Your Roof Is Your Home's First Line of Defense

by Kevin Smith Author

If you think about your home for a moment, you'll soon realize your roof is your home's shield against the elements. It's your first line of defense against rain, wind, and hail. A poorly maintained roof can cause damage to the entire home, not just the roof. Regardless of the type of roofing material that is used, you need to keep it in the best shape possible. Setting up a maintenance program with a local company is an excellent way to keep ahead of any breaches in your roof's coverage. But not just any company will do. Here are some things to look for when searching for an experienced roofing contractor in Ocala, FL.

What to Look For

It's essential that the company be fully licensed, insured, bonded, and guarantees their work.
The company should be experienced in all types of roofing, and be able to maintain the roof after the installation.
They should use the highest quality products available. Shingles should have a 5 star rating.
Get recommendations from friends and neighbors and search for any on-line testimonials and reviews.
The company should have been in business for a number of years and should maintain a local office, since being a part of the community is vital to understanding the fluctuations in the weather variables your roof will be exposed to.
They should offer 24/7 emergency service as standard.
Expect a free estimate on any job.
A maintenance program should be one of the major services offered. It should include a close inspection of the roof, cleaning of leaves and debris, cleaning of gutters, re-sealing of any loose flashing. This program should be performed semi-annually to help identify issues and the need for repair before a real emergency arises.
Check various websites like Home Advisor or Angie's List to see what roofing companies in your area are charging for their services.
The company should be screened by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Home Advisor or some other unbiased website, and be able to show a good rating.
In addition to local organizations, they should be a member of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), which offers training and education to help their members stay up to date on the latest innovations and technology.