Get matched with top roofers in Roselle, NJ

Technically speaking, yes, verbal agreements and “handshake deals” can be legally binding contracts that will hold up in court, but the suing party will need to be able to prove that the parties entered into the contract. Even though verbal and handshake deals can be binding, it’s risky to rely on these types of agreements for anything, including roofing projects. Always aim to get your contract in writing, and make sure it includes all terms and that you don’t agree to additional terms that don’t appear in the contract.

You can negotiate roofing payment terms with a contractor, but if you’re working with a reliable, trustworthy roofing contractor, the quote they gave you is probably fair. It’s often not worth haggling over the cost of the job unless you feel it is particularly unfair. If you do, get quotes from other roofing companies to compare prices.

The common formula for measuring a roof is length x width equals square footage. Professional roofers measure the length and width of your roof, including dormers, and determine its pitch and rafter sizes. If a roof surface is a triangle, they’ll divide that square footage by two, then add up the square footage of each surface to get the total for the roof.

When installed and maintained properly, a cedar shake roof should last up to 60 years. Severe weather and high winds will damage your roof, reducing its life span. Expect a shorter life span if the roofer didn't use top-grade material, didn’t have cedar shake expertise, didn’t create the proper ventilation, or didn’t use the correct fasteners. Keeping up with maintenance will help it last longer. It’s also a good idea to get roof inspections on a regular basis to help spot repairs before they become major issues.