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Roofing Contracts and Payment

What You Need to Know Regarding Roofing Contracts and Payment

Navigating roofing contracts and payments as a homeowner can seem like a daunting task, especially if you have no legal experience as a first-time homeowner. To add to the stress, there are contractors out there who may be looking to scam you, but if you educate yourself and find a trusted contractor the process will be hassle-free. So, here’s what you need to know about roofing contracts and payments.

What Should be in a Roofing Contract?

First off, as with any professional business, your contractor should have a written, legal contract that outlines what work will be performed, the conditions, and the cost of that work. Some companies will use two kinds of contracts, one for insurance-related jobs and one for jobs that are not covered by insurance. With roofing jobs, there may be rotted decking that can’t be seen until the roof is removed. Since rotted decking needs replaced before the installation of your shingles your contract should also include an estimated cost for this replacement so you are not caught off guard.

Work Beyond Insurance Allowance

If you incur damage to your home from a storm there is a possibility that the insurance will only cover a portion of your roof, siding, or guttering and you will want to replace that material in its entirety so that it is uniform in age and appearance. Maybe you’ve been planning to replace your roof, siding, or gutters and considered upgrading to a higher quality product than what is currently on your home and covered by insurance. If either of these two scenarios describes your situation, your contractor should guide you through the process and provide an estimate outlining the costs beyond what insurance has covered.

Paying for your Roofing Repairs or Replacements

It is important to look for any irregularities in how your contractor requests payment. Typical contractors will ask for 50% of the total cost upfront and the rest at the competition of the job. The first 50% acts as a down payment which will allow them to cover material costs before the job has begun. It is also common on large jobs for contractors to ask for 1/3 of the payment upfront, 1/3 at the start of the job, and the final 1/3 upon the job’s completion. It’s important to look for a contractor that uses one of these payment terms because it allows the homeowner to make sure the work is completed to the terms of the contract and there aren’t any problems with the work before paying in full. It is a red flag if a company asks for 100% of the contract value upfront because they could take your money and never complete the job, leaving you with little recourse for repayment.

In the case of most insurance contracts, an agreed-upon portion of the funds will typically be released to the homeowner within 1-2 weeks after the adjuster approves the claim. The homeowner will then use those funds to pay the contractor and any money not yet released by the insurance company is typically paid once the work is complete and the contractor or homeowner sends the final invoice to the insurance company. After the proof is submitted, funds will typically be received within 30 days. An experienced contractor should be aware of this timeline and allow homeowners 30 days to pay their bills. Please note there are different types of insurance policies and you should review your coverages with your insurance agent to understand your specific policy.

Financing Options

Financing options for roof replacements are common and many sources exist for today’s homeowners. Whether you are financing the entire amount or just need to finance the amount of your deductible, you can get financing through your primary banking institution or from home improvement lenders. Como Premium Exteriors can offer competitive financing options to almost every customer through our financing partners. The application process is simple and credit decisions are returned within 15 minutes. If financing is something you need, don’t be afraid to ask your contractor for the options they provide.

Want to Know More About Roofing Contracts and Payment?

If you’re still feeling intimidated by roofing contracts and payment, siding, or gutter repairs, call CoMo Premium Exteriors to help answer your questions. We have years of experience providing homeowners with accurate estimates and helping them to understand the process of working with insurance.

Understanding Roof Inspections & Insurance Claims in Mid-Missouri

The first step to tackling any roofing problem is always an inspection. An inspection is not only necessary to inform homeowners about what kind of repairs their roof needs, but it is a necessary step in the insurance claims process as well. Read more

Mid Missouri Roofing Installation Process Explained

For homeowners, getting a new roof installed is an exciting time but the process can be stressful if you are not prepared. Here is the roofing installation process explained so that you can understand what to expect. Read more

A Missouri Homeowner’s Guide to Metal & Stone Coated Steel Roofing

Metal and stone coated steel roofing can be a great option for Midwestern homeowners. They are durable options and are available in more styles than many people realize. From an upscale, traditional shingle look to a rustic metal roof look, or even a weathered copper finish there are metal roof options to suit any homeowner’s taste.

What is Metal Roofing and Stone Coated Steel Roofing?

The metal roofs we recommend at CoMo Premium Exteriors are of high quality and comes from trustworthy Missouri manufacturers. Many times, homeowners see metal roofing materials at big box stores and think that product is similar to what we offer. The metal roofs we typically install are known as standing seam roof systems where screws and fasteners are hidden. The metal comes in large sheets that are custom manufactured to the length of your roof (from eave to peak) to minimize the number of seams. All the metal roofing we install and recommend at CoMo Premium exteriors also has matching metal ridge and rake and the metal typically uses Kynar paint, which provides a high-quality hardened finish.

Stone coated steel roofing is different than metal roofing in two major ways. The first is that instead of being large sheets it is individual shingles; the second difference is that each steel shingle is coated with asphalt. These metal and stone shingles give your home the classic look of an architectural, wood shake, or even slate shingle with the durability of steel.

High Quality Metal Roofing v. Hardware Store Metal Roofing

The metal roofing you would want installed on your home may not be the same as metal sheeting you see in your local hardware store. Many big box hardware stores carry a range of metal roofing options, however their lead times and employee knowledge regarding these products can vary greatly. That why it is very important to hire knowledgeable sales representatives like those at CoMo Premium Exteriors who can explain the differences between metal roofing options and provide good advice on what best suits your situation.

Different Aesthetics of Metal Roofing

Metal roofing may have a reputation for looking rustic, but metal roofing can actually look quite elevated and sometimes, doesn’t look like metal at all. There are several options for color and finish of metal roofing. Different metals, of course, have different looks but the metal can also be coated in different colors. Red, green, and shades of gray are all common metal roof colors. There are even metal and finish options that can give your roof a faux weathered look without damaging the integrity of your roof.

Another option to elevate your metal roof is accent metals. A different kind of metal can be used on the ridge and rakes to add contrast and make your home pop.

Durability of Metal and Stone Coated Steel Roofing

One great benefit to purchasing a metal roof is its lifespan, which can last twice as long as asphalt shingles. However, it is important to note that metal roofing can be dented from hail or falling branches during high winds. These dents many times are cosmetic and won’t affect the lifespan of your roof, but some dents can lead to cracks in the finish of the metal. A crack in the coating of your metal roof will expose the raw metal to the elements and lead to rust. Once a small piece of your roof has rusted, it is likely to spread which can lead to leaks.

Stone coated steel roofing does not have the same issues with denting. This shingle option is very durable and the granules are baked onto the shingle during the manufacturing process. While these shingles will lose some granules over time, that loss will occur much slower than with asphalt shingles. Should the roof be damaged by very large hail, additional granule loss can occur at a faster rate.

Price of Metal and Stone Coated Steel Roofing

Metal roofs can cost twice that of traditional asphalt shingled roofs, but that cost varies based on a number of factors and selections. In addition, it is important to consider the cost of insuring a metal roof. While some insurance companies will give you a homeowner’s premium discount for installing a metal roof, there could be issues you don’t want to deal with should a hail storm occur in your area. Most insurers will not cover costs to repair dents in metal roofs if they deem those dents to be merely “cosmetic”. In these instances, homeowners are left with a metal roof that has noticeable “dings” all over it, but unless the paint has come off or the storm damage exposed the roof, these cosmetic dings would not be covered.

Stone coated steel roofing is even more expensive than traditional metal roofing— it is up to 6 times as expensive as asphalt shingles. For many homeowners this cost difference is not worth the added benefits of stone coated steel roofing and they typically opt for traditional metal roofing or asphalt shingles.

Interested in Metal Roofing?

If you are interested in metal or stone coated steel roofing for your home or business reach out to our staff CoMo Premium Exteriors for a complementary inspection from one of our roofing experts. An inspection can tell you if metal or stone coated steel roofing is a good option for you. If you don’t think metal roofing is right for you, there are many other roofing materials that we can explore.

Deciding on Roofing Materials? A Look at Clay Tile & Slate Shingles

An option that can give your home a beautiful and unique look that isn’t often seen in the Midwest are clay tile or slate shingles. True clay tile and slate shingles are rare to see on modern homes in Missouri but were once very popular. In some cases, today, you may think you have seen a clay or slate shingled roof, but it may just be polymer composite shingles in the style of clay or slate. Read more

asphalt roofing contractors in columbia mo

Everything to Know About Asphalt Roofing Shingles for Your Missouri Roof Replacement

Most roofs in the Midwest use asphalt shingles because they are able to endure the harsh winters and hot summers of the Midwest and have a cost-effective price point. Asphalt roofing shingles also come in several styles and colors so, whatever look you are hoping to achieve with your roof, asphalt shingles can likely accomplish it. Read more

Planning, Budgeting & Insurance Claims for your Missouri Roof Repair

Getting your roof replaced or even just repaired is no small undertaking. From planning, budgeting and even possibly dealing with an insurance claim it can all seem overwhelming. Our staff at CoMo Premium Exteriors will help guide you through the process and alleviate as much of the stress as possible.

First Steps in Planning, Budgeting & Insurance Claims

The first step in any roofing project is an inspection to determine if your roofing situation requires submitting a claim to insurance for damage or if the damage will be an out of pocket expense for you personally. An expert inspection can also help determine the extent of the damage and the likelihood of insurance approving storm related damage to the roof. A homeowner is always welcome to file a claim, but we can save you time by checking out your roof and letting you know if it is likely that most insurance issued by the top roofing contractor insurance companies would cover the damage based on our many years of experience. Many of the largest insurance agents in the area contact CoMo Premium Exteriors on behalf of their insureds and have us do an inspection prior to contacting the adjuster. Based on these relationships and our experience we are able to determine the best course of action for your roof damage and provide recommendations on how to best proceed. Most homeowners even have us meet with their adjuster after our initial inspection, should we find enough damage to warrant a claim.

Budgeting & Financing Options

Once you’ve had your roof inspected and determined if this is an insurance claim or an out of pocket expense you can start budgeting and setting the details of your roof repair or replacement. In cases of hail damage, an insurance company will typically cover the full roof repair if the inspection shows damage to the majority of the roof slopes. When you know what insurance will cover you can start making decisions on what materials you want. For repairs we will match your existing shingles as closely as possible, but for full replacements there are dozens of color options and profiles at many price points. Even if insurance is paying to replace your roof, you have the option to upgrade your shingles and pay the difference out of pocket if you like.

Homeowner’s will also be responsible for covering the cost of roof replacements in instances when a roof is being replaced for reasons not related to storm damage, such as poor workmanship or old age. It is still important to complete these repairs quickly so that you do not get leaks or further deterioration to your home, so many homeowners will dip into their savings to complete these repairs. If this isn’t the route you want to take, CoMo Premium Exteriors also offers very competitive financing with payment plans from 12 months to up to 10 years. A third option for financing your roof is home equity lines of credit from your bank.

Scheduling your Repair or Replacement

When it comes to planning for your repair, most projects can be done quickly— a full roof replacement can typically be completed in one day. However, wait times for your repair will vary depending on if there were recent storms in the area. When storms hit an area it is important to contact CoMo Premium Exteriors as soon as possible for an inspection since availability of both material and labor becomes hard to get very quickly, which can push the repair out for several months. However, in non-storm time most roofs can be scheduled for replacement or repair within 2 weeks of signing the contract. Regardless, once you recognize storm or other damage to your roof it’s best to call quickly to get an inspection and get resolution.

When scheduling your Missouri roof repair or replacement you also want to keep in mind the season. Generally roofing can be done year-round but there are times when the temperature gets too cold and stays too cold for roofing work to be completed. Such extremely cold periods are typically short in Missouri; however, it can vary year to year. The best seasons for scheduling your roof repair work is during summer, fall or spring.

Preparing for the Crew

In preparation of your work crew’s arrival, we will provide homeowners with a list of how to prepare your home. The most basic step is to move valuables and breakables, such as garden ornaments or bird baths, away from the perimeter of the home to give crews access to your home and to protect them from falling debris being removed from your roof. We also ask that homeowners move cars out of the driveway and away from the home so that they do not get blocked in by work trucks.

For roof repair or replacement in mid-Missouri, contact CoMo Premium Exteriors today.

Roofing Aesthetics and Remodeling Goals

Do you have a roof that’s looking dingy, faded and just plain worn? Have you updated other parts of your home and now the style of your roof doesn’t match? It’s probably time to consider your roofing aesthetics and remolding goals. Most homeowners can’t recall the color of their roof when put on the spot because, if it’s doing its job well, it tends to be out of sight out of mind. But the visual difference an updated roof can make is much bigger than you would think. Read more

Roofing Age, Water, Algae & Pest Roof Damage Repair

Roof damage repair can seem daunting, but it is an integral part of maintaining the safety and comfort of your home. There are several causes of roof damage, and each type of damage needs a roof repair tailored to its needs. A few of the more common causes of roof damage aside from hail and storm damage, are age, water, algae and pests. Read more

Are Roof Granules a Sign I Need a New Roof?

You might find them at the end of your downspout after a heavy rainstorm, or in your gutters when you are cleaning out leaves. The concern we often hear when homeowners find roof granules goes something like this:

“Is it normal to see so many granules?”

And,

“At some point, will my roof be unprotected because all of the granules have worn off?”

As a locally-owned and operated roofing specialist, we’ve been helping homeowners answer questions like these for years. We know how important it is to have peace of mind and confidence in a good roof over your head. In this blog, we’ll look at what’s normal and help you know when it’s time for you to have an expert assess your roof.

Why does my roof have granules?

Roof shingles have tiny granules that are made from crushed stone and minerals. They’re meant to provide a layer of protection from the elements. Particularly from sun exposure, which can create extensive wear in hot Mid-Missouri summers. Together, millions of granules on your roof shingles are an army of protection from the elements.

What causes roof shingles to lose granules?

In the manufacturing process, there is always an excess of granules that are added to roof shingles. Roofing manufacturers even allow for a loss of granules as part of a roof’s everyday wear and tear. So, when you get a new roof, you should expect to see excess granules, and it’s natural for the loose granules to come off when roofing installers walk on your newly installed roof. You’ll also see excess granules in your downspouts in the following few weeks. After a few rainstorms, you will gradually see less, but it’s completely normal to see them periodically.

How can I know if I need to replace my roof?

While it’s normal to lose granules, every roof has a lifespan. Of course, choosing a company that uses superior products can provide a longer-lasting roof. Still, in our experience, most people have inherited a roof from a previous homeowner or have lost track of how old the roof is.

There are some things you can spot as you look up at your roof, but ultimately only a skilled roofing contractor can tell you from a close-up inspection. In the meantime, here are some quick things to consider:

- Do your roof shingles look old and have bald spots in places?
- Do you see cracks in your shingles?
- Do your roof shingles look curled or cupped?
- Do you see any daylight in your attic?
- Are other people in your neighborhood getting a new roof?

Now you can gain peace of mind for free.

If you are unsure if it’s time to get a new roof, one of our experienced roofing specialists can come and look. And the best part? It’s completely free, and if you don’t need a new roof, we will tell you. We just hope you’ll keep us in mind when the time is right.

Still not sure about your roof granules?

Give our team at CoMo Premium Exteriors a call to make sure they are okay!

(573) NEW-ROOF