The roof placed over a condominium is typically an afterthought for most people. It is above their head and doing its job; the average person doesn’t have to think twice about it. However, if a condo roof sustains some damage, it is time to pull out the book of regulations and figure out who is responsible for caring for those repairs. It is typically a matter of checking in with the condo association. Still, you may have to take matters a step further if you run into resistance from the people who are supposed to do the roofing repair.
SFGate explains that the responsibility for roofing repairs is more complicated when it comes to condo roofs than when it comes to traditional homes. As they explain:
The financial responsibility for roof maintenance is not as straightforward for condo owners as it is for traditional, detached-home owners. You share ownership of many building features, including the roof, with your fellow owners. Still, responsibility for roof repairs or a new roof replacement may fall on different parties. Depending on condo association rules, your dues may not cover your roof problems.
Regardless, it would be best if you did some digging to figure out who will ultimately pay for commercial roofing services.
When the dust settles, and the parties responsible for paying for roof repairs are determined, it then becomes necessary to figure out some of the most common problems roofers face. Some of these issues include:
- Roof Damage – Any kind of material can fall upon a roof and cause damage to that roof. It could be metal materials, tree limbs, or anything else that may cause damage to the roof. Depending on the scale of the damage to the roofing systems, this kind of repair might run anywhere from $150 to $7,000. The significant gap between those figures has to do with the extent of the damage done to the roof and the type of materials used to construct the roof in the first place.
- Leaking Roof – Roofers are frequently called in to assist with a roof leak repair on condos (and other types of roofs). This type of repair requires immediate attention, and many condo roofing contractors will see this type of work during their day. Roof leaks are particularly common in areas prone to heavy rain. Therefore, this type of roofing job may be even more common in areas that see a lot of thunderstorms and more.
- Lack of Roofing Insulation – The lack of roofing insulation is another reason to potentially call in roofing contractors to get help putting in the required insulation to maintain comfortable temperature levels within the structure. Condo roofing contractors may receive a call from those living in the condo regarding the need for additional roofing insulation. That is something they can assist with.
These are just a few issues condo roofers might be called to help with. In addition, there are other options that experienced condo roofing company offers.
- New roof installations
- Roofing replacement
Certain questions should always be asked of your roofing contractor before you decide to hire them. This is because you are trying to dig into the facts of what you actually get when you rely on a service from them. Here are some of the questions that you should ask roofing contractors in Framingham, MA:
Do You Carry Insurance? If So, What Kind?
According to Zippia.com, roofers are one of the professionals least likely to carry health insurance for employees. Their study found that only about 50.5% of roofers actively carried health insurance. This is a disturbing fact, given how potentially dangerous it can be to work on a roof. Therefore, you should certainly ask the roofers you are considering hiring about the insurance they carry. If they are not insured, you might want to move on to another contractor.
Do You Offer a Warranty on Your Roofing Services?
According to Angie’s List, the typical roof should last between 25 and 30 years before needing repairs. However, the average contractor warranty will only last between 5 and 10 years from the date they perform the work. However, that is still considerably better than having no warranty at all. Those considering hiring a roofing contractor should ask about possible warranties and see if they can get the most extended warranty possible for the roofing work.
Do You Use Subcontractors?
When you sign a contract with a roofing team, will you be working directly with them, or will they hire others to do the work? This is the type of thing that you ought to know. Some contractors make a choice to subcontract to other service providers to get the job that you have hired them to do. You may be able to accept this as a fact, but you should at least know who specifically will be working on your roof. Suppose the team is going to subcontract with others. In that case, you need their names and information before agreeing to the service.
These are a few of the questions that should be on the tip of your tongue when you reach out to hire a condo roofing contractor.
Necessary Skills for Condo Roofing Contractors
There are certain skills required to be a good commercial or residential roofing contractor. A few of the recommended skills include:
- Ability to work on heights for hours
- Good physical strength
- Good balance
- Significant knowledge of quality roofing materials
- Good customer service skills
- Ability to work in all weather conditions
- Talented with working with tools
Those who possess these skills can often find work as roofing contractors. It is the kind of work that requires specialized talents, and those who hire these individuals understand that they are paying for the use of those skills. Keep that in mind when considering the cost of quality roofing services performed on a condo at any point in time. It is a job that must be done, and it must be done by a trusted roofing company with the skills and experience to do so.
Northeast Home & Energy is an experienced and trusted full service roofing company. We can help you with everything from emergency roof repair to commercial roof installation. Contact us for expert condominium roofing contractors Framingham, MA.