Why Hiring a “Roofing Contractor Near Me” is Your Best Choice in Santa Cruz, CA

Sense of Community

A local Santa Cruz, California roofing company is part of your community. They live and work beside you. Their children go to school with your children. You see them shopping in the same stores as you.

They’ve weathered the same storms as you so understand best what you need in your area for a roof to have lasting value. They take pride knowing their roofs will be visible in the neighborhood as an ongoing testament of the reliability of their work for years to come and love to show them off!

Local roofing contractors create local jobs and income that contributes and stays in the community. They know the best local vendors keeping your materials and transportation costs down to reduce the carbon footprint of your project. By investing in a top rated local roofing contractor near you, you’re investing in your community.

Accessibility

AWhy Hiring a “Roofing Contractor Near Me” is Your Best Choice in Santa Cruz Santa Cruz roofing companywith a physical office near you that you can visit and meet the owner and discuss face-to-face costs and any concerns you have is invaluable. Knowing where they are and how to find them when you need help quickly is a level of personal care and attention you probably won’t get with a roofing contractor out-of-town or out-of-state.

Fast Response Time

A roofing contractor near you helps reduce your damage risks by being able to respond quickly whenever unexpected storm damage occurs like tree branches coming down in high winds or sudden leaks from roof failure.  Being able to make roof repairs as fast as possible to prevent further expensive water damage can be critical, particularly during the rainy season when you may only have narrow windows of time between storms when work is possible. 

Knowledge of Local Laws & Regulations

A top rated Santa Cruz roofing contractor near you knows the local permits required and how to obtain them that vary from town to town. They know how to get a timely inspection of the work by the building department to finish the job quickly.  Their local knowledge of codes including cleanup and disposal requirements for environmental mitigation ensures all required quality standards are met.

Easy to Verify References

Why Hiring a “Roofing Contractor Near Me” is Your Best Choice in Santa CruzA local roofing company has an established customer base and can provide you with a list of references and repeat customers that have trusted them with their roofs in your community over the years.  Because these are local Santa Cruz County references they can frequently be easily verified by driving by the property if it is visible from the street.

Why You Don’t Want to Hire an Out-of-town or Out-of-state National Roofing Company

Cheaper roofing estimates from out-of-town or out-of-state companies may be tempting but they can often cost you more when you consider all the long term factors.

Large national roofing companies rely upon high volume sales for their profit. High volume roofers don’t always give the customer long term service and value for the work using low quality materials.

Many large national roofing companies actually hire “Storm chasers” of aggressive salespeople going door to door in areas hard it by a storm. For a homeowner facing an emergency situation wanting to get their problem solved quickly the low-ball estimate can sometimes seem attractive on first appearance.

Why Hiring a “Roofing Contractor Near Me” is Your Best Choice in Santa CruzKnow that large national roofing companies often farm the jobs out to smaller subcontractors they don’t know very well. The result is if a problem occurs and you call the big national firm to resolve, you are a few steps removed from the person who will actually be solving the problem and it may not be the smaller company’s highest priority to fix on a timely basis.

Compared to calling an out-of-state 800 number and reaching someone who doesn’t know where you are or the amount of time it will take to get someone to come to you for and inspection, a local roofing company near you can get someone to your home much faster when time counts!

A top ranked roofing company will give you an extended 10 year warranty so that if something happens, they will return and fix it. An out-of-state may have a warranty, but it may take them time to find a roofing contractor near you and be slow to make the repair that can cost you more in additional damages.

This is why in terms of ease to work with, a local roofer you can call or visit the office and talk to the head of the company saves you precious time when serious problems occur during winter storms. A roofing contractor near you is motivated to put their reputation in the community first in a way that large national companies are simply unable to invest the same amount of attention and care.

A local roofing company owner or manager may frequently stop by the job site and make sure everything is going smoothly so you have a completely different attitude and involvement with the homeowner.  You rarely if ever get that type of attention from a large national roofing company.

A top ranked local roofing company will give you an extended 10 year warranty so that if something happens, they will come back and fix it. An out-of-state may have a warranty, but it may take them time to find a roofing contractor near you and be slow to make the repair.

Out-of-town roofing contractors may not be familiar with your community’s unique construction codes and requirements or know the fastest way to get the work inspected and signed off on to complete the project.

Compared to a roofing company near you, out-of-town roofing contractors have greater transportation costs that will get passed along to you the customer and increases the carbon footprint of the project.

At a time, people are realizing more than ever that you need to think of your roof as your home’s primary line of defense against ever increasing climate change, a local roofing company near you with a long list of happy clients that truly cares about your community and local environment is always your best choice.

Know the best questions to ask for Hiring the Right Roofing Contractor.

Shelton Roofing has successfully completed more than 30 thousand roofing projects in the course of our operations. Our services have included Monterey County, Santa Clara County, and Santa Cruz County and have spanned throughout California. If you are looking for a “Roofing contractor near me” you can’t do better than Shelton Roofing by calling (831) 464-4120.

Reroofing: How Much Does It Cost in Santa Cruz, CA?

Reroofing: How Much Does It Cost in Santa Cruz, CA?So much of what makes Santa Cruz, California such a desirable place to live is the beauty of the Monterey Bay and it being one of the very few places in the world where the redwoods come down to the sea.

But these same conditions of salty air from the sea and the way redwoods hold moisture and have branches that snap relatively easily during storms creates a unique set of problems for roofs in Santa Cruz that aren’t commonly found elsewhere.

Your roof is one of the very most important investments in your property and your property’s value. With property values in Santa Cruz County some of the highest in California, the costs of thousands of dollars of water damage from roof failure during a heavy storm can be one of the most expensive and most preventable losses a homeowner can sustain.

How do you know when it’s time to reroof?

There are several important warning signs to look for to know when you need reroofing in Santa Cruz County.

      1. Shingles are buckling and curling at the edges. Asphalt shingles are designed to lie flat and be flexible. With age they tend to begin curling at the edges giving the appearance of the shingles being cupped.
      2. Shingles are broken or cracked. As shingles age they become more brittle.  When a roof experiences high winds during a storm it causes the shingles to rise and flap causing them to crack and break around where they are nailed to the roof. This can cause leaks to suddenly occur during a downpour with high winds when you can afford it the least.
        While individual shingles can be replaced, at a certain point as a roof ages it’s better to do a reroofing to avoid costly water damage that may not show until a powerful storm occurs with old brittle shingles cracking and breaking in high winds. Santa Cruz’s salt air next to the ocean requires using nails resistant to corrosion to withstand the test of time without failing.
      3. Granules in the shingles are missing or gone. If you look at the surface of an asphalt shingle it has granules embedded that help deflect the impact of the elements. As shingles age, the protective layer of granules loosens and runs off into the gutters when it rains. If you have bald spots where there are no granules in the shingles and you have a lot of granules in your gutters that’s a sign you need to reroof.
      4. The age of your roof. If your roof is older than 20 years it is time to do a reroofing because it has reached the end of its expected lifespan and the water damage that can suddenly occur during a storm can be costly.
      5. The roof is sagging. The flat parts of your roof should be flat and the ridgeline of your roof should be straight and level. If you roof is sagging anywhere it means the structural integrity of the roof has been undermined probably by water damage.
      6. Light is coming through the roof. Go into your rafters and see if day light is coming through the roof anywhere, taking special care to look around chimneys and any flashing. If daylight is visible anywhere that means water can come through too.
      7. The roof is leaking.  Last but not least, perhaps the most frequent way people realize they need a roof repair is when the roof leaks during storms and puddles are discovered. Water can enter a house through a number of different ways including flashing, light fixtures, wall cavities and drywall. It can often take a roofing professional to identify the exact source of the leak and assess the extent of the repair needed because puddles can be found far from the original source of the leak.
        Santa Cruz’s redwoods drop a lot of debris that accumulates and can block water from freely flowing off the roof that is a common source of leaks on the redwood coast.

    While a single leak can often be repaired relatively inexpensively, major leaks mean your roof is beginning to fail and needs to be replaced to avoid further water damage.

    How much does reroofing cost in Santa Cruz County?

    Reroofing: How Much Does It Cost in Santa Cruz, CA?There are several factors that determine costs of reroofing with the first decision being if you are going to be laying another layer of shingles over an existing roof or are going to be doing a complete tear-off roof replacement. A full roof replacement obviously costs more because of the additional time involved in removing the previous roof, disposing of the previous materials and preparing the roof substrate for shingles.

    Most building codes including Santa Cruz County state that you can only have two layers of shingles on a roof. If only one layer of shingles is on the roof, often simply laying another layer of shingles over the existing shingles will be your least expensive solution. 

    However, if two layers of shingles already exist on the roof, a tear-off and roof replacement will be necessary to meet Santa Cruz Country building codes which is more expensive for the labor and disposal of the materials.

    If your roof has sustained water damage and is sagging due to the loss of its integrity, how much of the roof substate needs to be replaced will impact costs. But the new roof cannot be applied until these repairs are completed.

    The slope of your roof and how many stories it is off the ground will also determine roofing costs. A steeper, higher slope is more dangerous for workers requiring more preparation and safety equipment. A steep slope simply takes longer for a roofer to traverse with safety harnesses and roof jacks providing footing.

    A higher story roof also takes longer for contractors to get materials and workers to. So, the lower the slope of your roof, and if it’s a single-story reroofing job it will be relatively cheaper than a taller structure with a steeper roof.

    The type of materials used are another important cost factor depending upon the particular type of roofing.  Asphalt shingles are the least expensive way to reroof and is the most common. High end architectural shingles for a specific look can be considerably more. Wooden shakes or shingles cost more, but wood is a better insulator and can bring long term energy savings.

    Metal roofs are more expensive, but more energy efficient and can also have long term cost savings benefits beyond their initial installation cost. Metal roofs last longer and are more rugged and better able to withstanding heavy weather conditions and falling debris than asphalt roofs which means they don’t need to be replaced as often.

    The size of the roof and its slope are often the biggest cost factors because most roofers charge on a per square foot basis so the larger the roof area the more it will cost.

    How accessible the roof is in terms of being able to getting materials to roof is another cost consideration. If it is difficult to get a truck close to unload materials that will increase labor costs if they need to be hand carried to the structure.

    If there are roof structures like skylights or chimneys that need to be sealed and worked around that will increase costs. The same is true of complex roof designs and gable roofs. Flashing around chimneys and vents also frequently needs repair or replacement during reroofing.

    How long does it take to replace a roof?

    Every roofing job is different depending upon the size, type of roofing material and any repairs that may be necessary to the roof substrate from water damage. Construction and laying shingles obviously involves pounding and nail guns that are noisy.  But you probably won’t need to totally vacate your house during the time it usually takes to reroof an average single-story home without significant roof damage of about two to five days.

    How long does a reroof last?

    Asphalt tiles are the least expensive with good ones lasting between 20 to 25 years.

    Wood shakes or shingles can last for more than 20 years. But to do so they usually need to be allowed to dry out between rains, be well ventilated and not have any debris on the roof like leaves or moss that prevents water from running off or they will age much more quickly. Customers in Santa Cruz County, due to fires are not able to get wood shake roofs insured, forcing customers to move to a grade-a fire rated roofing material.

    Concrete roofing has a lifespan of 50 years on average. Terracotta roofs will also last 50 years.

    Metal roofs made from aluminum or steel last 50 years or more, while metal roofs made of copper or zinc and last over 100 years.

    Slate tile roofs on average last the longest with hard slate lasting between 75 and 200 years, and soft slate having a lifespan between 50 and 125 years.

    Should you change your roofing material?

    Although asphalt roofs are the least expensive, many home owners at the time of reroofing consider changing from asphalt to wood shakes, tile, slate or metal.  These roofing materials are more expensive but they provide a longer lifespan and give a home a more distinctive look that can definitely increase property resale value.

    Changing roofing materials can also result in better energy efficiency keeping you warmer in winter and cooler in summer.  Wood shingles or shakes provide good insulation because wood is a poor conductor of heat.

    Keep in mind these roofing materials tend to be heavier than asphalt roofs and may require modification of your current structure to support.

    Is it possible to partially reroof a house?

    Sometimes it seems like only certain areas are in need of a reroofing and homeowners ask if a partial reroofing is possible. The problem is it is almost impossible to get the colors of the shingles to match so you are left with a patchwork of color most people find undesirable and lowering property value.

    When the rest of the roof needs reroofing, those newer areas again will not match the next roof. The result is some property owners end up spending more on partial roof jobs over the long run trying to finally get everything to match.

    Why is reroofing a solid investment in your home?

    Reroofing: How Much Does It Cost in Santa Cruz, CA?Your roof is one of the biggest and most important investments you will make in your house. Studies have found that a new roof yields more than 80% of its original cost upon resale giving you one of the greatest returns on your investment in your home maintenance costs. Even with the tight housing market in Santa Cruz County, 30% of real estate professionals say a new roof is one of the best ways to insure a quick resale.

    Santa Cruz has recently taken direct hits from over 13 atmospheric rivers in one winter producing 50-year storms that caused extensive roof damage across the county. These weather extremes are only expected to intensify and more than ever you need to think of your roof as your first line of defense against climate change.

    Whether you are looking for a relatively inexpensive second covering of an existing roof or a complete roof replacement know that having the peace of mind that you won’t be needing to do this again in a couple decades can be assured if the job is done right! 

    If you think you may be ready for a new roof, don’t put it off. Doing so can be very costly!  Contact Shelton Roofing (831) 464-4120 in Santa Cruz County for a free quote and get answers to any questions you have.

    Shelton Roofing residential and commercial roof instillation in Santa Cruz, California. 

    How Often to Replace Roof in California

    It’s been a few years since you had your roof replaced. You’re starting to see some wear and tear, but you’re unsure if it’s time for a new roof. After all, roofs are expensive, and you don’t want to replace them any sooner than necessary. So how often should you replace your roof in California? The answer depends on a few factors, such as the type of roofing material, the climate, and how well the roof has been maintained. In general, however, most roofs will need to be replaced every 20-30 years. If your roof is approaching this age or showing significant wear and tear, it’s probably time to contact roofers in Santa Cruz County for replacement. 

    How to Know When you Need to Replace your Roof?

    Your roof is more than 20 years old

    The first sign that you may need a new roof is the age of your current one. In general, most roofs will last between 20 and 25 years before they need to be replaced. If your roof is approaching or has already reached this age, it’s time to start considering a replacement. When a roof gets older, it becomes more susceptible to damage from storms, wind, and hail. It’s also more likely to develop leaks, which can cause severe damage to your home.

    You see signs of damage

    Another sign that you may need a new roof is if you’re seeing signs of damage on the outside of your home, like cracked or missing shingles. If you notice any damage, getting it fixed as soon as possible is essential to prevent further damage to your home. Some roof damages, like a few missing shingles, can be easily fixed. However, if the damage is more severe, like large roof sections are missing, you’ll likely need to replace the entire roof.

    The roof is leaking

    If your roof is leaking, it’s time to replace it. A leaking roof can cause significant damage to your home, and it’s not something you want to wait to fix. If you’re unsure whether or not your roof is leaking, look at the ceiling in your home. If you see any water stains, that’s a good indication that your roof is leaking and needs to be replaced. A leaking roof can also cause mold and mildew to grow in your home, which can be dangerous for your health.

    The roof is sagging

    One of the telltale signs you need a new roof is if your roof is sagging. This could be due to several reasons, such as water damage or the roof’s age. If you notice your roof is sagging, it’s essential to have it inspected by a professional as soon as possible to determine if you need a new roof. To notice a sag, stand back and look at your roofline. If the line is not straight, then your roof may be sagging.

    If the roof has holes

    Another sign that your roof may require replacing is if you see daylight coming through the roof boards. If you can see sunlight, there are holes in your roof. These holes can be caused by several things, including severe weather or animals. If you see daylight, it’s time to call a roofer. A repair will only be a temporary fix, and the holes will eventually open up again. 

    Holes in your roof can also let in water, which can cause severe damage to your home. Water can cause mold and mildew to grow, leading to health problems for you and your family. It can also damage the structure of your home, causing it to weaken over time. 

    The gutters are full of shingle granules

    If you notice your gutters are full of shingle granules, it’s a sign that your roof is starting to deteriorate. Shingle granules are the small pieces of asphalt that makeup shingles. As shingles age, they begin to lose these granules. When you see them in your gutters, it’s a sign that your roof is reaching the end of its lifespan and needs to be replaced. 

    What are the common causes of roof failure?

    There are many reasons why roofs fail prematurely. The most common cause of roof failure is poor maintenance. When gutters and downspouts become clogged with debris, water can back up and seep under shingles, causing them to rot and eventually leak. Another common cause of roof failure is inadequate ventilation. 

    Heat and moisture build up inside your attic without proper ventilation, causing the wood to warp and rot. This can lead to leaks and, eventually, a roof structure collapse. If you live in an area with severe weather conditions, such as high winds or hail, your roof is more susceptible to damage. Also, if your home is in a fire-prone area, your roof is at risk of damage from embers and flames.

    Can you extend the lifespan of your roof?

    You can extend the lifespan of your roof by regularly maintaining it and having it inspected by a professional every few years. Regular maintenance includes cleaning your gutters and downspouts, trimming trees near your home, and ensuring your attic is adequately ventilated. It would help if you also had your roof inspected by a professional every few years to check for any damage or wear and tear. Taking these steps can help ensure your roof lasts for many years.

    If you notice any of these signs, it is essential to have your roof inspected by a professional as soon as possible. Ignoring these signs can lead to severe damage to your home and even health problems for you and your family. To avoid these costly repairs, replace your roof before it’s too late. Consult a professional before making any decisions, as they will be able to properly assess the condition of your roof and advise you on the best course of action. To learn more about roofing, visit https://sheltonroofing.com/.

    Name, Address, and Phone

    Shelton Roofing, 

    2-1245 E Cliff Dr f Santa Cruz CA 95062, 

    831-464-4120

    Follow Us On Social Media

    https://www.facebook.com/SheltonRoofingSantaCruz

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    How To Choose The Right Roofing Contractor

    One of the things people won’t tell you about building construction is the huge cost of roofing. Despite the huge cost, you already understand its importance in providing shelter against weather elements. Choosing the right roofing Santa Cruz CA and roofing contractors can make the cost worthwhile. 

    Considering the growing number of roofing contractors in any local community, selecting one from the pool can be tough. Many homeowners admit they had a hard time choosing the best available roofers in their community. Others attested to recommendations being the deciding factor, while a huge number of property owners lamented losing money to incompetent roofers.

    So, how do you choose a roofing contractor? Below are some of the important things to keep in mind during your search.

    Roofing Contractor Qualification

    Qualification is a vast umbrella term when it comes to hiring a roofer. There are many small things you should pay attention to before signing a roofer to handle your project.

    Below are some of those important areas to focus on;

    Experience: Experience is a huge part of your hiring decision. You deserve to work with an experienced roofer who has handled similar projects in the past. An experienced roofer also knows the common issues they may encounter and can improvise to address those problems. When seeking experience, look for roofers with more than 5-years of practice experience.

    Another important factor to consider is the number of projects the roofer has handled. Obviously, it would help if you went for a roofer who has handled more projects successfully. For example, it is better to choose a roofer with two years of experience that has handled 100 roofing projects than one with five years of experience and ten projects.

    Licensed and insured: A roofing license is what sets a roofer or roofing company apart from any DIY person on the street. Most states and local authorities have strict guidelines for obtaining roofing licenses. You can be sure that your roofer has passed the minimum requirement to handle your project.

    You should also never compromise on insurance. Ensure that the roofers you’re vetting have the right insurance coverage for their business and the services rendered. An uninsured roofer puts you at risk, especially if anyone is injured on your property during the project. 

    Bonded: Bonding means that the roofer has money available to cater to your claims, especially when they did a bad roofing job. This gives you the guarantee and peace of mind that you can recoup your money should the roofers do a bad job.

    Willingness to provide references: Roofers who are proud of their work should be willing and ready to provide references. Be sure to ask for these references and contact them. You can also go online to read reviews on independent review platforms. The reviews will give you a good idea of what to expect from the roofer.

    Willingness to provide an estimate: Your roofer should be willing to provide an estimate for the services and materials needed. This estimate gives you an idea of what they are charging as fees, the materials used, etc.

    You can also use estimates as a basis for comparison. Collect estimates from two or more roofers and compare what they’re offering.

    Roofing Contractor Services

    The services offered by the roofing contractor also matter in the selection process. Choosing a roofer that offers a variety of services can save time and stress of looking for others at a later time. Some of the common services you should expect the roofer to offer include;

    Roof inspections: Roof inspections always come first. This is where the roofer checks your roof for minor or major damages and what’s needed to fix them. Inspections usually check for leaks and damages.

    Repairs and maintenance: Roof repairs are cheaper and help to keep you protected. Roof maintenance practices prolong your roof’s lifespan and help you get more value for your money.

    Installation or replacement services: Your roofer should offer roofing installations and replacement services. Installations for new constructions and replacements for old roofs.

    Other nice to have services you can look out for include;

    · Weatherproofing, insulation, and ventilation services

    · Shoveling or snow removal service

    · Roof sealing, painting, and treatment 

    · Debris removal

    · Roof cleaning 

    · Gutter services

    The more services the roofer offers, the better protection you’ll get for your roof.

    Questions to ask your roofer

    Having scaled the hurdles and proven themselves to be true professionals, you can relax your guard and ask questions to help you make the final selection. Some of the recommended questions to ask during the hiring phase include;

    What types of roofing do you install?

    Depending on your needs, your roofer should be familiar with residential or commercial roofing types. As a homeowner, you’re better off working with a roofer familiar with common residential roofing types like asphalt shingle, slate roofing, tile roofing, metal roofing, etc.

    As a commercial property owner, you need a roofer knowledgeable in flat roofing, rubber roofing, EPDM roofing, etc. 

    Do you work with homeowner’s insurance to file claims?

    A roofer that works with the homeowner to file insurance claims after heavy damage can save time and energy. You should ask this question and ask about the company’s process. This can significantly affect your quality of life after a disaster affects your roof.

    Do you have a current license to work in my area?

    You should be sure that the roofer is legally allowed to work in your area. Roofers without the appropriate license should be shunned. 

    What type of insurance do you have? What is the coverage?

    It is not enough for your roofer to be insured. You should ask to know the type of coverage they have. Roofers with comprehensive insurance coverage offer a higher level of peace of mind.

    Do you offer a free on-site inspection?

    On-site inspections are the status quo. Avoid roofers who offer quotes on the phone without seeing your home. You should also ask about the cost of the on-site inspection. Most roofers offer free on-site inspection and quotes to customers. 

    Will you give me a written estimate?

    Written estimates give a breakdown of what the roofer intends to do, the problems, the fixes, and the costs. You can use this estimate to compare two or more roofers before deciding who to hire.

    Ask whether the roofer offers a detailed written estimate and at what cost.

    The considerations above can guide you in selecting the perfect roofer for your roofing project. You can, however, save yourself the stress by contacting experienced and vetted roofers at https://sheltonroofing.com/

    Shelton Roofing, 

    2-1245 E Cliff Dr f Santa Cruz CA 95062, 

    831-464-4120

    Find us on Social Media

    https://www.facebook.com/SheltonRoofingSantaCruz , https://www.instagram.com/sheltonroofing\_/ 

    Tips for Hiring a Residential Roofing Contractor

    Shopping for a new roof is something the average person does once maybe twice in life. Unless you have experience in the trades (construction related professions) you likely wouldn’t know where to begin, what to look for, or even what questions to ask the contractors you are considering hiring. In fact, you probably found this article by searching “how do I find a good roofer” or “how to avoid hiring the wrong roofer” because you are looking for some direction. We are here to help! Below are a few helpful tips to ensure you choose the right roofing contractor for your job.

    Hire Local

    Imagine this, it’s 11pm with heavy downpour and for some reason your roof has a leak, or due to natural causes was compromised and water is getting into your home. You are going to want your roofer nearby to help. Good luck getting an out-of-town roofing company to arrive in a timely manner (yes people make this mistake). Ask your prospective contractors if they provide emergency assistance and what that looks like. See what their workmanship warranties cover and for how long.

    Get at least two or three bids

    Every contractor will have a different approach for your home. A great contractor will ask probing questions to get an idea of what you want/need and then propose the best solutions for getting you there. You do not want to go with the first bid you receive for a few reasons:

    1. The most obvious is you need to compare pricing. Discuss your budget with your contractor and see what options are possible for what you want. Because each contractor’s approach will vary, pricing is likely to vary. You want to avoid low ball bids because it likely means something is unaccounted for that you will have to pay for later, or corners are being cut. If you receive a ridiculously high bid, communicate that with your contractor and make sure you are comparing apples to apples with other bids. They should be happy to walk you through their proposed roofing solution and explain where the cost is coming from as well as what can be done to fit your budget. The more you communicate with your contractor, the happier you will be with the outcome.
    2. You need to see if it is a relational fit. Getting a new roof is a big deal and you want it to be treated that way. The last thing you or any contractor wants is a bad working relationship. You may get a killer deal on a roof but absolutely dread having to deal with the people involved. Even worse, you may pay top dollar for a roof and then leave completely dissatisfied with the customer service experience. How you are treated from the beginning should set your expectations for what you can expect for the rest of your time together.
    3. You need to compare a roofer’s experience. Is the contractor a first, second or third generation roofer? Have they been in business for a proven period?  Experienced roofers should have already weathered the learning curve of hundreds of puzzling jobs that required innovative solutions and succeeded. Second and third generation roofers have decades of experience passed down to them and have likely grown up mastering the art themselves. Your roof protects your entire home so you want to make sure that you are hiring an expert who can spot problems before they arise and have the proven solutions for getting it done right, the first time.

    Confirm License & Insurance

    Any reputable contractor is going to be licensed and insured and will happily share this information with you. Why is this important?

    1. It is illegal for any person to roof your home without a license, and you could be fined if caught and forced to pay for your entire roof to be redone.
    2. Only a licensed roofer can guarantee your material and workmanship warranties. Uninsured contractors do not know the proper codes and specs needed to pass inspections or secure warranties (which they can’t get either way). Your home is valuable, and you want to make sure you are covered.
    3. If for any reason something harmful happens to your home while the project is underway, the only guarantee of payment or correction is if your hired roofing contractor has general liability insurance. This avoids any out-of-pocket expense or personal home insurance claims. Workman’s Compensation insurance is also a legal requirement in California and protects the worker in the event they get hurt on your property. This is another layer of protection to avoid being liable for any injuries. Only a licensed roofer will be and keep you protected.

    In effort to keep this short and sweet, we will end the tips here. Though not all-inclusive, this list should provide a foundation for what to look for and give you confidence that you’re making a more educated decision. At the end of the day, great working relationships, a beautiful/watertight roof, and warranties intact are all one could hope for. If you have any roofing related questions, we are happy to be an educational resource for you. You can reach our commercial and residential roofing services in Santa Cruz, CA, at the contact form below. At Shelton Roofing “we’ve got you covered!”

    Contact Us by Completing the Form Below