Cost Of New Roof

New roofing scams popping up

Count Jenny Begg among the thousands of homeowners who've been besieged by roofing contractors in the aftermath of hail storms.

And count me as surprised that there's still a trick some of the unscrupulous roofers use against homeowners that I haven't read about in all the news coverage.

"I want you to know the roof repair scammers are out in force," Begg said in a recent email. "I live in the University City area... and just yesterday someone came to the door and told me he could see my roof had hail damage! This morning there were two more leaflets in my mailbox from other 'roofing' companies... Just thought you'd like to know and get the word out."

Word definitely is out.

The Observer's Ely Portillo has done a good job covering the issue, in his blog and in a front-page story on April 26. Television stations have shared warnings from the Better Business Bureau. Out-of-state roofers descend on communities after bad storms, especially hail storms.

Homeowners should know by now: Don't hire a roofer who's "working in the neighborhood" without checking him out at the BBB website. Get three estimates. Contact your insurance company.

For heaven's sake, don't sign over the check from the insurance company before work starts. Janet Hart of the BBB says reputable local companies might ask for a deposit of 20 percent to 33 percent - or even no deposit.

Hart also said that there's a new trap that storm-chasing roofers use to ensnare unwary homeowners.

Homeowners who've learned to be wary of "working in the neighborhood" might fall for this one, which I haven't read about.

The roofer will offer to send someone up onto the roof to check for hail damage, she said. "Then the roofer will say, 'We need you to sign this form. It covers you for insurance purposes.'"

Not true, Hart said. The workers should be covered by worker's comp, and the form actually gives the roofer exclusive rights to perform the work.

"If you sign that form, you have just given up control. And the No. 1 rule is, never give up control."

That's why you don't sign the check over, or agree when the roofer offers to work directly with the insurance company. "Don't take yourself out of the equation," she said. "The (roofing) company is working with you, and you're working with your insurance company."

Here's another issue, but one that doesn't lend itself to clear warnings.

If your insurance company doesn't like your claims pattern - including hail claims - it can cancel your insurance at renewal time. Hart found that out the hard way.

The Type Of Roof Determines The Roofing Options :BUY Accutane ...

&Nbsp; Asphalt shingles are the most widely used in today’s market with about 90 percent of the houses wearing asphalt. When considering roofing options be sure to have the framing of the roof checked to make sure it can support the type of roofing materials you want to choose. It is best to check it before deciding on the material than to find out later you need to reinforce the roof trusses to support the new roofing materials.

Asphalt shingles will weight between 240 and 400 pounds per hundred square feet, which is one of the reasons why removing the old roof is always recommended. Lighter roofing options include metal roofing at between 40 and 60 pounds per 100 square feet for aluminum and steel will average between 80 and 150 pounds per 100 square feet. 

When examining the cost of roofing options the initial expense should only be a starting point. Most asphalt shingles will last about 20 years and will cost between $50 and $150 per square, which is 100 square feet. Better brands may be available at a higher cost as well. Installing a slate roof may cost up to $1,000 per square, considering the price of materials and the skill needed for installation. However, it should last about 100 years or longer.

Depending on how long you plan to own the house or keep it in the family, as well as how much you have to budget for a new roof will help make the decision on roofing options more realistic. Additionally, slate tile is considerably heavier than asphalt and could weigh up to 700 to 800 pounds per square, depending on thickness, and additional strengthening of the trusses may push the cost even higher.   When planning to install a new roof it is advisable to examine closely all the roofing options available, and all the information about your house. Weather conditions could also help with the decision about finding the best materials for the roof of your house, but return on available investment should be the deciding factor.

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