Frequently Asked Questions About Roofing
Providing Quality Education and Guidance for Our Community
How many years is the average lifespan of a roof?
Although there are many factors that determine how long your asphalt shingle roof will last, the average lifespan of a roof is between 20-30 years. If your roof is not ventilated properly or exposed to other harmful elements than your roof lifespan could be shorter.
When should I call to have my roof evaluated/assessed?
- If there are visible signs of loose or missing shingles.
- The roof surface appears to look wavy or does not appear flat.
- After you have started to see brown stains on the drywall of the ceiling of your home.
- The roof is beyond that 20 year life span.
What brands of shingles do you install?
How long is East Coast Roofing Systems warranty?
Do you offer financing?
We offer several financing options, subject to approved credit, which can provide homeowners the opportunity to receive a brand new roof with no money down.
How long does a roof replacement take to complete?
How quickly can we come out and complete your roof project?
How much of the total job cost is paid initially and how much upon completion?
How does one find/select the right contractor?
A roof replacement or repair is a big investment! Given this, it is important to take the time necessary to select a quality professional contractor to replace or repair your roof. Now for the Million Dollar question, how does one know a quality contractor when they see one? The devil is often in the details.
- Communication – Everyone has heard of, and dreads the contractor that does not return phone calls for weeks at a time. Communication is the number one differentiator between a quality contractor, and an average one. When/if a problem arises in years to come, do you really want to trust a contractor that does not even answer the phone?
- Insurance – Any contractor or subcontractor performing work on your home should have both General Liability and Workers Compensation insurance. Ask to see their insurance certificates!
- Licenses – Contractors should always have and maintain the appropriate trade licenses.
- Timeliness – Did they show up on time? Did they call you and send you paperwork when they said they would? A well put together professional contractor should always arrive on time, and communicate in a clear, timely manner.
- Materials/Products – Are they installing quality products? Many Roofing Contractors install low quality, or outdated materials. It is important to obtain an estimate that includes all materials being installed and compare them to one another for quality assurance.
- Warranty – Do they stand behind their work? Most contractors say they do, but the proof is in the paper. Always make sure that any contract signed includes the time period for which the work is warranted and if something does go wrong, what they will be doing to correct it.
- Payment – In the State of Pennsylvania it is illegal for any home improvement contractor (Including Roofing) to take more than 30% of the initial project cost for jobs over $5000. Homeowners should be weary of any roofing company that is asking for more than a 30% down payment before the project begins.
The above list may seem like simple, common sense things, however many contractors do not do them. At East Coast Roofing Systems we are able to provide a premium quality customer service experience, and roof installation/repair. We feel this translates to customers long lasting peace of mind when it comes to making one of a home’s largest investments.