Roofing License
In the great majority of states, roofing
contractors must be licensed to do any type of roof repair or installation. Just
like most contractor trades. That helps to ensure that the professional is
competent and follows rules and regulations by a third-party organization. According
to the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
- DCCA
Hawaii, roofing falls under the “C” Specialty contractor license category,
along with electricians, drywallers, painters, landscapers, and remodelers.
The DCCA Hawaii defines a roofing contractor as
the professional who installs roofing to a surface providing weather-tight
covering using metal, cement shingle, wood shingles, shakes, concrete lay, and
other types of tile, amongst other materials. They also define such professionals
as able to apply protective and reflective roofing, flashing, and coating. The
above definition is very similar to other states in the US.
Authorities such as DCCA are powerful and will not license
professional that do not follow standards or let their license lapse. The fact
that you choose a roofer who is licensed will ensure a certain standard right off
the bat. In other, words, this type of bond gives you protection from
liability for any accidents that might occur on your roof.
What does the license entail, you may ask? For the most part
roofers patch leaks, replacing broken tiles or shingles, replacing damaged
sections of roof, install roof from scratch to either new construction, of
for a full upgrade of an old roof, and install roof coating. Most roofers are
happy to provide roof inspections because homeowners don’t really know what is
wrong with the roof, until an expert checks it from up there.
Background
Most Honolulu roofing contractors may start as carpenters, handyman, or they
learned with their family while growing up. This is quite common if they are
the son or grandson of another roofer, for example. To be a good roofer,
experience is everything. We highly suggest that you look for a roofer who is
both licensed by your state DCCA, and experienced, especially with the type of
roofing you have – shingles, metal, wood shake, tile, etc.
Roofing and the weather
Most people have the idea that they may only need a roofer during or after the storms. The winter time for most states, and the hurricane season for others such as Hawaii, Texas, and Florida to name a few. This is not accurate. It is smarter as a homeowner to prevent damages rather than deal with the stress and the big expense when it happens. Remember that no one plans for these expenses, and no one can predict if the next storm will damage your roof. We recommend that you have regular inspections and be attentive to any signs that your roof needs repair. For example, missing shingles, broken tiles, water damage, and more. If your roof is old and/or if there is significant damage you want to fix or replace what needs to be done in the spring and summer seasons, and before hurricane season. Planning this will also allow you to budget and set aside some funds, rather than need them without prior warning.
Roofers do much more than shingles
Perhaps the most common misconception about roofing contractors is that they only do shingles. If you look around your neighborhood there is a good chance that you only see a shingle roof, or maybe a couple wood shakes. It really depends where you live in the US. In Hawaii, there are certain neighborhoods that are opting for metal roofing such as Wilhelmina Rise, Kailua, Kahala, and Hawaii Kai. Kahala also has the most concrete tile roofing.
Final thoughts
Before hiring a roofing company, it
is important to make sure that you have done your research and that you have
selected a contractor who is honest and reliable. Ask your questions and concerns,
and a good contractor will have no problem answering them. Talk about materials
and ask for their recommendations within your budget. By following these tips
before you choose a contractor, you’ll ensure that you get quality work done on
your roof every single time.
419A Atkinson Dr #602, Honolulu, HI 96814
(808) 374-5944
