Every homeowner wants to hire the right contractor for the job, but how can the homeowner be sure they are hiring someone they can trust? Cedar shakes roof cleaning is no different from any other home improvement project; there are both reputable and shoddy roof cleaners offering their services. Anyone can buy a ladder, a truck, and a washer and call himself a cedar shakes roof cleaner. In order to avoid a scam and hire a professional roof cleaner, follow the rules below.
Say What You’ll Do and Do What You Say
This sounds simple enough, but unfortunately, not every cedar roof cleaner abides by this motto. Don’t just take the contractor’s word for it, take their customers’ word for it. Check their websites for testimonials. Ask for references, and actually contact those references. Look for reviews on the Better Business Bureau, and homeowner repair sites such as Angie’s List and HomeAdvisor. Take the time to find out as much as you can about the roof cleaner’s previous jobs. Be wary of anyone who does not have any testimonials, reviews, or is hesitant to give you more than one reference; there is most likely a reason why.
Better Safe than Sorry
Since cedar shakes roof cleaners spend most of their day up on ladders, they should be insured for the homeowners protection. Don’t just ask IF they are insured, ask to SEE proof of insurance. Don’t take their word for it. All it takes is a call to the insurance company to validate that the roof cleaner is insured. The last thing a homeowners needs is to have a contractor cleaning the roof, fall off the ladder, break his back, and wind up being sued because the roof cleaner’s insurance lapsed.
Knowledge is Power
Cedar shakes and shingles are a unique roofing material that require a specific technique for cleaning and maintenance. The more the homeowner knows about how to properly care for their cedar, the better they are at choosing the right roof cleaner. Do not be afraid to ask the roof cleaner to explain his technique. The cleaning should be only be done from a ladder to avoid accidents and damage. The roof cleaner should never walk on the shakes and shingles. Nothing more than garden hose pressure should be used on cedar shakes and shingles. High pressure cleaners should never be used. Avoid terms like pressure washed and low-pressure, as this can easily damage the cedar shakes and shingles. Ask how they intend to protect the landscaping. The roof cleaner should take the time to protect the landscaping from dirty runoff and any excess water. The cedar shakes roof cleaner should easily and specifically be able to describe their method, and why they use this method.
By following these three rules, the homeowner can be confident that the roof cleaner they are hiring to clean their cedar shakes roof is profession, reputable, honest, and will get the job done without risk to the homeowner. If the homeowner takes the time to find the right roof cleaner for the job, they will be happy with the end results, and know their cedar shakes roof will receive the care and attention it deserves.
