Roofing is a referral-driven business and satisfied customers provide your best public relations and advertising. The following tips, offered by seasoned roofing contractors, can help you and your workers perform an efficient installation.

Before you get started, take a few minutes to verify that windows and surrounding structures have been shielded from potential damage. Inspect the roof deck and ensure it is thoroughly clean. With this pre-installation preparation complete, you and your roofing crew are ready to climb the ladders and get the job done.

Know The Codes

Building codes shape and govern the roofing process. Always observe all local building codes and understand that local codes generally supersede manufacturer’s installation guidelines. Regulations can vary between municipalities, however, so a quick check with the local code enforcement officer will ensure your project is compliant.

A Customer’s Yard Is The Contractor’s Responsibility

During the installation, take steps to prevent any damage to a homeowner's lawn and landscaping. Remind workers to pay close attention to where and how they walk around the entire job site. Use particular care when moving heavy equipment, roofing materials and tools. If necessary, cover plants and shrubs with plastic sheeting or cordon them off so workers and equipment don't accidentally cause harm.

Take The Time Needed

Avoiding shortcuts is an essential part of quality workmanship. We all know the saying, “time is money,” but much more could be on the line should your workers not follow the roofing manufacturer’s installation guidelines. Shortcuts often void the warranty.

Take a few extra seconds to make sure that no nails are exposed. Left to the weather, nails will rust and eventually cause leaks in the new roof.

If a customer requests new roofing shingles over existing ones, only do so if you have one layer of existing 3-tab shingles. Never place a new layer over laminate shingles.

Ventilation Is Vital

Ensure the roof is installed with proper ventilation. Proper roof ventilation prevents condensation in winter and heat buildup during the summer. Improper ventilation can lead to moisture problems, shingle weathering and distortion, fungus in the attic and higher homeowner energy bills.

Hammer Home Smart Nail Usage

If a homeowner drives over roofing nails and gets a flat tire, the roofing contractor is responsible for repairing and/or replacing the damaged tire. Instruct roofing crews to be vigilant about not dropping or scattering nails anywhere on the job site, especially near driveways and parking areas.

Risk Is Not A Game

As a professional roofing contractor, you know that reducing business liability is second in importance only to the installation itself. Be a troubleshooter and look for any risks or damage that could occur during the time spent on a homeowner's property. Vigilance protects you from paying for repairs caused by accidents on the job or having to compensate customers for property damage.

Minimizing job-site damage not only reduces unwanted expenses, it also builds goodwill with customers, which leads to more recommendations and referrals. Preventing problems in the first place makes good sense.

Happy Customers Mean More Referrals

When homeowners have good roofing experiences and are satisfied, they will be much more likely to leave positive reviews and opinions. Talk to customers after the installation to ensure they are happy with the work and the roofing products installed. Ask for a testimonial from your happiest customers.

A contractor’s job doesn’t end when the last guy comes off the roof. Successful contractors close a job by walking through the cleaned-up job site with the customer, noting the positive features of the new roof and giving the homeowner an opportunity to ask any last-minute questions. They also remind the homeowner of the importance of filing the warranty, and some even register the warranty for their customers.

Leaving your customers with confidence in your skills and professionalism can be the best part of an efficient installation.