December 10th, 2003

ALERT

CONTRACTOR ALERT

The business of roofing is complex and challenging. It is both an art and a science. It is an expensive job when done right, more expensive when done wrong. The roofer needs to protect both himself and the customer.

As such, contractors owe it to themselves to become fully informed about what constitutes a good roof, about the manufacturer and supplier of their roofing products and about the protection each of these offers in terms of warranty and after-sales service.

There is an expression, "Buyer Beware!" This is as true for roofing as for any other major expenditure. As with anything of value, there are no free lunches. Cutting corners, passing on the use of important roof system components, looking for the cheapest materials will, in the long run, prove more costly.

Remember, there is more to a roof than just appearance. A well-applied shingle roof will give your customers the long-term protection they need and enhance the pleasure they get from their homes. It will also enhance your reputation as a professional and generate leads, helping your business to grow and become more profitable.

You want to make sure that you also get the maximum in protection and performance.

•  Ensure that your roofs are installed according to manufacturer's specifications, meet the applicable building codes and follow the industry's best roofing practices. Read the fine print. Do not take the word of representatives and agents.

•  Start with a proper deck, install the necessary eave protection and underlayment, and provide for adequate ventilation.

•  Buy from a reliable dealer and from a manufacturer you know and trust.

•  Make sure you get a warranty that is comprehensive; understand what is and what is not covered; ensure that you meet the conditions of the warranty and consider how this warranty will be handled should there be a problem down the road.

Also, consider the following:

•  Canadian manufacturers offer a wide range of shingle styles and colours; there's enough choice to find the perfect shingle for your job, a shingle that will perfectly suit the budget, the home's architecture and your customer's own personal style. These shingles are competitively priced.

•  Canadian manufacturers are close to where you do business and are immediately accessible should there ever be a problem. Most U.S. manufacturers are further away and have neither the history nor the proven commitment to serving this country for the 25, 30 or more years printed on their warranties.

•  When they sell in to Canada, several U.S. manufacturers have shown an unfortunate willingness to lower their own standards of what they consider should be good roofing practice - stating that no underlayment is required under fiberglass shingles, for example - something they do not and would not accept in their own country.

•  Improper application may negate the application of the warranty coverage.

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