Roofer

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Two roofers at work in New Orleans, Louisiana.

A roofer specializes in roof construction, concentrating on the application of materials that water proof and / or weather proof buildings, homes (residential construction), wineries, planter boxes, etc. Usually ply wood or solid boards are installed over the structure. Depending on the structure, it may be required to use other materials--such as steel panels, lightweight concrete, or specially designed material--as a substrate for the roofing materials to be installed on. The rafters, beams, and trusses are the frame or skeleton for the roof to be built upon. Naturally, a roofer must not be scared of heights and have good balance as well as carpentry skills. In Australia this type of carpenter is called a roof carpenter and in that country a roofer is someone who puts on the roof cladding (tiles, tin, etc.). In the USA a well trained roofer is called a journeyman. In California, if a journeyman wishes and has three consecutive years working in the field, he is eligible to pass a state test for a contractors license- state license.

Roofers work in teams since the work is intensive and dangerous. One particular danger is wind, since it can go up the side of the house or building and across the work surface where it lifts or moves anything it can. Another danger is walking on a steeply pitched roof. A rooftop has obstacles, including sometimes electrical equipment, that a roofer must be wary of. One may step right into or on top of something regrettable if one is not alert at all times. Roofing is a core of 3D's jobs.

The state of California has a particular licensing process for roofers. To get a state license and become a licensed roofing contractor in California, one needs to obtain a C-39 license before contracting any roofing jobs over the amount of $601.00. If the work is performed without a license, the homeowner may be stuck with unsatisfactory results and have no way to get assistance to correct the problems. If a licensed roofing contractor has problems that relate to unfinished work or the work is faulty in any way, the homeowner or property owner can at least file a claim against the roofing contractors' performance bond for the cost of repairs, damages or unfinished work that must be still be completed. Obtaining a bond is a prerequisite before any license will be issued and it must be in good standing and renewed every 2-years or the contractors' license could be revoked.

Never state in any advertising, that you as a contractor are bonded. A license cannot be issued without a bond. So for home owners here in California, please don't think you are getting some sort of better protection if someone says they are bonded and licensed. This could be said just to miss lead you to take you off-guard so you can be taken advantage just because you feel safer.

ADVERTISING: The Legal Rights and Wrongs

- Contractor's License Number must be on anything considered advertising Licensed contractors are required to include their CSLB license numbers on everything from contracts, business cards, and yard signs to placards on commercially registered vehicles.

- False Advertising It is a misdemeanor to use false, misleading or deceptive advertisements to sell clients home improvements and other services. It is also illegal to make misleading claims or advertise prices that you do not intend to accept contracts for.

- Advertising for work you're not licensed to do Licensed contractors are not allowed to advertise for construction work outside of the areas for which they are licensed.

- Don't advertise about bonding Contractors are forbidden by law to advertise the fact that they are bonded. It could lead the public to believe there is a higher level of protection than might be the case.

- Owner-Builders If owner-builders use any signs, cards, or directories that imply they can be hired by the public for construction or home improvement, they become subject to the same laws as other contractors. B&P section 7027 also prevents owner-builders from advertising illegally.

- Unlicensed Operators Unlicensed operators can legally advertise for construction work or improvements if the cost of the work (labor & materials) is under $500. But, they must state in the ad, that they are “unlicensed.” If an unlicensed operator advertises as a contractor in a directory such as the Yellow Pages, they face fines.

- Fines Fines for licensees who violate the laws can range from $50 to $2,000 depending on how egregious the act. The fines for non-license holders get much steeper, ranging from $200 all the way up to $15,000 for acting in the capacity of a contractor without having a license.

Get more information about advertising and advertising tips from the CSLB Advertising Guidelines Pamphlet. A “Hot Lead Referral Form” can be downloaded on the CSLB Web site to report unlicensed contractors activity. [1]