1. Illinois Roofing License - verify at http://www.idfpr.com/DPR/licenselookup/default.asp.  Other states may have similar websites.
2. Liability Insurance - get a copy of the Certificate of Insurance and call the agent to verify 
3. Recommended by manufacturers
4. References from past customers
5. Knowledge of building codes - ask about Ice & Water Shield requirements
6. Able to pull local permit - NEVER pull the permit yourself! Note:  Whomever pulls the permit is responsible for the quality of the work and compliance with codes.
7. Professionalism - newer vehicles; credentials, memberships, and certifications; detailed proposals and contracts all signify a legitimate, long-term, established company.

After we stopped choking, we set the homeowner straight.  Underlayments, whether tar paper or synthetic, ARE an important part of the roofing system but they are no means the primary way to protect the home from water damage.  They are water resistent, but not waterproof.  They add another layer of protection but need appropriately-installed roofing materials on top to provide water protection.

Have you ever seen tar paper that has been rained on?  It gets wrinkled.  This is due to all the water it absorbs.  Synthetics are more water tight.  Some of them are even guaranteed to protect the decking for six months by themselves.  But even these high-quality products eventually need to be covered with water shedding shingles, shakes, or vertical panels.  And the trims, flashings, drip edges and the like that are part of a good roofing system also help keep water from entering the home.

Paper will protect your home from water damage?  Don’t believe it!

If you have an asphalt roof, look for lost granules, and rips, tears and penetrations deep into the shingle. The deeper the penetration, the more likely your roof has lost its ability to shed water. Then nails and fasteners are exposed to water, which will eventually make its way into your attic and living areas.

With a wood shake or shingle roof, look for gray, discolored circles around splits in the wood. This is a sign that the wood has been penetrated and is allowing water and organic material to lodge itself into the shake.

Before installing a metal roof on your home, make sure it has the UL 2218 Class 4 Impact resistance rating. This will ensure that your roof will stand up to the rigors of hail no matter the size. Also, look for the longest, most-comprehensive non-prorated warranty available.

NEVER NEVER NEVER (that is NEVER!) pull the permit yourself! ALWAYS have your contractor do so.  Whomever is listed on the permit is the one responsible and LIABLE for the job.

If licenses are required, the municipality or Building Department will verify your contractor’s credentials.  You need this layer of protection against liability.

If your contractor tells you that you can save money by pulling the permit yourself, show him or her the door.  It is a red flag that either this contractor does not have a license or insurance or even worse, is planning to “get injured” on your job and sue you.  It HAS happened (and in this economy is even more prevalent)!

It may seem annoying to have to pay fees for building permits, but when you think about the potential consequences . . .

Plus it gives you another way to separate legitmate and reputable contractors from fly-by-night scam artists.

Oh and did I mention that homeowners should NEVER pull their own permits?

Because of the faltering economy, along with rising costs, there are a lot of unemployed and underemployed tradespeople.  Understandably. these people need work and may be willing to lower their usual labor rates to obtain it. Unfortunately, a growing percentage are also eliminating their costly insurance expenses.

If you get a very low bid on a renovation project, you can assume that the “contractors” are not licensed, bonded, or insured.

If you do hire an uninsured contractor and he “accidentally” falls off a ladder, YOU will be held liable for his medical expenses AND his lost income for the time it takes him to recover!  Your homeowners’ insurance will not cover you because you hired an illegal contractor!  Worst case:  you lose your home to the contractor! Yes, it really does happen!

Knowingly hiring illegal labor is a crime !  Always ask to see proof of insurance and license.  and ALWAYS be suspicious of low bids!

If you are thinking about investing in a metal roof for your home, please don’t delay!  Do it now!!

Homeowners still receive 30% of the price of these materials in the form of a Federal Tax rebate.  And of course, they also enjoy reduced electricity bills.

No word yet on whether funds will be available for the Illinois rebates in 2011.  Apparently, the budget will be determined in July.  We will keep you posted.

Even a very tiny amount of lead-contaminated dust can be poisonous.  Children under the age of six are most at risk because their bodies are developing.  They are also the most likely to eat or breathe the dust.  Thus the law applies to pre-1978  homes in which the same child under six years is present or visits for at least three hours on at least two different days a week.

If your home meets these requirements, anyone you hire to do renovations must be a Certified Renovator, having completed a special EPA training course.  In addition any company performing such renovations must be an EPA Certified Renovation Firm.  These individuals and firms will have paid fees and received certificates - ask to see these as proof that your remodeler is compliant with this very important new law.  This is another way of verifying that your contractor is qualified and competent.

The law does not apply to certain emergency repairs.  Homeowners doing their own renovations are also exempt from the certification requirement.

Wayne, Illinois

EcoWise Inc. Achieves “Rising Star” Status

EcoWise Inc., a Wayne, Illinois, roofing company, received the “Rising Star Award” from Classic Products.  Classic, an Ohio-based manufacturer of high-end aluminum and steel roofing, awarded this distinction to EcoWise for its sales success this past year.

Ann Marzano, President of EcoWise, said, “We believe metal roofing is the best choice for today’s homeowners who are looking for longevity, energy efficiency, and beauty.  And we believe that Classic Products offers some of the highest quality metal shingles and shakes, backed by lifetime warranties, in the industry.”

EcoWise was founded in 2005 as a green company specializing in residential lifetime roofing in the Chicago area.