simplifies quoting and scheduling, help roofers focus on the task at hand and improve communications with supervisors. And a work vehicle that can carry all the equipment and tools needed on each day’s journey is critical to a roofer’s success.
Asphalt shingles are a common choice because they balance performance and cost. They’re durable and can withstand a variety of weather conditions. They’re also available in various styles and colors to suit different home designs. You can even find shingles that mimic the look of other roofing materials like slate and cedar shakes.
Another roofing option is membrane. This type of roofing is usually used on flat or low-sloped roof areas. It consists of a waterproof barrier made from durable ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) or vinyl. It’s installed in large sheets with seams welded or heat-welded together. Membrane roofs can last up to 50 years.
Slate is a beautiful, classic-looking roofing material. It was first used in the 1700s and is still a popular roofing choice today. Its durability and beauty contribute to its long lifespan. It has a Class A fire rating and can resist high winds.
Slate is a natural material that adds a distinctive look to any home. It’s typically found on older homes and elegant houses. It is often installed on a steel frame, which helps to increase its strength and longevity. It’s a heavy roofing material, and it may need additional reinforcement to support the weight. It has a Class A fire rating, and it can withstand severe weather and hail damage.
Installation
Roofing is a physically challenging profession that requires the use of standard tools like ladders, hammers, and nail guns. Those who work in roofing must also wear protective gear to prevent injuries or death during the process. Many local, state, and federal laws govern the roofing industry, including regulations regarding worker safety. Resources to help with compliance include a ladder safety mobile application, safety checklists, infographics and tipsheets, toolbox talks, video and webinars, and leadership training.
Before a roof can be installed, it must pass inspections from state and local building departments. Applicants must also obtain any necessary permits from homeowner associations or architectural review boards.
Roof installation includes removing the existing roof, applying underlayment and new shingles, and waterproofing valleys. Adding in vents and other roof accessories is another part of the job. Vents allow for proper attic ventilation and reduce energy costs. They also keep the home comfortable and help with indoor air quality. Decorative ridge and hip shingles add an attractive finish to the roof and provide additional protection from weather elements.
A good roofing contractor will ensure the work meets local, state, and federal codes, ensuring that the newly installed roof is safe for people to live in and that it looks great. A final inspection will be performed to check that all aspects of the roof are in compliance with regulations and up to code.
The cleanup and restoration phase of roofing focuses on hauling away trash, repairing landscaping or other parts of the property that were damaged by the roof removal process, and making sure the work area is free from debris. Roofing contractors must take care to cover any drains and other openings in the property to protect them from clogging with debris. They must also ensure that the property is clean and safe for anyone who might visit it during the restoration process. Many roofing contractors recycle their materials and other waste to boost sustainability and ensure that the environment is protected. They also dispose of all remaining materials according to local laws and regulations.