Istueta Roofing Blog

Get All Your Miami Roofing Proposals in Writing

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 17:06:11 GMT

Get All Your Miami Roofing Proposals in Writing

It's just common business sense to get agreements put in writing. And it's essential that Miami homeowners make sure that their written roofing proposal is thorough and complete, and that all of the details you desire have been included.

As an example, your proposal should include the scope of the work to be completed (including clean up), the roofing materials being used (manufacturer, product warranty), labor expenses, the supervision of labor, and the total project cost. If the proposal does not cover all of these items, be sure to ask the roofing contractor to include those items in your proposal.

If you're interviewing several roofing contractors for your project, a written proposal is an important tool that you will need in order to compare each of these important aspects.

If a written proposal is given to you that consists solely of figures and cost estimates, but there is no detail as to how that number was arrived at, it will be extremely challenging to make any comparisons between roofing contractors. Make sure that the roofing contractor's bid is accurate with regard to the quantity and quality of the materials that are required for the job. You want to be certain the proposal includes the exact amount of roofing material for the project…not too much or too little.

After receiving written proposals from several roofing contractors, you should be sure to ask questions if anything remains unclear to you. For example, make sure that you are clear about whom the manufacturer of the roofing material being used is, and how many years and under what conditions the products are under warranty. Also, ask how the roofing contractor came up with the amount of material required to complete the project properly.

A verbal estimate does not hold up to your best interests. A roofing contractor must give you a printed, hard copy proposal in order for it to be a contractual agreement. Never work with a roofing contractor who refuses to provide you with a written contract.

Remember, as with any service provider, all roofing companies are not the same! Find a contractor who really listens and takes into consideration your wants and needs and includes them all in his proposal to you.

Now that you have all of this information in front of you it should be much simpler to successfully select the best and most qualified contractor. And remember, the best contractor for the job is not always the one with the lowest bid. You’re wiser to choose the contractor who uses higher-quality materials and has an experienced and properly trained installation team.

Start With a Good Roofing Plan to Ensure Success

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 12:32:12 GMT

Good planning is critical to any successful project - especially if it happens to be as important as a new roof or making roofing repairs. Below, we have compiled a list of tips, guidelines, do’s and don'ts that can help make sure your roofing job comes off as smooth and hassle-free as possible.

There are lots of Miami roofing companies to choose from, and you should choose a roofing contractor with extraordinary care. Here are some guidelines to help you with your search.

Select roofing materials and colors that best match your house, resulting in the best final appearance.
Check with friends, family members and neighbors to get referrals of roofing companies.

Always request to see evidence of liability insurance and workmen’s comp insurance.
It is in your best interests to choose a contractor that has the experience, process and goal of minimizing disruption, noise, dust and dirt, especially if the job entails removing an old roof.

Identify the scope of the work to be completed (including clean up) and have it written into your proposal. Make sure you get it in writing.
Recognize the critical parts of your roof, like flashings, valleys, vents, and underlayments and ask your roofing contractor precisely how they will be detailed.
Be sure to discuss any special features such as skylights and a new gutter system if one is being installed.
Make sure your roofing contractor secures all required building permits.
Review and understand the roofing material manufacturer's installation directions and product warranties.
Make yourself available to the roofing contractor while the job is in progress in case something comes up which requires a decision on your part.
Do not make your final payment until you are completely satisfied that the work was completed as per your proposal.
Obtain lien releases from every party involved in the job (roofing contractor, material supplier, etc) before you make the final payment.

Remember, as is the case with many service industries, the most important thing is to choose a roofing company with integrity and one that is fully staffed and consists of a client service team, a production team, and a client representative team. Do your homework upfront, and you’ll end up making a great decision that will make your roofing project a successful and comfortable experience.

What Are The Aging Signs In Shingles?

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 17:54:20 GMT

What Are The Aging Signs In Shingles?

The shingles that protect your roof and keep your house dry will deteriorate over time. It is important to learn how to recognize the aging signs in shingles. Everyone hopes that his or her roof will last forever, but as with all things, roof shingles will age. All fabricated shingles tend to display the same symptoms as the years take their toll. Just knowing a few of these can tell you when it is time to consider getting a new roof.

One thing to remember is the fact that not all shingles will age at the same pace. Different shingles have different life spans and the best way to assess how long your shingles will last is to check with the manufacturer’s warranty and also to have your roofing specialist determine the best installation method to use.

For instance, if your warranty lasts for fifteen years, then you may want to begin checking for serious wear and tear around that time. However, to truly keep your roof in prime condition, you should have your roof properly inspected by a qualified roofer at least twice a year.

When shingles become old or begin to show signs of aging, you may notice that they begin to crack, curl or become loose; they may even break off. You should never ignore these signs or put them off. When you begin to see signs of aging in your shingles, you should contact a qualified roofing contractor and have the roof assessed.

As shingles age, they also tend to lose their ability to retain the granules on their surface. This is a combination of a hardening of the shingle itself and the weather and elements loosening the granules. The wind and rain push the granules down the slope of your roof and either fill your gutters or fall onto the ground around your home.

While shingle granules will almost always end up in your gutters or on the ground around your home, a few does not signal that the shingles are aging. When the amount seems large, it’s time for a closer look at the shingles themselves. Again, you should schedule an appointment with a qualified roofing contractor and have them provide you with an assessment of your roof, especially if you are experiencing any leaks or have recently noticed stains on the ceilings around your home.

Hail and high winds can also crack and break shingles. Even a newer roof needs to be inspected at least twice a year to assure that it has not lost its integrity. Storms can speed up the aging process for shingles. They will also do more extensive damage to older shingles.

You should always have an experienced and qualified roofing contractor handle your roofing needs, including replacing or repairing aging or damaged shingles. By having your roofing contractor repair shingles as they become damaged you will protect your investment by extending the life of your shingle roof and you will most certainly have peace of mind.

How Long Should It Take to Replace My Roof?

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 18:46:41 GMT

How Long Should It Take to Replace My Roof?

This question is one that many Miami homeowners ask when considering a roof replacement; however, the answer is not a definitive one.

The best answer will come from an experienced roofing contractor after he has looked at the scope of your job. The best course of action is to discuss the length of the project with the roofer and get several estimates before making a choice. Compare the different lengths of time that each roofer provides to complete the project. You should always feel comfortable with the timeframe that the roofing contractor provides you with and make sure that you have enough time available to handle the project. The length of time it takes to complete the project depends on how large your home is, the time of year, the weather during that span of time, and the types of materials you choose for your new roofing project.

Again, the amount of time required for the successful completion of your project should be discussed with a qualified and experienced roofing contractor. If you have a big event planned at your house, or a vacation scheduled, and you want to get your roof properly replaced beforehand, make sure to give yourself (and the roofer) enough time to get the job finished properly with a comfortable amount of time to spare. Otherwise, it's best to postpone the job until a later date.

It is important to realize that not every estimate is written in stone. A roofer may estimate that a project may take two weeks to complete, but if there are conditions that arise that delay the work, it may take longer. Roofers may discover that more work needs to be done than was originally included in the estimate. This may be due to structural damage that was revealed once they began the project. These types of circumstances could delay the replacement project as well. Give yourself plenty of time to complete the project in case there are emergencies, poor weather conditions or any additional work that must be completed.

An experienced, qualified contractor will provide you with a firm timeline for what you can expect. Even so, you should consider any timeline an estimate, and understand that the most seasoned contractors will offer you a range for their installation or repair time, in order to allow for unforeseen circumstances.

One of the most difficult challenges roofers should face is the weather. This factor is mostly influenced by the time of year during which the repair or replacement is being performed. A truly professional roofing contractor’s team will work as quickly as they can to finish any roofing project, but never at the expense of quality workmanship and proper installation. And remember, plan on being flexible in your expectations to account for weather-related delay.

How Proper Roof Maintenance Can Extend the Life of Your Roof

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 18:19:22 GMT

How Proper Roof Maintenance Can Extend the Life of Your Roof

Homeowners, now more than ever, are looking for ways to cut costs and save money. However, if they are taking an “out of sight, out of mind” approach to roof maintenance, they could miss an excellent opportunity to extend the life of the roof on their home and therefore save money. A proactive maintenance program, along with understanding different warranty policies, will help homeowners do their part to extend the life of their roof for as long as possible.

Proactive maintenance programs address each homeowner’s individual needs and typically include twice yearly inspections, documentation of roof conditions, maintenance, and repairs (if necessary). For example, leaks and water seepage typically do not occur until after the roofing system or insulation has worn down or there has been deck damage. Proper maintenance and service are needed to ensure the roofing system performs as expected and the earlier you catch the warning signs of a leak, the less costly any needed repairs will be.

In an attempt to save money, many homeowners wait until minor roof problems become very obvious and major roof problems before conducting maintenance/service. This type of reactive maintenance will, in fact, increase roof life-cycle costs. Spot repairs made during a proactive maintenance visit are far less costly than replacing membranes, insulation and decking if a leak occurs in the future. Proactive maintenance also helps identify potential problem-causing areas, thus decreasing life-cycle costs.

Along with extending the life of a roof system, homeowners and business owners are discovering there are many other benefits to proper roof maintenance by a roofing contractor. When minor roofing problems are repaired over time, there is less of a chance for larger and more costly issues down the line. Along with roof-related issues such as leaks and damage, a bad roof can equal stress and unnecessary costs.

Since every roof comes with different challenges -- depending on the type of roofing system, roofing accessories, etc. – you will need a professional and licensed roofing contractor to assess your specific roofing needs and wants in order to design the most cost-effective solution. Whether you will need to repair a leaking roof or install a new one, the final result should be a high-quality roofing system that will last its lifetime or surpass it.

Again, the best tool that an owner has available to extend the life of their roof is a regularly scheduled maintenance program. Proper maintenance can guard against simple problems that left unattended could dramatically shorten the life expectancy of your roof. Potential problems can be identified and corrected through periodic inspections, preventing serious problems later. Regular roofing inspections that are performed properly will head off many problems and even extend the life of your roof.

Avoiding Contractor Scams - How Miami Homeowners Can Avoid the Sting of Contractor Scams

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 14:35:45 GMT

How Miami Homeowners Can Avoid the Sting of Contractor Scams

Following is a list of suggestions that any Miami homeowner would be wise to follow in order to avoid the scams perpetrated by unscrupulous roofing contractors:

Check certifications. Make sure the contractor you choose is properly certified to do the work by either the National Roofing Contractors Association, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, or any other state or local organization. Also check on any manufacturer's certifications as well as with the Better Business Bureau for any complaints and information on how long they have been in the business.

Word of mouth. Do you have friends and neighbors who have recently installed a new roof? If so, ask them which roofing contractor they used and how their experience was. The Better Business Bureau is a great resource as are a number of websites to check a roofer's reputation.

Know and understand the work they are going to do. Understand the entire scope of the work being done, including materials and installation practices and what may require some special skills or materials. You want to be absolutely sure that the contractor you hire will avoid taking shortcuts on your investment.

Get the most information you can upfront. Look at the ratings and quality of different roofing products and confirm what the contractor is going to use so you can make sure you’re investing in a top quality product for your home. Also, question the experience, training, and certifications of the installers.

Contract, contract, contract. Get a detailed written contract and then build in some wiggle room to incorporate possible unanticipated costs by creating plausible “what-if” scenarios, including what changes could arise and how it will affect your project. It is also important to include a process for handling change orders and a detailed payment schedule.

Permits. It is best if the contractor holds the permits because most town and city building inspectors consider the permit holder to be the party ultimately responsible for the work. If the contractor holds the permit, he is responsible for the work and the building inspector can act as an intermediary if needed.

Get a lien release. This will protect you from a contractor who owes a supplier for supplies after you have already paid him. Essentially, if the contractor has your money - but hasn't paid for the supplies - you will be liable for what remains unpaid.

As a Miami homeowner, you must protect yourself from unscrupulous roofing contractors. Follow these few steps and you’re off to a great start!

Learn these 7 Tips to Follow Before Hiring Any Contractor

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 18:27:28 GMT

Learn these 7 Tips to Follow Before Hiring Any Contractor

There are just about as many roofing contractors to choose from as there are doctors, and you should take the same care in choosing both! So how can you make a decision? It’s easy…interview them. Whether you are talking to a salesperson or the owner himself they should show pride and enthusiasm in discussing your project. When meeting with each roofing contractor, use the following seven questions to guide you through your interview.

1. What is the full name and address of the company?
An established contractor will have a permanent place of business. If you are provided a PO Box, ask for the street address to their place of business and consider visiting them as well. You should get to know who you’re doing business with.

2. Does the company carry insurance?
Workers compensation and liability insurance is mandatory. If a worker is hurt and the roofing contractor does not have insurance, you – as the homeowner - are liable. Ask to have current certificates sent to you. Do not accept the roofing contractor at their word.

3. Is the company a licensed and credentialed roofing contractor?
Many state and local governments require roofing contractors to be licensed or credentialed. Contact your city and county clerk's office and find out if there are any requirements for roofing contractors in your area. Even if there is not, still ask your contractor. The truly professional roofing contractors will most likely have proof of license or credential from other entities. In the Miami-Dade County area, be sure that the products being sold to you have gone through the proper product approval process.

4. How long has the company been in business?
Longer is usually better…more than five years is best. A new business should not be disqualified from your decision-making process, but if everything else is equal, longevity is usually better.

5. Will the company provide testimonials and references from previous jobs?
A qualified company will provide these upon request. Automatically reject any contractor that fails or refuses to provide you with a list of references and/or testimonials from their clients. Ask for a reference list of recently completed projects that are similar to yours. A qualified contractor will be proud of the work they provide their clients and their clients should be satisfied with their services.

6. What is the company's workmanship warranty?

Most workmanship errors will be found within the first year, probably after the first good storm. The reason this question is important is that most roofing contractors will provide a warranty for workmanship, and the manufacturer will provide a warranty for the product as long as it is installed correctly. Make sure you understand both warranties and ask for a copy of each.

7. What is the company's track record for solving customer complaints?
Try to find out how your roofing contractor handles problems when they do arise. Request a referral from a job that involved a complaint. Ask the contractor if he has ever lost a job-related court case. Ask if his contractor's license has ever been suspended and why. Also, in talking to the appropriate authorities, such as the Better Business Bureau and licensing departments, find out if any complaints have been filed against the contractors whom you have interviewed. Many contractors in business for any length of time have been involved in a dispute. Ask how the dispute was resolved, to test your roofing contractor's reputation.

With the answers to these seven questions, you’ll be on your way to a hassle-free home improvement project!

Hurricane Season - Protecting Your Home Before and During Florida's Hurricane Season

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 16:38:15 GMT

Protecting Your Home Before - and During - Florida’s Hurricane Season

The Atlantic hurricane season is officially from June 1^st to November 30^th. Still, hurricanes have occurred outside of these six months, but these dates were selected to encompass over 97% of tropical activity. June 1st has been the traditional start of the Atlantic hurricane season for decades.

Most homeowners living in Florida are no strangers to severe weather such as hurricanes. However, with adequate planning and protection, you can protect your home with some basic precautionary measures to ensure your property won’t become too badly damaged if a ‘big one’ hits. Here are some tips to help you secure your home.

Windows and glass doors – Some people will simply put up some plywood over their windows and doors but often this may not be enough to fully protect the property from damage. Consider making an investment in some properly installed metal shutters for your windows and doors in order to better protect your home. Also consider getting properly installed high impact-resistant windows that can withstand high winds and high velocity projectiles that are thrown into the air by hurricane strength winds.

Stock extra supplies – If a hurricane for example, knocks out the power in your area, floods your area, causes some road damage, or even disables your vehicle you will not be able to go anywhere to buy essentials so make sure you have things such as batteries, bottled water, canned food, extra blankets, first aid supplies, and any medications you might need etc. on hand in case this happens. Another good tip is to buy a generator and to use it properly and safely in case of power blackouts.

Trim Nearby Trees And Foliage – It is often flying debris that causes the major damage to properties during hurricane season so make sure that there aren’t any loose tree branches or other potentially dangerous debris lying near your home and make sure that all the foliage close to your home is well-trimmed.

Have Evacuation Plans – On occasion there will be a hurricane that is deemed powerful enough for the state to intervene and order everyone to evacuate. If this happens, it is vital to have an evacuation plan in place to ensure a smooth departure. Know in advance where you will be staying and make sure you have all the necessary supplies with you. And remember, you don’t have to go far to be safe. Do your research and find places near you that are deemed safe evacuation zones by the proper authorities.

Protect Your Roof -- The roof on your property can be the first line of defense during a hurricane. The most important step you can take is to secure and protect the roof on your property before hurricane season starts.

A roof with an existing leak is weak and this can set up a domino effect resulting in greater damage. The best defense is to have a roofing professional inspect your roof to determine any weak points. Depending on the type of roof system, part of the action plan could include:

• Repairing loose shingles or tiles and repairing any leaks.

• Checking to make sure roof sheathing is properly attached.

• Bracing and securing gabled roofs.

• Checking and sealing flashings and fasteners.

• Insuring gutters are properly attached.

• Complete replacement of the roof to meet new code requirements.

A roof in good condition is much better able to stand the punishment inflicted upon it by a storm and provide that much needed first line of defense against hurricanes. Keep your home properly protected and be prepared.

Metal Roofing - Getting More Popular Each Year

Thu, 26 May 2011 18:34:44 GMT

Metal Roofing – Getting More Popular Each Year

As Americans in general become more and more aware of the environmental impact of their purchasing decisions, a growing number of homeowners are turning to metal roofing as a "green" alternative to traditional roofing materials. Metal roofing systems are growing in popularity every year.

Homeowners have discovered that installing a metal roofing system is not only one of the most environmentally responsible choices they can make, it's also one of the most cost-effective. Metal roofing materials are virtually 100 percent recyclable, making them a very sensible choice from an environmental standpoint. Even more important, many of today's metal roofing systems are coated with various finishes, which reflect much of the sun's rays and thereby offer significant energy savings.

The energy savings offered by cool metal roofing are significant from both an environmental and an economic standpoint. The cooler roof temperatures can produce as much as 20 percent savings in air-conditioning costs.

The potential environmental benefits of cool metal roofing systems are drawing the interest of utilities, trade associations, industry groups and government agencies, who are finding that metal roofing offers environmental benefits that are not always immediately apparent. For example, cool metal roofing can help to reduce the "urban heat island" effect, which will reduce the demand on utilities for electricity, most of which is generated by the burning of fossil fuels. In this way, metal roofing also contributes to cleaner air and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Of course, the environmental benefits of cool metal roofing are only one part of the big picture. Metal roofing also offers practical and aesthetic appeal to homeowners, in addition to its appeal as an environmentally responsible roofing choice. Metal roofing is already widely recognized for offering so many benefits, such as Class A fire resistance, extremely light weight, and excellent wind resistance. What's more, metal roofing is one of the most durable roofing systems available; for most homeowners, this is literally the last roof they will need to buy.

Best of all, a homeowner does not have to sacrifice aesthetic appeal in order to do the right thing from an environmental standpoint.

Today's metal roofing systems complement virtually every type of architecture and design, and they do it in a way that is cost-effective, durable and environmentally sensible. Ask your roofing contractor if a metal roof is right for your home.

Is Your Roof Properly Ventilated? - The Importance of a Properly Ventilated Roof

Fri, 13 May 2011 18:03:30 GMT

Is Your Roof Properly Ventilated?

When choosing a roofing contractor and a roofing product, it is important that the ventilation requirements and needs of your specific home are addressed properly. Proper ventilation will prevent premature aging of your roof system, increase the longevity of your roof system and increase the energy-efficiency of your home.

Good ventilation creates a cooler attic in the summer and a drier attic in the winter. In a home with poor ventilation, the heat in the attic may eventually reach 140 degrees on a 90-degree day. Also, an overhead attic, combined with moisture, can be damaging to the roof decking and roofing shingles, causing them to distort and deteriorate prematurely. In the winter, the moist warm air from the lower portions of your home rise through the ceiling area into the attic. In the cold attic, the warm moist air condenses on the cold surface of the rafters, the nails and other metals, and the attic side of the roof deck.

This moisture can create several problems:

The condensation can swell the roof deck;
The high level of condensing moisture may also promote a perfect mold-breeding environment;
The water can rot the roof deck and decrease nail-holding capability;
Severe condensation can drip onto the insulation.

One of the most important aspects of the way your roof is designed and built is proper ventilation. You simply cannot over-estimate its importance. What happens when a roof doesn’t have proper ventilation? Improper ventilation allows formation of condensation, moisture accumulation, and damage to the roof deck and, eventually, to the stability of the roof. Improper roof ventilation can also affect the health of your family.

Proper ventilation of the roof and attic of a home achieves several important functions:

It makes the attic space cooler;
It makes the home more energy efficient;
It prevents condensation and accumulation of moisture on the inside of the roof deck, and prevents rotting of the roof deck;
It reduces the risk of fire.

Several types of vents can be used to properly ventilate the roof of your home. Roof ridge vents are placed along the ridge line of the roof. Ridge vents are used for exhaust or outflow of moisture, heat, and stale air. Soffit and Eaves vents are placed at the lower extremes of the roof and provide the intake ventilation.

If you live in an older home, your roof might not be constructed for roof ridge or soffit vents. Older homes were not built with the tight seals of today’s houses. There were cracks and openings around windows and doors, chimneys and other openings. These cracks and openings allowed fresh air to flow into the house. On the principle that hot air rises, the accumulated heat and moisture would rise to the attic and out the roof vents.

Without adequate ventilation, moisture rises with the hot air and forms condensation on the inside of the roof deck. This moisture is released into the air inside the house from bathing, cooking, plants, laundry and other causes. When the condensation forms on the roof deck, it begins to rot the wood. This introduces mold spores into the air, as well as damaging the wood. The result, if the problem is not noticed and repaired, can be destruction of all or part of the roof deck and creation of unhealthy air inside the house.

In our increasingly airtight homes, the importance of proper ventilation in roof construction cannot be over-emphasized. It is important to take the time and do the research to understand the ventilation needs for your home in your region and how best to meet those needs.