A common mistake that many Framingham homeowners or business owners make in regards to choosing a licensed and insured roofer is that they simply don’t ask for or verify references. You should ask the roofer to see proof of certification, licenses and their insurance as applicable to state law. However, you should also ask for references from former customers. Yet, those references won’t do you any good if you don’t call them. Make sure you are diligent and thoroughly check out any references that the roofing company gives you.

If your state doesn’t require licensing, you can ask if the roofer has been trained or licensed by any of the manufacturers that they work with( Massachusetts requires your Framingham roofer to be licensed ). Typically, manufacturers of various roofing materials will provide training and courses in proper installation. A qualified roofing company should be able to provide you with these certifications. Additionally, you should also check with your local Better Business Bureau to see if there have been any past complaints filed against the company. You should also make certain that the roofing company only hires insured and thoroughly trained employees. Ask to see proof of workman’s compensation or other safety certifications for the company’s employees as well.

With the blizzard on Sat night/ Sun in Massachusetts and Rhode Island you may need someone to fix an ice dam or two! With over 25 inches in some places, you certainly want a roofing company to remove some of that heavy load of snow on your roof.

Ice dams are when you have snow on your roof and that snow starts to melt during the day. Well at night you may have water in your gutters and that will freeze. Once that water freezes inside your gutters the melting water from the snow on your roof starts backing  up under your shingles  and causes major roof leaks. Sometimes they can come pouring in like a waterfall!

There are some ways to fix this. There are a few systems that fix ice dams such as roof heating cables. If you are going to go that route make sure you do some research into the company that makes them. These are quite a few varieties of heater cables but one company i would recommend is Bylin. They make good quality heater cables that are commercial grade that can be installed on your home and significantly eliminate ice dam issues

David Ness Roofing Services these area Metro West of Boston With Al phases of roofing, rubber roofing, flat roofing asphalt roofing and repairs  – Acton, Bellingham, Berlin, Bolton, Boxborough, Foxborough, Franklin , Harvard, Hopedale, Hopkinton, Hudson, Littleton, Marlborough, Maynard, Medfield, Medway, Milford, Millis, Norfolk, Northborough, Shrewsbury, Stow, Westtborough, Wrentham.

Research the roofing company:
Doing a bit of research and having the proper information about roofing, you will be prepared for the job at hand and what it entails. After an hour or two on the Internet becoming familiar with some of the main roofing terms, the process of finding an Metro West roofing company and beginning to get quotes on the job will seem less foreign. After learning a bit about roofing, it’s time to turn to the professionals.

Get started by requesting roofing company referrals from friends, family and neighbors. Be sure to ask if they would hire the company again, or whether they’d be likely to choose another roofing contractor. If they wouldn’t use the same company again, that’s certainly not a ringing endorsement. You can also use a service like RoofingMassachusetts.com which can send you a list of pre-screened roofing contractors in Massachusetts

For a new roofing project, most professionals suggest inquiring about the following ;

1. Legitimacy of Business:
All reputable roofing contractors should have a permanent business address and phone number, along with a tax ID. It’s important to see proof of your roofing contractor’s liability and workers’ comp insurance policies to ensure that the homeowners won’t be held responsible in the event of an accident. It’s also standard to check that they have a legitimate business license from the state.

2. Insurance:
Most reputable metrowest  roofing contractors will have workmens compensation and general liability insurance. This is very important that they have this coverage. Most general liablity covers up to 2 million dollars so if something were to go wrong with the project ( damage to your home, worker falls and sues etc.,) you will be covered!

3. Estimate:
The roofing contractor should automatically offer a written and signed proposal that details the particulars of the home and offers a very complete description of the reroofing job. Start date, payment options, complete date and damage compensation should all be included in this Atlanta home roofing estimate. Find out from the roofing company who would be in charge of this particular job, and ask that person about the work, including how many workers they think will be needed and their quality control practices.

Almost every home owner has dealt with a damaged roof at some point, and finding the right person to fix it can be downright frustrating.  By and large, most roofers are honest and will do a great job, but there are a few fly-by-night operators out there who would like nothing more than to take your money and run.  If you are in doubt about a roofer, you can always check their complaint record with the Better Business Bureau.  They will ensure that the situation is resolved in the best way for the customer.

According to Craig Owens, who is a GAF Master Elite Roofing Contractor, you should always in sure that your contractor is bonded and licensed, as well as insured.  These safeguards are in place to make sure that you are protected against accidental damage and substandard workmanship.  Owens operates a referral service that puts potential customers in touch with honest, local roofers.  Finding the right roofer can be hard, especially after a hurricane or tornado has caused extensive damage, but referral services like Owens’ (which can be found on the web at www.owens-roofing.com) make the process a bit less frustrating.

However, before you sign a contract, you should check the roofer’s licensing and certifications yourself.  All roofing contractors must go through examinations and tests before they are licensed, and these tests are intended to arm the contractor with all the knowledge they’ll need to do the job right.

You can ask friends and acquaintances who’ve had roofing work done for a reference.  If they are satisfied with the work that’s been done on their house, they will happily recommend their contractor.  Don’t just rely on recommendations from friends, though- before you sign on the dotted line you should check the contractor’s record with the Better Business Bureau.

Click here to visit Owens Roofing

You can hire a roofing firm to remove the moss and replace cedar shakes on your roof or you can do the job yourself for less than one hundred dollars and a few hours of your time.  Here are step-by-step instructions if you decide to do your own cedar roof repair.

Step 1 Gather The Necessary Tools and Supplies

The first thing you should do if you are going to do your own cedar roof repair is gather up the necessary tools and supplies for the job.  You will need tools for removing moss, roofing nails, a pry bar, hammer, wood block, caulk, copper or zinc stripping, fungicide and preservative, and a sprayer.

Step 2 Inspect Your Roof For Moss

Check to see if there is moss growing on your cedar roof.  Remove the moss with a trowel or other tool.  If your roof does not have treated shingles, nail a zinc or copper strip at the ridge cap.  This will help to control the buildup of moss on your roof.

Step 3 Replace Damaged Cedar Shakes

Pull up the damaged or curled cedar shake and the two that are directly above it.  Remove the nails and pull out the damaged cedar shake.  Next slide a new shake in.  To nail the new cedar shake down do not hammer directly onto the shake.  This will split the wood.  Instead use a wooden block to drive the nail through to the shingle to nail it down. Next seal any openings with caulk.

Step 4 Have The Roof Sprayed

The final step in cedar roofing repair is to spray your roof with a fungicide and preservative.  This well help maintain your roof and save you a lot of future repairs.  You can either do this yourself with a hand sprayer or hire a roofing contractor to do this for you.

Cedar roof repair on a regular basis will really help to extend the life of your roof and prevent damage and leaks from occurring.  If you decide to do your own roof repair just follow these step-by-step instructions to keep your cedar roof in good repair.

Step 1 Inspect Your Roof

Inspect your roof for damaged, loose or missing tiles.  You should inspect your roof at least a couple times a year and after any serious storms.  Count the number of missing or damaged tiles and take a sample of one of the tiles with you to the home improvement store or lumberyard so you can match it.

Step 2 Gather The Necessary Supplies

You will need an extension ladder, hammer, putty knife, roof cement, roofing nails, pry bar, caulk gun, and asphalt shingles.

Step 3 Replace the Asphalt Tiles

Make sure your extension ladder is secure before climbing up to the roof.  First bend back the shingles that are just above the damaged asphalt tile you want to replace.  Using the claw head of your hammer or a pry bar, remove the nails from the damaged asphalt tile.  Next use your utility knife to cut a new shingle to match the shape of the tile you are replacing.  Then slide your new asphalt shingle into place and nail it down with one inch roofing nails.

Once you have replaced the asphalt tile, glue the shingles you bent back with roofing cement.  Use a caulking gun or apply directly from the tube or with a putty knife.  Continue this process with each asphalt tile you want to repair or replace.

For torn or curling tiles that do not need to be replaced you can secure them by applying roofing cement on the back of the tiles with a putty knife.  Press the tile back down so that it adheres to the roof.  Tack down the edges with roofing nails.  Be sure to clear any old pieces of asphalt tile and debris from the roof and gutters before dismounting from the roof.

Inspecting your roof on a regular basis and repairing and replacing asphalt tiles can help to extend the life of your roof and help to prevent leaks and other roof damage.

Do you have a roof leak or simply a condensation problem?  If you aren’t sure you should call in a Westwood  Ma roofing professional to assess the situation.  Don’t be afraid to get more than one or two opinions.  You may not need to shell out the big bucks to have a new roof put on, there may be a simpler solution to address the moisture problem.

Even if you do have a leaky roof you may be able to have that section patched rather than having to replace the entire roof.  If budget is a big concern have several estimates done to make sure you have an accurate picture of the expenses involved.

Whether it is a leak or condensation make sure the moisture problem is corrected.  Too much moisture can lead to many more problems.  Buy or rent a dehumidifier and run it for as long as it takes to get the excess humidity out of your house.  The cost to buy or rent the machine is well worth the investment considering the damage excess moisture can and will do to your home if it is there for any length of time.

There are two major decisions you must make when choosing a commercial roof for your business.  You need to decide on a roofing material for your roof and then decide which roofing contractor you will hire to do the job.  There are several factors that will effect your decision making process.  You need to take into account your budget for the cost of roofing materials and installation, life expectancy of the roof, how energy efficient the various roofing materials are, the geographical location and type of building and aesthetic considerations.

There are many different types, colors and styles of roofing materials to choose for your commercial roof.  These materials include asphalt tiles, metal roofs, adobe tile and slate tiles.  Each of these roofing materials will vary in terms of cost, life expectancy, energy efficiency, maintenance, and aesthetics.  You will need to calculate the square feet of your commercial roof to determine costs and carefully weigh the pros and cons of each type of roofing material to decide which one will best fit your overall business needs as well as the style and structure of your commercial building.

Once you have decided on the roofing material you would like to use, you need to find a commercial roofing contractor to install the roof for you.  Be sure to thoroughly investigate any roofing contractor you are considering.  It is vital that the roofing contractor you select have experience in the type of commercial roof you are having installed.  Make sure they are properly licensed, carry adequate liability and workers compensation insurance, provide detailed written estimates, offer warranties on their work and have references available from previous customers.  Remember, a poorly installed roof or the use of substandard or inappropriate roofing materials for your building can be very costly to your business.  Be sure to do the necessary research on roofing contractors before hiring one to install your commercial roof.

Option #1 Home Equity Loan

A home equity loan is a good option to consider for financing your home improvement project.  The equity in your house serves as the collateral for the loan.  You can either receive a cash payment or a line of credit.  The advantage to the home equity loan is that the interest rate tends to be lower than other types of home improvement loans and the interest is usually tax deductible.

Option #2 Personal Loan

A personal loan is an unsecured loan, which means there is no collateral to secure the loan.  Personal loans have a higher rate of interest than secured loans.  These are also available as either a cash payment or a line of credit.  The advantage is that you will not need any collateral to secure the loan.  However, you will need to have sufficient income and a good credit history to qualify for the loan.  The disadvantages are the higher interest rate and the interest is not tax deductible.

Option #3 Home Improvement Loan

Some lending intuitions offer loans that are specifically called home improvement loans.  They are usually unsecured loans but sometimes might be secured by your house.  They usually have higher interest rates than home equity loans.

Option #4 Refinance Your Home

Another option to consider for financing your home improvement project is to refinance your home mortgage along with your home improvement costs into a new mortgage.  The advantage is you will only have one loan payment to make.  You will need to check to see whether your existing mortgage has a prepayment penalty and compare the interest rate on your current mortgage versus what the interest rate would be if you refinanced.  You will need to have sufficient equity in your home to cover adding the cost of the home improvement expenses to your mortgage.  The interest will generally be tax deductible, just like most first and second mortgages are.

You have several options to consider when choosing a home improvement loan.  You will need to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each home improvement loan type, along with your own personal situation such as the amount of equity you have in your home, your credit rating, and other considerations before you make your final decision on which home improvement loan is best for you.

Tip #1 Verify several commercial roofing contractors’ licenses and insurance

You can obtain referrals for commercial roofing contractors from other businesses, friends and family, trade and business organizations, or do a search through the yellow page listings or even online directories.  One of the first things you will want to check is to be sure the companies meet any state or local licensing requirements.  You can confirm this by checking with your state’s licensing board and verify their business license with the city or county clerk’s office.

You will also want to verify that the commercial roofing contractors carry adequate liability and workers compensation insurance.  If the roofing company that you select is not properly insured your business could be potentially liable for any damages or injuries that occurred during the roofing job, so it is vital that you ask to see their insurance certificate and confirm with their insurance company that the insurance policy is current.

Tip #2 Verify that the commercial roofing contractors you are considering have experience working with the type of roofing material you have selected.

It is extremely important that the commercial roofing contractor you select is experienced in handling the type of roofing material you have selected and any other structural requirements or challenges that your building may have.  Ask the commercial roofing contractors for references from previous business customers and details on past jobs that are similar in nature to your proposed roofing job.

Tip #3 Compare commercial roofing contractors written estimates and warranties

You should investigate and receive estimates from several commercial roofing contractors.  Compare their written estimates, not only for price but for the detail and additional services they provide.  A professional commercial roofing contractor will perform a thorough roof inspection and document their findings, including a discussion of any potential problems or challenges.  Also compare the warranties offered.  The average warranty is for one year.

Tip #4 Thoroughly review the contract for your roofing job before signing

Before signing any contract with a commercial roofing contractor, be sure to review, or have your attorney review, the contract terms.  The roofing contract should clearly spell out start and completion dates, what materials will be used, costs for material and labor, work hours and site cleanup, and payment schedule and terms.

It is imperative that you compare several commercial roofing contractors before making your final decision.  Remember your roof is vital for keeping your business running smoothly.  If you follow these tips you will find a qualified, reliable commercial roofing contractor in no time.