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Questions to Ask a Roofing Contractor Before Signing a Contract

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 Whether you are a new homeowner or a seasoned one, the first time you hire a roofing contractor can be a little intimidating. It’s tempting to just do a Google search and pick the first one that comes up in the search results. But it will pay to take the time and ask the right questions before you enter into a contract.

 At Just In Time Roofing and Seamless Gutters , we want to encourage you to make an informed decision before deciding to work with us or any other roofing contractor in the Elmira/Horseheads area. That’s why we’ve taken the time to come up with some questions you want to be sure to ask.

 

What is Your Full Company Name and Physical Address?

 Unfortunately, in this day and age, scams are everywhere. You may hire a roofing company only to find out that they were only pretending to be a reputable business. It’s not silly to ask them what their full company name is. They may tell you that they market themselves under one name, but they’re doing business under another. That’s perfectly fine.

Also, make sure you get their actual address. A PO Box should raise some red flags in your mind. You need to know that you can actually go to the business to talk with someone if you need to.

 

Do You Have Insurance?

 What happens if one of the roofers falls off the roof? What about if there is damage done to your home in the process of completing the job? You need to know that the company carries insurance.

Workers compensation insurance will cover employees if they are injured on the job. If the company doesn’t have it, the worker may sue you to cover medical expenses, lost wages and other damages.

 Liability insurance is very important as well. This will cover you just in case something happens to your home or to your property. In most cases, your homeowners insurance isn’t going to cover those costs.

 

Do You Offer a Warranty for Your Roofing Work?

The company you choose should be able to offer you a written warranty. That shows that they stand behind their work and can be trusted to do it well, and use high quality materials. Also, you should be looking for a warranty that offers you protection on the work and materials for at least ten years. If they don’t offer that, it’s best to choose someone else.

 

Do You Have Homeowner References?

 Finally, you should always ask for homeowner references. That is the best place to learn more about the company you’re thinking of hiring. Other customers will be honest with you about your experience with the company. Don’t forget to check Facebook and Yelp as well. Both happy and dissatisfied customers are always quick to go to social media to provide feedback.

We are proud to offer free estimates to our potential customers, and we can answer any questions you may have about your roof. Please contact us today to set up an appointment.

Damage from winter weather can be hazardous to your roof and gutters when you live in areas that are prone to winter precipitation 

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Ice Dams Cause BIG Problems 

 

What is an ice dam?

An ice dam is a wall of ice that forms at the edge of the roof, typically at the gutter or soffit point. When ice gutters form, they prevent melting snow from draining off the roof and away from the house. 

For an ice dam to form, three things must be present:

  • Snow on the roof
  • Higher sections of the roof’s external surface must be above 32°F
  • Lower roof surfaces must be below 32°F
  • When these factors are in play, snow will melt, and the water will flow down the roof and eventually freeze – forming an ice dam.

 

What are the signs that I have an ice dam?

  • Your home has a history of ice dams
  • Icicles form on the edge of the roof or off the front edge of the gutter
  • Ice is coming through the soffit or forming behind the gutters
  • Water or ice appears on the exterior wall
  • Water is seeping through a door frame or window

 

 

What harm do ice dams cause?

  • Water from melting snow can seep into your house and into walls, ceilings, insulation, and other interior areas. The accumulation of ice (and having it sit there for an extended amount of time) can also cause or worsen wood rot. 
  • Ice dams can lift roof shingles up, allowing water to leak inside your home and to cause water damage.
  • Pressure and weight from the dams can pull off gutters. This can lead to structural damage
  • If attic insulation gets wet, it can become ineffective and a perfect environment for mold to form.

How do I prevent ice dams?

  • Have a roof inspection done to identify problem areas, and make any suggested repairs
  • Make sure all leaves and debris are removed from your gutters before winter.
  • Keep your attic cold and insulate the attic floor. Check for heat sources, including recessed lights, attic stair openings, ductwork, furnace or water-heating equipment and bathroom vent fans that are not insulated.
  • Rake or shovel snow off the roof before it freezes, if it is safe to do so. If you cannot do this, consider hiring someone to come and do it for you.
  • Install a water-repellent roof membrane

 

WARNING! Any person on the roof during the winter or performing work on the roof from below is risking injury and risking damage to the roof and house. It is important to contact professionals to carry out this job.

 

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Are Roofing Scams Real, and do They Happen in the Twin Tiers?

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Are Roofing Scams Real, and do They Happen in the Twin Tiers?

It’s that time of year again when homeowners are starting to think about replacing or repairing their roofs. If you’re a new homeowner, or you’ve never had to worry about your roof, it’s easy to get mixed up in a scam, even if the contractor seems completely trustworthy.

 At Just In Time Roofing and Gutters, it angers us to think of people taking advantage of others. Sadly, it does happen, and it’s important for you to know how to recognize a scam when you see one.

 Angie’s List has become a website that people trust to make recommendations on contractors for everything from roofing to plumbing. They have offered five different types of scams that you should be on the lookout for.

 Door-to-Door Salesmen

 There are roofing salesmen who will go door-to-door in Horseheads, Elmira, Big Flats, Corning and Ithaca promising people a free roof inspection. They’ll often target neighborhoods with a lot of senior citizens, older homes, or locations where severe storms have hit. They’ll offer a free roof inspection and then do a number of different things while they’re on the roof. They may:

  •  Show the homeowner pictures of a different roof that has been damaged  after the inspection, claiming it’s their roof.
  • Tear off shingles themselves during the inspection.
  • Hit the shingles, breaking them, to simulate damage from a hailstorm.

 Their goal is for the homeowner to submit the damage to their insurance company unknowingly. That way, they don’t have to pay for the new roof, but the company still gets paid.

 Storm Chasing Contractors

 This one is similar to the salesman, but these companies will actually follow the paths of storms looking for homes that have been damaged. They’re looking to collect insurance money, but the work they produce is shady at best.

 Their goal is to put on a cheap, new roof, only doing the bare minimum amount of work. They do not address any of the other problems that may be present as a result of the storm, and they do not restore the roof to its original condition. Most of these roofs only last around seven years, at best.

 The Vanishing Down Payment

 This one is far too common. There are some companies who will give the customer an estimate, without signing a contract and then require a down payment prior to starting the work. They’ll say they need it to cover the cost of materials, but once that down payment is made, they never return. Sometimes they will even convince the homeowner to sign over an insurance check to them, and then they disappear.

 Stick With Companies You Know to Avoid Roofing Scams

 Whether you are a new homeowner or a seasoned one, it’s easy to spot a scam if you know what to look for. Your best bet is to do some research, look them up on google, read their reviews and go with a company that you know and can trust.

 We want you to know that we’re here to help you if you have roofing problems. Simply contact us and we’ll schedule your free estimate right away.

 

A Question for Elmira/Horseheads Homeowners: Is Your Roof Ready for Winter?

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A Question for Elmira/Horseheads Homeowners: Is Your Roof Ready for Winter?

 

 Whether we want to admit it or not, winter is on its way here in the Northeast. If you live in Elmira, Horseheads, Corning, Ithaca, or the surrounding areas, you know how brutal this season can be. This might be the first winter you’ve ever owned your own home, it could be the twentieth winter you’ve seen. Either way, it’s a good idea to make sure your roof is prepared for what lies ahead.

 

Most homeowners aren’t excited about the thought of climbing a ladder to check out their roofs themselves. That’s why it’s a good idea to call a local roofing contractor to inspect it for you. At Just In Time Roofing and Gutters, we can provide you with this service, as well as an estimate, if necessary, free of charge.

 

Your Pre-Winter Roof Inspection

 

There are a few roofing problems your contractor will be looking for when they’re performing your inspection. They include:

 

  • Checking for loose or missing shingles – We’ve had a lot of rain this summer, and water can get under the shingles on your roof, causing them to become loose. With all the wind that accompanies rain, those loose shingles can even blow away or just slide off the roof. Your contractor should check every inch to make sure all of the shingles are present, attached and in tact.
  • Damage from fallen branches – If you have a lot of trees near your home, branches may have fallen on your house without you realizing it. Heavy ones can break shingles, which means you could have some damage that needs to be repaired.
  • Weathered and cracked sealant areas – There are so many spots on your roof that are protected by sealant. These include flashing, the chimney, antenna mounts, and plumbing stacks. As the years go by, the sealant can crack, and when it does, it needs to be repaired. This will help to protect your home against water damage.
  • Clogged gutters – The gutters are often the most ignored part of any house. The leaves are falling, and they can quickly become clogged by them, dirt, and other debris. It’s a good idea to have them checked during this inspection.

 

Scheduling Your Repairs

 

Hopefully, your roof will be fine and it will be ready to withstand the long winter that lies ahead. But, there’s always the chance that it won’t be fine. It’s best to have your inspection done before the snow flies. That will give your contractor a great view of your roof.

 

If you do need to have some work done, your contractor will provide you with an estimate. Feel free to ask any questions you may have. They will probably want to schedule your repairs before it starts to snow, which is also why it’s a good idea not to put off your inspection.

 

We care about our customers, and you’ll find that our expertise and the pride we take in our work speaks for itself. If you need to schedule an inspection for your roof before winter arrives, please contact us!