Q. I have been told my asphalt roof shingles need to be replaced and have received bids from four contractors. Is there anything special I should look out for before accepting a bid? -D. Da Ros

A. In addition to the usual factors of contractor experience, reputation and licensing (if required in your state), you should give special attention to:

Insurance. Make sure the contractor is fully insured for liability and has workers’ compensation covering all employees. Don’t take the contractor’s word for this; ask to see copies of the actual policies.

Description of work. Will the old shingles be removed or left in place? New shingles can generally be installed over one layer of old shingles. If old shingles will be removed, what charges will be made if repairs to the roof deck are needed?

Cleanup. Removing old shingles creates an incredible mess, and you should make sure there are provisions covering a thorough cleanup. I recall one job where the owner found his rain gutters full of shingle bits and nails months after the job was done.

Type of shingles and warranty. Roofing shingles have varying quality, with warranties ranging from 20 years to 40 years or more. It pays to pick top-quality shingles, and always ask for a written copy of the warranty covering the shingles.

Snow and ice protection. If you live in a region where there is heavy snow, have a waterproof membrane installed at the eave edges of the roof to prevent leaks from water backing up under the shingles.

Work and payment schedules. Ask for a written schedule of when work will be started and completed. It is best to choose a contractor who, once the job is started, will complete it without lapses. Final payment should not be made until work is finished.

For more information on shingles and roofing contractors, visit the Web sites www.roofhelp.com/choices/asphaltshingles/ and www.inspect-ny.com/roof/roofcont.htm.

via Do-it-yourselfer Q&A – Home – Belleville News-Democrat.