There are many commercial roofing contractors in the North Texas area. Which one is the right one?

Lydick-Hooks Roofing Co. of Wichita Falls Inc. would like to offer the following tips for selecting a qualified commercial roofer:

1. Insist on a professional roofing contractor. A professional is recognized as a person who has a specialized body of knowledge and has received intensive training in a particular field. Find out as much as you can about the contractor you are considering. Ask for references. Call the Better Business Bureau or the MRCA for information on that particular contractor.
2. Make sure the contractor is well-established. A professional roofing contractor will have a permanent place of business, a telephone number and a tax identification number. Make sure the roofing contractor is a responsible business person.
3. Make sure the contractor is experienced and knowledgeable. You should specify that you want a certified roofing contractor for the job. You want a roofing contractor who has expert knowledge of his trade and can bring the latest technology and most effective roofing techniques to bear for your job. You want a contractor to be responsible and reliable- someone who will still be around after the job is done.
4. Check to see if the contractor you are considering is insured and committed to safety. Roofing is a dangerous business. A sloppy operation can endanger workers and bystanders, and cause property damage. Ask the contractor for proof of insurance he/she carries. Beware of the low bidder who is inexpensive because he/she doesn’t have complete workers’ compensation insurance. Too many building owners have been dragged into litigation involving uninsured contractors.
5. Insist on the use of quality materials and service after the sale. In today’s market you can buy dozens of different types of roofing systems. Insist on a roofing contractor that is certified in the type of roofing application you are having installed. A professional roofing contractor is also interested in more than simply getting the job done and moving on; he/she will offer service after the sale and application.
6. Don’t assume the lowest bid is always the best deal. There are many factors in addition to cost to consider. If the bids are clustered in a close range, the low bidder may be able to deliver a good job. If there is a wide range in price between the low bid and the high bid, the low bidder has made a mistake or intends to cut corners to “come out” on the job.
7. Make sure you read and understand all financial and contractual terms. Make sure you receive a written proposal with detailed specifications. Never sign a proposal with questions left un-answered. Do not make final payment until the work is completed. Make a roofing file. Keep a copy of the proposal, manufacturer’s warranty, contractor’s warranty and a piece of one of the shingles, if applicable.

I have a tile roof. The clay tiles appear to be in good shape – at least not broken, however, I have several leaks. What would cause this?

The felt underlayment dictates the water tightness of the tile roof system.  Normally 3 plies of ASTM D226 heavy weight #30 felt is installed, as a minimum, under the clay tile roof system.  If the old felt is deteriorated the tile must be removed and the felt underlayment replaced then the existing tile may be relayed.

Do I have to tear off my old roof when replacing? Or can I install the new roof over the old one?

On both low and steep slope roofs, it is always preferable to remove the existing roof down to the decking.  Code states that existing residential shingle roofs must be removed before new shingles are installed as only one roof system may be in place at any time. However, low slope roofs are allowed to have two roof systems installed so some roofs may be eligible for a recover in certain situations. There are a numerous amount of criteria that an existing roofing system must meet in order to be eligible for a recover.

Should all flashings be replaced when I have my roof replaced?

Yes, the time to address all the roof issues was when the roofer was replacing the roof.  Normally all flashings should be inspected and if any are damaged or rusted they should be replaced when the roof is replaced.  The cost would be much less at that time, not to mention possible water damage and cost to have it repaired at a later date.

Will I receive a written inspection report?

Yes, included will be photographs of your roof as well as a life expectancy and a 3-5 year plan.

What is covered and what is not?

The existing roof is covered. All equipment, drains, plumbing, interior and exterior structure are excluded.

What if a leak occurs?

The purpose of the RMP is to prevent leaks from happening. We do the best we can to stop them before they start but this is not a warranty program. If you have a leak, you may call us and our Service Department will repair the leak ASAP. Our RMP customers are our #1 priority.

What maintenance services are performed?

We will inspect the roof and repair any of the following items necessary to maintain your roof in a watertight condition.

1. Clear drain baskets, gutters, and downspouts.
2. Check for damaged downspouts.
3. Remove minor trash and debris
4. Check all seams in the field as well as base flashings and walls
5. Check all roof penetrations and seal as needed.

Can it be renewed? And if so, are there additional costs upon renewal?

Yes, with each year’s invoice, a new service agreement will be sent with an opportunity to renew. There is no additional cost.

How long will the RMP remain in effect?

The RMP is renewable on a year-to-year basis and can be discontinued at any time. If there is an interruption in you RMP and you decide to restart the program, another inspection and set of repairs will be required before maintenance can be restarted.