Every homeowner wishes to have the best roofing system that can withstand the elements. And the right way to start your roof installation is by identifying the best roofing material for your area and your home. Sentry Exteriors, one of the leading roofing contractors in Virginia, discusses the five most durable roofing materials on the market today.

Asphalt Shingles

One of the most common and popular roofing materials, asphalt shingle roofing is highly favored because of how cost-effective it is without compromising protection. It can safeguard your home against wind-driven rain, snow loads and even hail storms.

Metal

The metal used in roofs has plenty of benefits such as energy efficiency, wind resistance and fire resistance. It’s a great choice for homeowners who prefer a quick and painless installation. Plus, most metal roofing systems are eco-friendly, highly recyclable and last longer than asphalt shingle roofs.

Clay Tile

The great characteristic of clay tiles is how they maintain their traditional beauty despite their long service life of up to 100 years. That said, you should pair it with an efficient gutter system for better drainage and, consequently, less risk of water damage. Sentry Exteriors is one of the leading gutter companies so we can help you find the right gutter system for your home.

Wood Shake

Wood shake shingles are thicker than wood shingles because they are hand-cut rather than machine-made. Wood is a natural insulator, stabilizing your interior from the outset without resorting to add-ons. With an impressive life span of up to 40 years with proper maintenance, wood shakes are prime candidates for the best-looking roofs you’ll ever have.

Slate 

You may have seen a slate roof more than once because it’s a highly popular roofing material among historic buildings. This is thanks to slate’s longevity and durability. Today, it lives up to its reputation by combining traditional beauty and enhanced protection to make an acceptable compromise between cost and near-permanence.…

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How to Find Employees for Your Roofing Business

If you have more roofing projects than you have qualified workers to complete them, here are some helpful tips for finding, hiring and keeping the right people.

The old saying that “good people are hard to find” has never rung truer than in today’s construction industry, where a multitude of projects are generating an unmet demand for skilled labor.

Several factors have contributed to this unprecedented labor shortage, which you’re no doubt experiencing as one among many roofing companies hiring.

In this article, we’ll take a look at finding roofers looking for work, hiring roofing crews and retaining experienced roofers once you’ve found, engaged and trained them. This discussion might also serve skilled workers who are looking for roofing companies hiring or roofing subcontractors looking for work.

How to Find Employees for Your Roofing Crews

Gone are the days of simply posting a “Help wanted” or “We’re hiring” sign in your window or on your truck, although doing so certainly couldn’t hurt!

These days, you need a much more focused, targeted approach that can help you attract and find either experienced roofers or people with the right qualities and work ethic who are eager to learn the trade.

Ideally, your marketing should include both passive inbound and active outbound tactics. Inbound tactics would include posting those signs mentioned above as well as creating the kind of work environment that your current roofing crews will be proud to refer their friends to.

No matter what our profession, we all tend to surround ourselves with likeminded people and colleagues. Your own staff could be your best source for finding talent, one that many companies tend to overlook. Consider developing an incentive program to reward employees for their referrals.

Does your current website include a “Careers” section with an up-to-date list of job openings available? Be sure to include instructions on how to apply, and make it easy, perhaps with an online application form. Also be very clear about what the position involves, what benefits your company offers and describe any potential opportunities for future advancement.

Here are seven outbound tactics to help you find roofing employees for your business.

1. Tap into local apprenticeship and co-op work term opportunities.
2. Start educating high school students about the potential the trades can offer.
3. Find out where your best employee prospects hang out and approach them there.
4. Consider joint ventures with similar, non-competing employers.
5. Contact local employment agencies and organizations that place vets or promote women in roofing.
6. Learn from what your fellow roofing business owners are doing.
7. Approach people who frequent supplier stores and ask for referrals.

Now let’s look at each of the above tips in greater detail.

1. Tap into local apprenticeship and co-op work term opportunities.
   Many high schools and community colleges are incorporating apprenticeships and co-op work terms into their vocational training programs. Young people enrolled in such programs have an obvious desire to learn a trade and eventually work in it. Why not align yourself with such an institution and provide them with real-life opportunities?
2. Start educating high school students about the potential the trades can offer.
   Although it’s slowly changing, most students today are still being encouraged to pursue a university degree, rather than learn a trade. There’s a public misconception that a university degree will lead to greater prestige and money than a vocational degree. This is unfortunate because many who graduate from university are burdened with crippling student debt and grim job prospects.
   As a professional roofing contractor, you’re well aware of the immediate need for skilled labor and you also know firsthand that owning a roofing business involves entrepreneurial, management, leadership, financial and other skills beyond the strictly technical.It’s a challenging and rewarding career. You need to get into the high schools and start educating students about the potential. Why wait until the next career night? Contact your local high schools and colleges and offer to speak to their students.
3. Find out where your best employee prospects hang out and approach them there.
   Think about the leisure activities your own crews enjoy in their off-time or ask them. Some roofing business owners have had great success in handing out “help wanted” flyers or postcards at local amateur sporting events such as soccer or ball games, bowling or golf tournaments.
4. Consider joint ventures with similar, non-competing employers.
   Team up with similar, but non-competing, companies to share the cost and effort of recruiting. A joint venture might include a seminar at a local building supply store or even a computer webinar “career night”.
5. Contact local employment agencies and organizations that place vets or promote women in roofing.
   Contact local employment agencies to offer a “get paid to learn a trade” program. Never overlook organizations like “Be a Hero Hire a Hero” that match veterans and employers to the benefit of both or the National Women in Roofing Association, where employers can advertise their job openings.

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There are some disadvantages to stone-coated steel roofing. The upfront costs are more than regular asphalt roofing. Natural stones used may create color inconsistencies. The panels overlap and do not interlock, which can create problems if snow, rain, or wind get through. This type of roofing uses exposed fasteners, which can rust in time due to water exposure or trap moisture within. The batten-type systems are prone to moisture and condensation, which can rot in time. Stone-coated shingles are somewhat new; not every roof installer may know how to install them properly.

The bottom line is that, although stone-coated steel roofing is fairly new, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. Although finances and budget do come into consideration with steel roofing, it is a better choice for builders who have the extra money to install this kind of roofing. Stone-coated steel roofing will stand the test of time and far outlive asphalt shingles or cheaper roofing methods. If the home or building the roof is being installed in has a strong resale value, then this may be a good option. It is one of the longest-lasting, most durable roofing systems on the market today.

Because of its resistance to weathering, the elements and virtually non-existent maintenance costs, stone coated steel roofing is an optimal choice for almost any building providing the occupants plan to stay in their home for a long time. Those planning to sell their home in the near future may not want to invest in this type of roofing, only because they will not be around to see a return in their investment or recoup the cost of the roof when the house is sold.

Question: Is Lightning Attracted to a Metal Roof?

Answer: There is absolutely no increase in the likelihood of your home being struck by lightning if you have a metal roof. In fact, if lightning does strike your New Sunlight Stone Coated Steel Roof, the energy safely dissipates throughout the entire roof surface and can exit into the ground. Also, because metal roofing is NOT combustible or flammable, it is an even smarter choice for roof coverings in lightning-prone and severe weather areas.

Question: Is a Stone Coated Steel Roof a Noisy Roof?

Answer: Absolutely not! Now hear this: a New Sunlight Stone Coated Steel Roof is often much quieter than even an asphalt shingle roof. Because of our unique installation method that creates a sound along with our beautifully functional stone-coated surface, even torrential rain striking the roof panels is no louder than it would be on a heavy wood shake roof.

Question: Is Rust a Problem with a Stone Coated Steel Roof?

Answer: No! In fact, New Sunlight Stone Coated Steel Roof panels are made from high-quality galvanized steel that is coated with an acrylic base coat. Ceramic earth-stone granules are then embedded over this base coat. Finally, a clear acrylic over-glaze is applied and baked on. This provides your home with long-lasting, durable and fade-resistant protection for a lifetime of enjoyment.…

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We are happy to announce The Window & Door Store has teamed up with Metro Roof Products. This new relationship continues with TDWS’s commitment to supplying and installing only the best products available on the market today. Metro’s superior product features are the result of years of research and development on exclusive processes. Key differences are:

Metro STEEL — Highly corrosion-resistant AZ-50 Galvalume® steel coated with specially prepared & treated with proprietary primer to enhance Metro acrylic adhesion.

Metro BASECOAT — Proprietary special formulation developed by the world’s largest resin supplier to promote long-life performance in all climates.

Metro STONE CHIP — Finely graded, non-oiled, natural granite granules that enhance adhesion and provide

the tightest granite stone coat matrix on the market today.

Metro ACCESSORY DESIGN — SMARTvent stone-coated ventilator panels fully integrated into the roof field with no need for special flashing. SMARTjack stone-coated 3-in-1 type vent pipe flashings with self-sealing rubber gasket and aluminum base. SMARTsleeve stone-coated and soon-to-be-released vent pipe sleeve cover to perfectly finish pipe penetrations. Eave Riser metals and Rake Channels that incorporate the unique “Locator-Lip” for easy positioning and installer error-free installation.

Metro WARRANTY — Every roof is backed with a 50-year limited warranty that has unlimited transferability to subsequent owners — a major plus in today’s housing market. We take pride in our products and it shows — everywhere a Metro roof stands!…

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Is your roof giving you cause for concern? If so, you need to get things checked out sooner than later.

The longer you let problems linger on your roof, the bigger chance there is for a more serious issue to develop. When the average cost to replace a roof is close to $7,000, you need to do everything you can to fix problems before they get worse.

You need a reliable roofing service if you want the work on your roof to be done right. Below are nine tips that will help you find a company that will get things done correctly.

1. Check Licenses and Insurance

Nobody can just start a roofing business and legally do business. You need the right licenses and insurance if you want to do work legally.

The licenses you need will depend on your location. Every city and state has laws unique to them. Check your area to see what licenses roofing contractors to need to have.

Your contractor also needs to have insurance for everyone working on your roof. Their insurance will cover any problems that happen on your property.

If your contractor isn’t insured, you might be liable for the injuries that occur on your property.

2. Find Out Who Will Be Working on Your Roof

A question you need to ask a contractor before hiring them is who they will have working on your roof. Are they hiring people themselves or outsourcing their work to independent contractors?

Ideally, you want to work with a business that hires its own workers. Vertec Roofing Sydney recommends that you do your research, if you employ a company that specializes in roof repairs more likely than not the quality of work will be much higher, it won’t take nearly as long, and you’ll ensure the problems don’t arise again. When a business employs people in-house, they are required by law to carry insurance for their employees. You’ll need to worry less about a company skimping on business insurance.

If a roofing business outsources its work, it might not carry insurance for its workers. If this is the case, you need to make sure everyone on your property has the right insurance.

3. Ask About Building Materials

There are many materials you can use for your roof. Not all of them will be good.

You want to make sure that your roofing contractor uses high-quality materials when working on your roof. Anything less will increase the chances of your roof becoming damaged in the future.

Do a little research on your own to figure out what materials will work best for your roof. Compare the product choices of your contractor and what other people recommend.

4. Find a Great Warranty

Even the best materials and work fail from time to time. There is no way to predict when this will happen. The problem is, it can cost a lot of money to get things fixed again.

Any contractor you work with should offer a reasonable warranty for their work. You should also check the manufacturer’s warranty for all the materials being used on your roof. They should give you a reasonable amount of time to find defects with the product.

5. Look at Multiple Quotes

Your roof might put a big hole in your bank account. If you spend more money than you think on your roof, it might be tempting to take the lowest quote to save money.

Try to avoid jumping at the lowest offer. You need to question if you are getting excellent service for the money you’re paying.

Make sure to look at all your offers in-depth. In most cases, it’s worth paying a little more money to get better service.

6. Ask About Safety Training

Sure, you can train someone to fix problems with a roof. The question is, are they doing it safely?

Roofing contractors need to invest in proper safety training for their employees. Ask about what training someone goes through before they start working for a company.

It might not be enough to have done training years ago, either. Training should be regular and updated for the newest risks that roofers face.

7. Gauge Your Contractor’s Ability to Communicate

When you’re dealing with a project as big as your roof, you need to be sure about every little detail. You don’t want the work to be done and have something missing because of a miscommunication.

When you’re speaking with potential contractors, make sure they have a clear understanding of the work you want to be done. They should be able to take what you tell them and let you know what needs to happen for the job to be a success

Once you have the details ironed out, get everything in writing. Your contract will detail the exact work your roofing contractor needs to do.…

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Need a roofing contractor on your project but not sure where to turn? Hiring a roofer starts by asking your neighbors or Homeowner Association (HOA) who they recommend. You’ll want to check roofing contractor requirements and directories for your state as well as find and read reviews.

Then, call two or three local roofers to schedule consultations. Check references, reviews and qualifications, compare bids, and negotiate the final price. Below, learn the ins and outs of contracting the roofing service that is right for your project and budget.

Roofing Contractor Qualifications

Roofing contractors have to meet the criteria of their municipality. Check your state’s roofer qualifications and directories before hiring.

Good roofing contractors are:

• Experienced
• Licensed in your area
• Insured
• Bonded (which means that a bonding company has money available to a consumer in case they need to file a claim against that company)
• Willing to provide references
• Willing to write an estimate

Services a Roofer Offers

Roofing services vary from contractor to company. Ask the two or three roofers you’re interested in working with what services they offer. Some common roofing services include:

• Roof inspections that check for:
  • Leaks
  • Damage
• Repairs and maintenance
• Installation or replacement
• Weatherproofing
• Insulating
• Ventilating
• Shoveling (removing snow and ice dams)
• Roof cleaning (pressure washing away mildew, moss and buildup)
• Sealing, treating or painting (especially for wood or metal roofs)
• Debris removal

Redoing a roof is a good time to check your gutters. You may find roofers who also offer gutter, siding, and window services. Ask the professionals in your area if they can complete other services. Tackling roofing and gutters at the same time can save you money in the long run since the contractor will already be on-site.

How to Hire a Roofing Contractor

When you’re ready to hire a roofing contractor, there are two types to consider: independent contractors and roofing companies. There are pros and cons to both. Always compare bids for the best price and check roofer reviews, references, and qualifications.

Independent roofing contractors can be helpful for quick repairs. Because they either work independently or with subcontractors, it may take longer to complete large projects, like replacing your old roof. However, they may specialize in a particular style. Hiring an individual can be a risk, but it means you’ll see and work with the same person for the duration of the project.

Roofing companies are more likely to complete large jobs more quickly, have their work covered by manufacturer warranties, offer discounts or free consultations and work with more materials. However, you may not have the same point of contact for each phase of the project.

Questions to Ask a Roofer

Interviewing contractors is an important step in hiring the right roofer. Here’s what to ask:

• What types of roofing do you install?
• Do you work with homeowner’s insurance to file claims?
• Do you have a current license to do this work in my area?
• What types of insurance do you have, and what is the coverage?
• Can you give me two or three references to check?
• Do you offer a free on-site inspection?
• Do you take photos during the inspection and after completing the project?
• Will you give me a written estimate after the inspection?
• Do you do roofing repairs? How much do they cost?
• Is your work covered by manufacturer warranty?
• How do you keep projects on schedule? What’s your inclement weather policy?
• Do you remove or dispose of old roofing materials? Is there a disposal charge? Do you recycle old materials?
• When and how do you bill or invoice? Do you accept credit cards? Do you offer financing?

Choosing the Right Roofing Contractor

Always get bids from a few roofing contractors before choosing the one that’s right for you. You may choose the reasonable, middle-of-the-road bid or the contractor with the lowest price and best availability. With the right budget, you might opt for the roofer with the highest estimate and 20 years of experience installing the type of roof you want.

No matter which bid you choose, make sure your roofer has the right qualifications.

If you already know what type of roofing you want, you may have fewer contractors to choose from in your area. Most roofers can install and repair asphalt shingles but fewer have experience with materials like cedar shake, clay tiles, or natural slate. Unique styles like solar shingles or green roofs require specialists who may be hard to find in rural areas.

Door-to-door bids, when a roofer visits neighborhoods hard hit by storms and high winds, can be predatory. If local roofers reach out to you about repairing or replacing your roof, check their license, insurance, and references before accepting their bid.…

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If you’re evaluating your roof, be aware that shingles wear out faster on the south or west sides of your home where the direct sun can dry them out. High winds raise shingles and allow rainwater to seep through. Moss can rot your shingles and snow can wedge below them and force cracking.

Take time and be patient during roof installation. With the help of a garden hose, you can find a leak. There is some common cause for roof leaks clogged gutters, dry rot, wet ceiling. Make sure the roof boots fit snugly. Cracks may lead to big roof disasters. Valleys are familiar places for leaks as it is a place where the water from the entire roof goes to, and it will start sloshing back and forth.

Here are some home improvement tips for you.

Safety First

Fussing to try and find a leak as soon as it happens is something that could put you in danger. Interfere on a roof while it’s raining or covered with snow isn’t the ideal way to find a leak. Temporarily fixing a leak could be highly dangerous. If you want to fix it right, there is no quick way. Just take your time and be very patient and careful to wait for Mother Nature to give you the green signal for roofing.

Take Precautions

Don’t move or reposition a ladder while a person or equipment is on it. Being on a roof may put your body in positions that are not comfortable or safe. Always wear rubber sole shoes to prevent slipping. Also, use a harness and still work with a buddy who takes excellent care of you and understands your signals.

Spray The Roof

Garden hose is one of the best tools to spray on the roof, go up to the roofs and start spraying in different locations to find the leak. Wait if it’s winter season running because it’s not safe to run water on the roof when it’s freezing out.

Keep Gutters Clean

Clogged gutters are the most common areas and causes of roof leaks. Gutters that have not been cleaned can cause the water to build up during rain, make sure your gutter is clean. Hire professional gutter cleaners to fix this issue.

Avoid Dry Rot

Dry rot doesn’t relate to any water damage, but lack of ventilation. The roof will sag in or may cause the roof shingles to get brittle, crack, and leak afterward. Preventing dry rot consists of installing a ridge vent; it would only work if there is a soffit vent. Holes have to be drilled by the soffit vents, so fresh air comes in via the bottom and pushes the hot air out through the top.

Prevent Ice Buildup

In a cold, ice has no problem building up under the roof membrane, shingles, and gutters; the ice builds back up when it reaches the wall line where the house is heated, and it creates an interior drip. Proper ventilation, rain, and ice shields, along with installing a drip edge will help clog objects.

Fix Roof Boots

Flashing, roofing, ice damping, and skylights are all certain places for potential leaks. People often miss one thing, and that is the rubber boots. It is where the roof fence comes up that you find roof boots. If they dry up quickly, they will cause major leaks. It’s a quick fix; buy a new roof boot from a local hardware store. You may have to remove some of the shingles, lay a better tar under it, and put it back in the right place.

Inspect Materials

Sometimes shingles are defective and will start to break after they’ve been nailed down. Faulty installation with nails and shingles can have a significant influence on the leaks. Always make sure to check the merchandise before getting on the roof.

Check Valleys

A valley is a place where the crossing point of two rooftops meets up. It is also called the edge, which is again where two roofs meet at best. Valleys are favorite places for leaks since that is the place the water from the whole rooftop goes to, and it will begin sloshing back and forth.

Eliminate Leaks

It’s important not to get discouraged when a leak can’t be found. It’s a procedure of elimination. You’ve secured one zone, installed the shingles back, and sealed it watertight, so at least one spot is eliminated. Now, you can try different areas.…

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Rainy season is coming up soon, so it’s definitely smart to start looking for roofing contractors to help protect your home against floods. Choosing the right roofing contractor may seem like a daunting task, when in fact, it’s fairly simple. Here are a few steps you can follow to make sure you choose a legitimate and trustworthy roofing contractor.

1. Check for business licenses

Before choosing your roofing contractor, verify that they have fulfilled the business licenses required by the local and national government. You can check for their TIN (Tax Identification Number), their official business address and contact number.

2. Check for past clients

There’s no stronger proof of a legitimate roofing contractor than previous clients. If possible, check out recommendations online or feedback on Gawin.ph’s platform to see what past customers have to say about the service provider. You can also ask your contractor for a list of references of past clients and their contact details.

3. Ask for proof that the contractor is licensed by the roofing manufacturer 

In some cases, roofing manufacturers provide certification and training for contractors who are to install their products on customers’ homes. This is to ensure that quality is maintained during installation. If possible, ask for proof of training or certification to make sure that your potential contractor has been vetted by a trusted manufacturer too.

4. Ask about the scope and manpower needed

Don’t be afraid to ask for details about the project. Questions like “How long will the project take?” and “How many people will be working on the project?” are valid questions whose answers you need to know. This will help you figure out how the work will be supervised and the duration of time you can expect workers to be in your home.

5. Ask for a detailed contract laying down the details of the project and agreement between you and the contractor

Ask for a contract where you and the contractor (or the company that the contractor belongs to) can sign so that if things go south, there’s written proof on who’s accountable for what. This contract should include information about warranties, the timeframe of the project, daily start and end times, materials, equipment and tools to be used, safety protocols, payment amount and method, date of payment, and procedure for cleaning up.

6. Do research before signing

Before signing or agreeing to any payment scheme with contractors, ask your friends, colleagues or past customers how much roofing services typically cost, and how long the project usually takes. Research the company’s background and study their portfolio so you’ll have a very clear understanding of the quality of work and what you’re paying for.

Our service is for roofing contractors you can choose from. They are licensed, well-experienced and definitely vetted. You can even select contractors near you so you can conveniently stop by their office for a visit and check them out if you have time.…

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Icicles may be pretty but they can tear off gutters, loosen shingles, and cause water to back up into your house. Learn these fast fixes for ice dam removal, long-term repair, and prevention tips.

Icicles hanging along the eaves of your house may look beautiful, but they spell trouble. That’s because the same conditions that allow icicles to form—snow-covered roofs and freezing weather—also lead to ice dams: thick ridges of solid ice that build up along the eaves.

Why are Ice Dams Bad?

Dams can tear off gutters, loosen shingles, and cause water to back up and pour into your house. When that happens, the results aren’t pretty: peeling paint, warped floors, stained and sagging ceilings. Not to mention soggy insulation in the attic, which loses R-value and becomes a magnet for mold and mildew.

If you’re wondering how to fix an ice dam on your roof, here’s how you can prevent them altogether or remove them if they’ve already formed.

How to Prevent Ice Dams

Use Heated Cables

Attached with clips along the roof’s edge in a zigzag pattern, heated cables help prevent ice dams that lift shingles and cause leaks. This solution allows you to equalize your roof’s temperature by heating it from the outside instead of blowing in cold air from the inside (as we mention next in “Fast Fixes”). Just be sure to install the cables before bad weather hits.

How to Get Rid of Ice Dams Fast

Blow in Cold Air

Hacking away at ice dams with a hammer, chisel, or shovel is bad for your roofing—and dangerous for you. And throwing salt on them will do more to harm to your plantings than to the ice. Short of praying for warm weather, here are stop-gap measures we recommend.

Take a box fan into the attic and aim it at the underside of the roof where water is actively leaking in. This targeted dose of cold air will freeze the water in its tracks. “You’ll stop the leak in a matter of minutes,” says TOH general contractor Tom Silva.

Rake It

Pull off snow with a long-handled aluminum roof rake while you stand safely on the ground. A rake with wheels, like the one shown here, will instantly change the exterior temperature of your roof without damaging shingles.

De-icing Methods

You can also diminish the damage after the dam has formed with…pantyhose! Fill the leg of discarded pair of pantyhose with a calcium chloride ice melter. Lay the hose onto the roof so it crosses the ice dam and overhangs the gutter.

If necessary, use a long-handled garden rake or hoe to push it into position. The calcium chloride will eventually melt through the snow and ice and create a channel for water to flow down into the gutters or off the roof.

Permanent Fixes for Ice Dams

Getting rid of ice dams for good is simple, in principle: Just keep the entire roof the same temperature as the eaves. You do that by increasing ventilation, adding insulation, and sealing off every possible air leak that might warm the underside of the roof.

By taking care of common trouble spots, listed here in order of priority, you should enjoy dam-free winters and use less energy to boot:

1. Ventilate Eaves And Ridge. A ridge vent paired with continuous soffit vents circulates cold air under the entire roof. Both ridge and soffit vents should have the same size openings and provide at least 1 square foot of opening for every 300 square feet of attic floor. Place baffles at the eaves to maintain a clear path for the airflow from the soffit vents.
2. Cap the Hatch. An unsealed attic hatch or whole-house fan is a massive opening for heat to escape. Cover them with weatherstripped caps made from foil-faced foam board held together with aluminum tape.
3. Exhaust to the Outside. Make sure that the ducts connected to the kitchen, bathroom, and dryer vents all lead outdoors through either the roof or walls, but never through the soffit.
4. Add Insulation. More insulation on the attic floor keeps the heat where it belongs. To find how much insulation your attic needs, check with your local building department.
5. Install Sealed Can Lights. Old-style recessed lights give off great plumes of heat and can’t be insulated without creating a fire hazard. Replace them with sealed “IC” fixtures, which can be covered with insulation.
6. Flash Around Chimneys. Bridge the gap between chimney and house framing with L-shaped steel flashing held in place with unbroken beads of a fire-stop sealant. Using canned spray foam or insulation isn’t fire safe.
7. Seal and Insulate Ducts. Spread fiber-reinforced mastic on the joints of HVAC ducts and exhaust ducts. Cover them entirely with R-5 or R-6 foil-faced fiberglass.
8. Caulk Penetrations. Seal around electrical cables and vent pipes with a fire-stop sealant.

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When it comes to hiring a roofing contractor, most homeowners make a mistake of hiring any random company they can get without researching enough. Not all roofers out there are to be trusted. Roofing installation, repair, or replacement requires a lot of skills that are not easily earned.

Therefore, hiring any roofing contractor you can find is not the smartest idea at all. Qualified and professional roofers in Essex suggest that you always seek the most popular, reputable, and experienced roofing contractor that can guarantee the best quality service. Below, we highlight the top 5 benefits of hiring a professional roofing contractor.

1. Enhanced Work Safety

Accidents and mishaps associated with roofing installations and repairs are not strange. During the construction of a house, working safety must be aptly maintained to keep unnecessary risks at bay. A certified and professional roofing contractor often maintains extreme safety by paying heed on the safety concerns of their team members during work. And even if any mishap happens, a professional roofing contractor is equipped with a valid insurance plan that saves you from unwanted consequences.

2. Quality Materials

More often than not, a professional roofing contractor has access to high-quality roofing materials, which ensure your repair lasts a long time. Many local hardware stores are filled with low-quality roofing materials that might not withstand harsh weather elements.

A professional roofer knows how to differentiate poor quality materials from higher quality ones that are suitable for your specific roofing project. Even more, most professional companies can source top-quality materials at wholesale costs.

3. Cost-Effective

Many homeowners tend to believe that they can minimize their cost expenditure by fixing their roofing. In most cases, homeowners who have little to no experience regarding quality roofing repairs may end up causing more harm than good. In reality, hiring professional roofing contractors can be cost-effective, considering that they have a good rapport with suppliers, and you will get raw materials at relatively lower costs.

Furthermore, they are equipped with the right tools suitable for every project. If you were to buy the required tools and roofing materials on your own, your expenses would significantly increase.

4. Quality Installation

Certified and experienced roofers have been in the industry for several years and have dedicated their entire time to learning and gaining expertise in the field. Having been in the roofing industry for quite a long time, they have worked on several projects with different clients.

When it comes to installations or repairs, they can deliver excellent results using the recommended techniques and products. Hiring a professional roofing contractor with adequate experience is a sure-fire way to avoid leaks and tiles falling off your roof.

5. Fast & Smooth Service Execution

Even though installing or replacing a roof is a time-intensive process, professionals will be able to provide fast and smooth service within the stipulated amount of time. Hiring an amateur involves a lot of risks, yet the job may not be completed at the right time.

For instance, a novice roofing company may not be able to provide a proper solution for a stubborn leak or crack. In this case, choosing the right contractor with a huge reputation in the market is a great way to ward off leaks, damps, and cracks for good without wasting much time.

When it comes to hiring a roofing contractor in Stamford, most homeowners make the mistake of hiring any random company they can get without researching enough. Not all roofers out there are to be trusted, however, some companies like Roofers Stamford CT are very professional. Roofing installation, repair, or replacement requires a lot of skills that are not easily earned.…

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