How Important Is A Highly Trained Roofer?
By Allen Foster
Your roof is the most important aspect of your business. Besides the cost to value ratio — a roof only accounts for approximately 5% of your overall construction costs, yet it provides protection for your entire structure — your roof can save you money when it comes to energy consumption. It is not something you need replaced often, so when it comes time to get it done, it is in your best interests to get it done right.
There are so many options available when it comes to choosing a new roof, and there are so very many factors that play into ensuring your investment is ideal for your structure. These variables make it essential that you only consider hiring a highly trained roofer to do the job. A "jack of all trades" or a handyman and his buddies might seem appealing, but it's like asking your trusted family doctor to perform brain surgery — you're not going to be happy with the results. Here are a few key reasons why you really need a specialized pro.
Your Roof Must Match Your Building's Needs
Depending on your structure, there is an ideal type of roof that you need. Would you benefit most from a Built-Up Roof, a Single Ply Roof, a Modified Bitumen Roof, a Green Roof, a Photovoltaic Roof, or something else? Would thermoset or thermoplastic membranes be best? These are the types of questions a highly trained roofer could provide easy-to-understand answers to.
Quality Craftsmanship Is The Key
Constructing a roof is far more akin to a craft than it is to science. Yes, there is definitely science involved, but there are also numerous elements such as design, technique, climate, and material properties. Only a highly trained roofer will have experience in all of these nuances. He will be able to assess your individual needs and provide a solution that offers the level of quality and longevity that you are seeking.
A Roofer Is An Expert
The work you need done on your roof is highly technical with many variables. Yes, your roofer needs to be a master craftsman, but he also needs to be an expert. Ventilation, drainage, insulation and more are all items that need to be taken into consideration when constructing your roof. There is little guesswork in these factors; it requires confidence and expertise that is gained through education, training and experience. A highly trained roofer has apprenticed and has learned the business from the ground up — he is not an amateur depending on "pick up" laborers to get the job done.
Cost Is Not As Negotiable As You Might Think
A highly trained roofer will not come in with a low bid. He understands what is needed to complete a quality job. A low bid means corners need to be cut somewhere to make a profit. This could be done through inferior materials, employing untrained labor, subcontracting, or any number of other strategies that will all result in a substandard roof.
Conclusion
A highly trained roofer is an expert craftsman who knows exactly what is needed for your unique situation. He will not cut corners and he will provide you with a high quality roof that will not only last for years and years, but might also save you money on your energy bills in the long run.
