by Joyce V Harrison

Created on: August 28, 2009

Although roofing costs vary depending on the material, you would be lucky to get away with a bill of five thousand dollars for replacing your roof. The price goes up if you have two layers of shingles since codes will typically require stripping the old before adding the new. With such a hefty price tag, you want to make sure you get the best roofing contractor. That means researching and getting multiple bids.

You can find contractors listed in the Yellow Pages, your local paper, or online. A good place to start is www.nrca.net, the website for the National Roofing Contractors Association. The site features a consumer section that covers selection of a roofing contractor (including a qualification form you can print), a roofing checkup list, and FAQ's.

Briefly, here are some of the key questions:

1. Years in business?

2. Licensed? Tax ID number?

3. Subcontractors involved?

4. Materials and workmanship warranties?

5. Permits?

6. Debris disposal?

7. Proof of insurance?

8. Experience with skylights?

9. References?

How do you know whether you need a roofing contractor or a roof repair? You can do an inspection yourself if you are comfortable getting on the roof. Here's what a layman can check for:

1. Buckles, curls or blisters in shingles

2. Chimney and pipe flanges that are worn or loose

3. Shingle granules in gutters

You have a good chance of finding a contractor who will do a free inspection. But be cautious. Not all roofing contractors are reputable or truthful about the condition of your roof.

Some contractors specialize in a particular type of roofing. So you need to also investigate your options. You want a roof that will endure in your climate through years of exposure to your usual wind conditions, humidity and rainfall. You want to take into account energy efficiency and possibly materials that are environmentally friendly. Metal roofs for instance give you higher efficiency than shingles, reflect the sun and withstand exposure. If you live in a hot climate, look into a "white" roof. This is a coating applied to shingles that reflects the sunlight and can save energy. If you can afford the expense, consider solar roofing systems. You may want to think about replacing gutters at the same time.

If your roof is flat rather than sloped, you can still follow these same guidelines in making your decision about materials and contractors.

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