Selecting a roofing contractor for any type of material or roof construction is important because the roof protects the integrity of the entire home. Choose a good contractor and you are going to enjoy the benefits of a great looking roof, installed without complications and fuss, as well as be able to rest assured you had a good job done which is going to last for years without headaches.

Slate is a naturally occurring material which is the longest lived of all roofing materials. It is heavy which requires extra support and strength in the roof frame and underlying construction. It is fireproof and waterproof, ideal for use in areas prone to fire or subject to heavy rain and snowfall. It is a great insulator and provides no sustenance or support for any living pest such as mold or bugs.

A properly installed slate roof will last for more than one hundred years and allow the homeowner to enjoy minimal maintenance. The long life of slate and minimal total cost of ownership means it is the most economical of all roofing materials, however the upfront cost can be very high in comparison to other materials such as asphalt shingles.
On the other hand, slate requires a specialist and experienced roofing contractor because it must be installed correctly and the contractor needs to understand how to apply the slate to a particular roofing project.

Here are 3 power tips for selecting a slate roofing contractor and remember, who you choose to install your slate roof will have a direct impact on how well it looks and how well it works in the future. Do not short-change yourself by choosing simply the cheapest contractor – they must know and understand what they are doing.

Tip 1: Do Your Research

Performing even cursory research will weed out unsuitable roofers and highlight the good ones. Referrals are probably the best way to find a good roofer of any description, so start your research with companies or people who you know have used the services of a slate roofing specialist.

Specifically, ask your sources about how well the roofer’s bid fell into the overall price range quoted, how well they worked with the homeowner in getting the job done, the performance of the workmen on site and what problems, if any, they had with the installation and after the work was completed.

Tip 2: Check for Experience

Installing a slate roof is not for a beginner, even if they are experienced in installing other roofing systems – you need a roofer with a track record of successful installations.
Ask how long the roofer has been installing roofs and in particular, how long have they been fitting and maintaining slate roofs. Ask for references and go and see the actual work they have conducted. In addition, put different budget scenarios to the contractor and see how they handle your queries – an experienced slate roofer will be able to show you what is possible for different budget levels and give you clear and unequivocal guidance.

Tip 3: Check for Credentials

Unfortunately, scams involving roofing contractors are all too common – installing a roof and sourcing the materials is a costly business and the lure of money attracts the undesirables. You need to protect yourself by checking the licenses and permits of the contractor no matter what they specialize in, because this will provide you with a degree of comfort as to their legitimacy. You can easily avoid the scam artists if you make simple checks – contact your local Better Business Bureau, look on the internet and speak to their past customers

Author Bio: Find quality Slate Roofing Tiles from http://www.virginiaslate.com

Category: Home Management
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