Finding a qualified Roofing Contractors for your project can be a difficult task. We recommend starting with asking your friends, family, neighbors for a solid referral, and then reference each roofing contractor’s credentials and qualifications via: Contractor’s State License Board and Online Reviews. Your local Roofing Material Suppliers are also a great place to start, they can answer any questions regarding roof systems and recommend their preferred roofing contractors. Below we have compiled a list of qualifications and questions that should help you differentiate a “Qualified Roofing Contractor” from the rest.

Licensed, Bonded and Insured

Q: Can you provide current copies of your Contractors License, General Liability, Workers Compensation, and Vehicular Insurance? 

Many contractors advertise they are “Insured” but are unable to produce documentation, or may only be partially insured leaving you liable for damages to your property and their workers.  Qualified Roofing Contractors will have all insurance certificates ready for your review.  A Contractors current status can also be verified online with the State License Board.  In California this can be done online at: http://www.cslb.ca.gov/ >> Instant License Check >> then input either License Number , Business Name , Personnel Name , or Registered Sales Person

HIS Number or HIS Name.

Avalon Roofing‘s: 2012 – General Liability and Workers Compensation Insurance

Established Business of Five Years or More

Q: How long have you been in business at your current location? 

Statistically, a large percentage of Roofing Contractors fail within the first two to five years, leaving clients without workmanship guarantee or recourse.  We recommend choosing an established Roofing Contractor who has: Permanent Place of Business (Not a PO Box), Phone Number, Business License, Tax ID, Supplier References, Employees (administrative, estimators, workers), and has successfully operated in one service area for over five years.

Recently Completed Similar Projects

Q: Do you have references of recently completed projects similar to mine?  

Most Roofing Companies specialize in certain project types and roof systems, and each Roofer has his own signature style.  Ask for recent references include the following:  addresses, pictures, testimonials, and contact numbers if possible.  Qualified Roofing Contractors with a healthy track record should be able to provide references that can be verified.

Manufacture Certified Installer

Q: Are you Factory Certified to install my roof?

Roofing Contractors who are Manufacture Certified Installers have received manufacturer training and follows specific installation methods ensuring the maximum life and performance out of your new roof.  Manufacture Certified Installers are also able to offer extended Manufacture Warranties, protecting their clients should they retire or go out of business.

Employs Dedicated Crews

Q: How many crews do you employ? | How long have they been with the company? | Do you plan on subcontracting any portion of my project?

Qualified Roofing Contractors employ dedicated crews, who have a vested interest in your project.  A contractor’s ability to keep long-term crews is a good indicator to the quality of workmanship you’ll receive.Qualified Roofing Contractors do not “Sub-Out” jobs using 1099 employees/contractors, or hire “day laborers” to work on your project.  So verify which Company Crew will be working on your project, how long that Foreman and Crew have been with the company, and if there will be any subcontracted labor. If there is going to be subcontracted labor, verify license, insurance, and references.

Enforces Safety Policies

Q: What measures will you be taking to ensure my project is completed safely?

Roofing is said to be the “most dangerous trade” in the residential housing industry.  A Roofing Contractor’s safety policy, procedures and enforcement strategy says a lot about their professionalism and efficiency. Qualified Roofing Contractors will have a healthy Safety Record, and can provide you with a detailed Safety Plan specific to your project.

Professional & Detailed Proposal

Q: I’m gathering bids for “Roof ABC”… are you able to provide me with a detailed proposal?

Qualified Roofing Contractors will provide you with a professional and detailed proposal clearly stating: Scope of Work, Roof System Manufacturer, Project Notes, Exclusions, Pricing, and Payment Terms, and Warranty (Manufacturer & Workmanship). To ensure you can accurately compare bids, make sure to provide the same Roof System “Roof ABC” or Scope of Work to all bidding contractors.  Once you have collected all of you bids, make sure they are “like-for-like”, payment terms are acceptable (initial deposit is 10% or less than $1,000… all payments made to company, not persons), and be very skeptical of considerably lower bids than the others.  If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Good First Impression

There’s something to be said about Good or Bad first impressions when choosing one Qualified Roofing Contractor over another. If all bidding Roofing Contractors are equally qualified on paper, skill level, and references… How do you choose? We recommend a final review of each Roofing Contractors initial performance with the following questions:

• Was the appointment for your Roof Estimate scheduled in a clear and professional manner?
• Was the Estimator on time?
• Did they come prepared with proper company accreditations: business card, pocket license, insurance, and certifications?
• Did they confidently answer your questions, and provide knowledgeable solutions?
• Did they provide you with product samples and literature?
• Were they respectful to you and your property?
• Was their Roof Proposal, professional, detailed, and accurate?
• Did they discuss necessary Preparation for Roofing and Safety Measures?
• Last and most important… Do you trust this Roofing Estimator / Roofing Contractor / Roofing Company?  If a Roofing Contractor meets or even exceeds all of your requirements, but your “gut instinct” says “No”, listen to it.

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HydroStop’s fluid-applied systems allow us to repair, restore, and waterproof defective: roofing, masonry, decking, walkways, metal roofing, and even gutters. The PremiumCoat System and has all but replaced conventional BUR and Mod-Bit Systems for us.  The versatility, reliability, and long-term performance of these systems has proven to be a great investment for us and our clients.Avalon Roofing Recommends visiting HydroStop’s “Solution Finder” to see how this product line addresses the entire building envelope.

YouTube Videos – Product | Applications :HydroStop|PremiumCoat SystemHydroStop|FlexCoat SystemHydroStop|BarrierGuard SystemPress Release | Suggested Articles:http://www.cmmcllc.com/featured-company/Hydro-Stop & United Coatings sites achieve ISO CertificationsHydroStop – Cool Roofing 101

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The following is a “Preparation for Roofing” letter we like to review with our clients prior to their project start date.

Preparation for Roofing

Home Owner / Tenant Preparation for Roofing

In Preparation for Roofing, there are concerns you should be aware of and preventative measures to be taken.

Please be aware and prepare for the following:

1. Noise! Noise! Noise! – There will be various levels of noise through the duration of your project. We recommend planning a day away from the house while the job is in progress.
2. Protecting Unsecured Items – Vibrations from construction work may cause items to fall off of shelves and walls, please remove or secure items, such as: mirrors, plates, pictures, art, and figurines.
3. Protecting Landscape & Outdoor Furniture – We will notify you if the layout of the landscape or trees and shrubbery significantly obstruct our work.  Please remove all items around the house at risk of being damaged by falling debris, such as: patio and pool furniture, potted plants, gardening equipment, and grills.
4. Attics and Garages – Please remove cars, motorcycles, bicycles, boats, and other storage items at risk of being dirtied or damaged.  Debris can fall through spaces in roof decking, check with your estimator if tarping is necessary.  Avalon Roofing is not responsible for the removal or cleaning of these items.
5. Gutter Damage – Precautions are taken to prevent damage to your existing gutters and downspouts.  Your estimator will notify and provide options for you if damage is unavoidable or pre-existing.
6. Wood Replacement & Inspection Requests – Unfortunately, we are unable to accurately predict or estimate these variables, but we will promptly communicate any changes in price/scope due to wood replacement and or inspection requests.
7. Construction Zone – Please be aware when entering or exiting construction zones, always keeping small children and pets away from the work area.
8. Clean-Up – We will perform daily clean-ups removing equipment and properly disposing of debris.  A magnetic roller will be utilized to pick-up metal debris, but please be advised that a few nails, hidden in the grass or shrubbery, may remain.
9. Rain Delays – Inclement weather may force delays in our production schedule.  You will be notified require an adequate window of clear weather to work safely and efficiently.
10. Neighbors – We will typically notify two adjacent properties of project start dates and duration period.  Please advise us of any concerns regarding neighbor relations and or addition persons to notify.
11. Material Delivery – Distributors will be delivering your material with very large trucks that weigh in excess of 65,000 lbs. and they will need access.  Your estimator will review any specified delivery instructions or concerns for prior to start of your project.
12. Roofer Access –  Roofers required access to the following:  Designated roof point of access, power supply (120v), driveways, side gates/yards, decks, (if tarping is required)garages and attics
13. Roofer Permissions – Roofers are not allowed in your house, attic, or garage without special permissions.  Be advised that Roofers’ Comp insurance only covers roof work.  Please do not loan the Roofers tools or equipment, we arrive fully equipped for every job.
14. Satellite Dishes – Roofers may need to disconnect or move satellite dishes.  Please contact your cable or satellite provider (two weeks prior to start date) to schedule service for realignment if necessary.
15. Electrical Mounts – Roofers are not Electricians!  However, existing electrical mounts or electrical work may need to be addressed by an Electrician or SCE for us to safely complete roof work.  Your estimator will notify you of any necessary electrical work.

Please see the following link for other posts concerning Preparation for Roofing: http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/repair/msg0609574731079.html?22

Download printable copy here: Preparation for Roofing

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The following are answers to common questions we are asked about Liquid Flashing Systems.

What is a Liquid Flashing and how does it differ from regular flashings?

• Regular or Conventional flashings are typically a piece of sheet metal that is used to cover and protect angles, joints, and voids in the building structure from the passage of water.  Conventional flashings are made in various shapes and thickness from the following metals:  aluminium, copper, painted galvanized steel, stainless steel, zinc alloy, terne metal, lead or lead-coated copper.
• Liquid Flashing Systems are essentially a high-performance, non-hardening, non-shrinking, liquid sealants that are combined with a reinforcing agent such as polyester fabric or fiberglass.  Multiple layers of sealant and fabric are redundantly applied until the detail is 100% waterproof.

What are the benefits?

• Liquid Flashing Systems eliminate premature failure due to corrosion of metals and sealants; ensuring a longer lasting roof systems with lower maintenance requirements and associated repair costs.
• Liquid Flashing Systems are extremely versatile, durable, and are designed to waterproof almost anything.  They are a proven long-term solution for difficult waterproofing applications.
• Avalon Roofing can extend a Manufacturer “No Dollar Limit” Warranty on GAF, Malarkey, and HydroStop roof systems when their Liquid Flashing Systems are incorporated as part of an “NDL Spec”.

How much extra will it cost?

• Liquid Flashing Systems are an upgrade that cost 30% more than galvanized flashings and 20% less than copper flashing.
• For most roofing projects, the overall cost increase associated with Liquid Flashing Systems varies from 1% – 5% of total job cost.
• The cost for not using a Liquid Flashing Detail ???

We hope that the information provided answered most if not all of your questions.  If not, please send us your responses and any additional questions o may have.

Avalon Roofing is a Factory Certified Installer for the following Manufacturers: GAF, Malarkey, & HydroStop

Visit these links for additional product and application information:

GAF | MajorSeal | Installation

Malarkey | EZ Seal

HydroStop | PremiumCoat System

Installation Video: HydroStop | Liquid Flashing

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Avalon Roofing’s Military Discount

Avalon Roofing will match the $300 offer from GAF making a $600 discount per qualified individual on a GAF certified roof system.

We can’t say “thank you” enough and look forward to lending a helping hand to our Vets and active military personnel.

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