If you are in the market for a new roof for your home, one of the most important things you need to do is get a good, licensed roofing company near you. There are many benefits to using a professional roofing company, including the fact that they can be more efficient and less expensive. To find a roofer that is licensed, you can look on the internet for local companies in your area. In addition, the roofing industry has several associations that can help you to obtain a license and receive training and certification.
Asphalt shingles vs cedar shingles
If you’re considering a roof for your home, you’ll want to decide whether asphalt shingles or cedar shingles will suit your needs best. Both materials offer great aesthetics, but there are some distinct differences. They also vary in their ability to deal with the natural elements.
Asphalt shingles are made from recycled materials and fiberglass. They come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Most are Class A fire-rated, but they do not provide hail protection. Similarly, cedar shakes are manufactured from a wide variety of materials. However, they are usually more durable than asphalt.
Cedar shingles are often a better choice for people looking for a rustic look. Cedar is a natural insulator, and it can help control energy costs. Additionally, wood is very resilient to strong winds and rain, making it a good option for areas that experience heavy storms.
Cedar is more expensive than asphalt shingles, but it’s a more natural look. It offers a lovely natural appearance that helps add to the value of a home. It also provides added curb appeal.
While both materials can provide a beautiful roof, it’s important to consider the cost when deciding which one is right for you. The initial installation costs can affect the final price of both options. In addition, the type of roofing you choose has a significant impact on resale value.
When you’re considering the difference between asphalt shingles and cedar shingles, the most important distinction is the type of wood you use. Cedar is a natural material, and it’s available in both shingle and shake versions. You can choose from a variety of species, including spruce, pine, cypress and California redwood. Depending on the grain of the tree, cedar shingles and shakes will vary in thickness and width.
The cost of installing cedar shakes can vary widely. At its cheapest, they can cost around $3.50 per square foot, but they can also be very expensive. Some building codes prohibit the use of cedar shingles on residential properties.
Asphalt shingles are relatively inexpensive. They are also environmentally friendly. But, they’re not as durable as other roofing materials. Despite their longevity, they do require maintenance. Even if they aren’t blown off by storms, they may lose granules. Plus, they don’t promote airflow. And in areas with high temperatures, they’ll discolor.
Cedar is an attractive option for homeowners who prefer the beauty of natural wood, but it does require more maintenance than asphalt. Wood can be treated with chemicals to prevent insect damage and fire. It can also be pressure-treated, though some homeowners prefer to leave the natural beauty of the wood untreated.
Both asphalt shingles and cedar shingles offer a great aesthetic, but it’s a good idea to consult with an expert to ensure you’re making the right choice for your needs.
Non-residential vs residential licenses
A roofer near you may require a license in order to do their job properly. This is especially true if they’re doing a lot of the work themselves. In addition, you may be required to show proof of liability insurance. If you are a roofing contractor in the market for new customers, you’ll want to check with your local government to determine what licensing requirements are in your neighborhood.
The best part is that you can do the research for free. Fortunately, most counties have a website that you can use to find out what the licensing requirements are for a specific roofing company. Not all rural government websites are created equal, however. Some may be more useful than others. Depending on where you live, you may have to call your county clerk’s office in order to get the information you need. Thankfully, many of the more rural municipalities have small offices that are more than happy to help out a good neighbor. You might also need to look for a roofing contractor with a good reputation. To do this, you will need to do a bit of legwork to ensure you’re obtaining the best possible deal.
When it comes to home improvement, you’ll be hard pressed to find anyone in your area who hasn’t at least looked into the subject. For example, you might be surprised to learn that some counties do not have an open market for a particular roofing company. But, in the absence of a licensed contractor, you may not be able to get your new roof. Similarly, if you haven’t obtained a building permit to begin with, you’re out of luck. However, with a little research, you may be able to find a roofing contractor who is more than willing to do the legwork for you. Hopefully, this will make the roofing project a breeze. It also means you’ll be able to enjoy the fruits of your labor sooner than later.
Roofing contractor associations offer training and certification
Roofing contractor associations provide a wide range of training and certification programs to their members. These training and certification initiatives are beneficial in several ways, including improving the quality of work, increasing productivity, and reducing risk. A standardized set of best practices can also reduce callbacks and improve profitability.
The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) is one of the oldest trade associations in the construction industry, dating back to the late 1800s. It represents more than 3,600 roofing contractors and associated associate members in the United States and Canada. NRCA offers customized training programs and educational resources, as well as a number of useful tools.
For those seeking more formal training, the Roofing Safety Program has been around since 2008. As its name suggests, this initiative is designed to teach safety-related best practices to contractors and their workers. In addition to educating employees, the program also intends to help insurance companies and municipalities ensure the safety of their clients and contractors.
There is also the Roofing Alliance, an endowment fund within the National Roofing Foundation. This organization provides funding for roofing education and related activities, as well as provides scholarships to students.
The Melvin Kruger Endowed Scholarship Program is a scholarship program that has been designed for members of the National Roofing Contractors Association as well as their families. Although there are no requirements for membership, candidates must be a good citizen, demonstrate financial need, and be of the right age to participate.
Not to be left out, the Western States Roofing Contractors Association (WSRCA) has provided its members with a comprehensive technical bulletin development program. This program covers a number of useful tips and tricks, from mechanical pad waterproofing to electronic leak detection.
The most obvious benefits are that a certified roofing contractor can be trusted to carry out work in a safe manner and comply with all of the municipal and insurance company standards. Roofing contractors who are members of the Roofing Alliance can also benefit from a variety of marketing and sales initiatives, as well as a dedicated mentorship program.
The Roofing Alliance also has the best training and certification programs available, with several different certification options to choose from. One of these is the Roofing 101, a class designed for new and veteran roofing professionals to learn the ins and outs of the roofing industry. Other training options are the roofing industry-specific CERTA (Certified Roofing & Torch Apprentice) and the Red Seal.
The Roofing Safety Program has a few challenges, notably finding qualified trainers to teach its classes, as well as developing a network of the best possible rooves to train its graduates. Despite these obstacles, the program is on the right track.
