Roofing Contractor in Montclair, NJ: What Homeowners Should Know
A reputable roofing contractor in Montclair needs to have current New Jersey roofing contractor’s license, liability insurance, and a manufacturer’s certification like the GAF Master Elite certification. They need to be able to write a detailed scope of work prior to signing a contract. Having those things sets the contractor apart from the others because it makes them more accountable to you.
When asking about a contractor’s experience, ask who does the actual installation. Many times, a company will use third party subcontractors to do the roofing installation work for them. Contractors who use their own dedicated team of professionals will care much more about the end result of every project.
How Much Does a New Roof Cost in Montclair, NJ?
Replacing a roof will cost you anywhere from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, depending on the size and complexity of the structure you want to replace a roof on, and the type of materials needed for the roof itself. Local municipal permits as well as weather during the installation process can play a role in affecting the cost of the job.
The only reliable way to find out how much a roof replacement for your particular home will cost you is getting a detailed estimate on-site. The published prices are just a range, and many factors like roof pitch, roof deck’s condition and layout complexity can change the estimate greatly.
What Roofing Materials Are Common in Montclair?
Architectural (dimensional) shingles are the most popular type of roof covering used today. This type of roofing shingles is made up of multiple layers, making them much stronger, more durable and providing additional depth compared to the 3-tab shingle roofing designs. On average, properly installed architectural shingles provide 20-30 years of service.
The architectural styles of Montclair include houses built in Victorian, Colonial Revival, and Craftsman styles that mainly date back to the last decades of the nineteenth century and the early twentieth century along with newer buildings within the township. Some of the older houses may have steeper roof pitches and even dormers or have roofs that are simply not that easy to flash and install materials on.
How Long Does a Roof Replacement Take?
Residential roof replacement jobs usually take anywhere between one to three days, although larger roofs may take longer to complete depending on the weather. Get a written estimate on the time frame of your project along with provisions in case weather conditions delay the work.
What Warranty Should You Expect on Roofing Work?
Roofing jobs should come with two kinds of warranties: the first will be that of the product manufacturer which covers materials like the shingles, and the second one would be the workmanship warranty provided by the contractor. Warranties may vary depending on the kind of material being used and should be discussed during the estimate process.
Not sure whether your Montclair home needs a repair or a full replacement? R&G can inspect your roof and give you a straightforward assessment before you commit to either. |
What Questions Should You Ask Before Hiring a Roofing Contractor?
There are just a few quick questions you can ask to get an idea of the contractor you are dealing with:
- Are you licensed and insured for work in New Jersey?
- Do you have any manufacturer certifications such as GAF Master Elite?
- Is the job done by your own staff, or does it get subcontracted out?
- What services are included in your estimate? Materials? Labor? Waste removal? Permits?
- What is the warranty coverage for materials and installation?
- What is your projected time frame, including any provisions for bad weather?
Expert Tips for Hiring a Roofing Contractor in Montclair
- Be sure to receive an estimate in writing with a breakdown of materials, labor and disposal costs since it will be difficult to compare estimates by using one overall price.
- Request documents that verify GAF or an equivalent certification of the roofing company as opposed to assuming that the contractor is certified.
- Since many Montclair houses have been around for some time, find out exactly how the contractor will deal with the flashings on dormers, chimneys and valleys since this is important when dealing with an older roof structure as compared to a new one.
- Find out if the installation will be carried out by the contractor’s crew since subcontracting may cause some liability issues.
- When obtaining an estimate, it is also good to inquire about financing possibilities since many roofing contractors have financing programs available.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Blunder: Going for the contractor with the lowest quote
Why it’s important: Sometimes the lowest price indicates a use of poor quality material, subcontractors for work, or the omission of things included in another quote.
What to do differently: Comparing the quotes by comparing the materials and labor involved.
Blunder: Failing to check if the workers are subcontractors
Why it’s important: Using subcontractors can complicate matters when there’s a problem following installation.
Instead: Get a direct response as to whether it is actually the employees of that particular business who are performing the work.
Mistake: Ignoring the issue of permits and insurance
Why it matters: It could cause issues in the future if the roof has not been permitted or if the job does not have insurance.
Instead: Verify licensing, insurance and permit information prior to signing on the dotted line.
Mistake: Assuming that all architectural shingles are created equally
What’s at stake: Shingle lines have different warranty lengths, wind ratings, and appearances, and one that is cheaper may be similar in looks but not in performance.
Better way: Have your roofer give you specifics about different shingle lines rather than just “architectural shingles.”
Mistake: Not asking questions about flashing details in an old home
What’s at stake: More complex roof shapes like those in old homes have a higher chance of leakage because of flashing.
Better way: Ask the specific questions regarding how the roofer deals with flashing on your roof.
Mistake: Waiting to repair what should have been replaced
Why it matters: Minor problems such as a few missing shingles or flashing leaks can turn into structural damage or interior leaks if they are not addressed promptly.
Instead do: Request an inspection if you notice any trouble before it gets worse.
Why Choose R&G Roofing, Carpentry & Siding in Montclair?
R&G Roofing, Carpentry & Siding has been serving Essex County, NJ for over 25 years and is a GAF Master Elite contractor. This is an elite group only available to those contractors that meet GAF’s high standards of training, dependability and customer satisfaction. Among the towns that R&G Roofing, Carpentry & Siding serves are Montclair, Bloomfield, Nutley, Verona, West Orange, and all of Essex County, NJ.
R&G Roofing, Carpentry & Siding assures clients that no roofing work will ever be subcontracted out; the same crew will be responsible for installation from beginning to end and can take care of any questions or concerns if the job goes wrong. R&G is a family-owned company that provides flexible payment plans to homeowners through PowerPay.
In addition to roof installation, R&G Roofing is able to handle siding, custom carpentry, windows, gutters, and other exterior services, thus providing a simpler experience for a Montclair homeowner facing multiple problems. It is located in Orange, NJ, and can be contacted at (973) 324-9461 for a free estimate.
What Makes R&G Different
- No sub-contractors used for roofing work – this is done by the company itself, an explicit statement made by the company regarding its practice.
- GAF Master Elite, a manufacturer’s certification that is awarded to only a small fraction of roofing companies in the US.
- More than 25 years of experience providing services in Essex County, and Montclair included in its areas of regular service.
- A family business operating in Essex County, not across many states and regions.
- The single vendor’s services cover all of the above services: roofing, siding, carpentry, windows, and gutters. It would be handy for the homeowners performing several exterior jobs.
How do I know if my roof needs repair or replacement?
A: Look for leaks, lack of shingles, sags, and granules in your gutters. Small repairs are feasible, but in case of extensive wear and tear or age, the replacement is likely to be cheaper. Professional evaluation is the most reliable way to find out which is the better choice.
What does a new roof cost in Montclair, NJ?
A: Price will depend on the house size, materials used, and project complexity; prices start at several thousand dollars up to ten and more. Weather and local permits may also influence costs. You should have the exact price quote made by the contractors.
What questions should I ask a roofing contractor?
A: Find out whether the contractor is licensed and insured in NJ, has manufacturer’s certification (GAF Master Elite), installs the roof himself or hires subcontractors, and what estimate and warranty he gives in writing. That would give you insight into how the contractor performs his job beforehand.
How long do new gutters last?
The lifespan of the gutters depends on their material, and aluminum and steel gutters tend to last longer than vinyl gutters; copper gutters usually last the longest.
Does R&G subcontract its roofing work?
No. According to R&G, their own crew does everything related to the roof installation, unlike some other companies, who subcontract it.
How long does a residential roof replacement take?
Residential roof replacement usually takes place within 1 to 3 days but may vary depending on the size of the house as well as weather conditions.
What roofing materials does R&G use?
R&G offers various high-quality roofing materials such as asphalt and architectural shingles, which could help homeowners select the right material for their project.
