Denver roofing companies, as all roofing companies having to do with the construction industry, are regulated by state and/or local government agencies. Therefore, these companies must comply with certain requirements and standards set forth by the agencies. Those requirements are not only to regulate such industry but, also, to protect the public.

Two of these agencies include the International Code Council (ICC), which addresses issues such as asphalt shingles and roofing aggregates. The National Fire Protection Association is another organization which issues requirements and standards by which the Denver roofing companies are regulated by with the consumers' protection in mind. Another such organization at the national level, whose standards Denver roofing companies must comply with, is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

A smaller and more localized private organization, the Colorado Roofing Association (CRA) was formed to assist the state's rooftop roofing contractors while simultaneous, through their website, help consumers as well.

Every three years the ICC puts out two publications - the International Building Code (IBC) and the International Residential Code. In the 2006 edition of the ICC's Building Code, the use of asphalt shingles is addressed. According to the most recent version of the code, the asphalt shingles which must be used on structures "located in areas where the basic wind speed is 110 mph (49 m/sec) are to be tested in accordance with ASTM (American Standard Test Methods) D3161, "Standard Test Method for Wind-resistance of Asphalt Shingles (Fan-Induced Method)," Class F (110 mph). As an alternative, the loads and wind resistance of asphalt shingles now, are permitted to be determined according to UL 2390, "Test Method for Measuring the Wind Uplift Coefficients for Asphalt Shingles," and ASTM D6381, "Standard Test Method for Measurement of Asphalt Shingle Mechanical Uplift Resistance." (ICC, 2006 Ed.)

Another area in which the ICC 2006 edition also established requirements involving roofing aggregates. According to the organization, "In hurricane-prone regions, its use is no longer is permitted." (ICC, 20006 ed.) Regions in the United States which are considered "hurricane prone" are the Eastern Seaboard, the coasts along the Gulf of Mexico, American Samoa, Guam, Hawaii, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands. These geographical areas are all considered to be prone to wind speeds of 90mph or more.

According to CDS Business Mapping, Denver's rural area to the northeast is the number one area in the nation prone to tornadoes, with speeds which may get as high as 125mph. This may affect the Denver roofing companies if the ICC decides to include tornado prone areas which will not be allowed to use roofing aggregate.

The National Fire Association (NFA) Code provides every Denver roofing company with guidelines and standards such as those having to do with "rooftop assemblies' resistances to interior fire exposure." Also, other roofing related areas which the NFPA Code addresses are hail, exterior fire exposure and wind resistance.

Interestingly enough, both the NFPA and the International Code Council agree on not allowing aggregate, in the rooftop roofing process, in areas which are hurricane prone.

Denver roofers look to the American Society of Testing and Materials to provide them with guidelines pertaining to roofing and the materials used in such industry, test methods of materials and standard ways in which to perform specific jobs.

Whenever Denver roofing companies require direction on specifications related to mineral fiber roof insulation board, they are able to turn to the ASTM INTL's Annual Book of ASTM Standards, for reference and guidelines.

It has been documented that "The roofing industry is one of the highest in work-related accidents, with a 9.4 rating (out of 10) in 2002, in Total Case Injury and Illness Case Rate (TCIIR); therefore, having the highest injury, illness and fatality rates in the country." (Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) - Nebraska Chapter #95)

As the name states, OSHA is involved with occupational issues in the safety and health areas. In other words, every Denver roofing contractor must follow guidelines established for issues such as Fall Protection, Distribution of Roofing Materials and Roofing Work on Low-slope Rooftops.

This non-profit private entity was formed in 1978. Its purpose is to assist the consumer, through its website, answering questions they may have regarding the industry, Denver roofing companies, how and where to locate association members, to familiarize the public with city and county code guidelines and, general information with articles such as "Hailstorms and You".

On the same token the association is there for industry professionals "to promote the ethics, education, and image of the rooftop roofing industry throughout the State of Colorado." (www.coloradoroofing.org)

How to Pick Out a Roof Contractor

Every roof will fall apart over time. Shingle roofs last for about 15-20 years while metal roofs will top a shingle roof's lifespan by about 30 years. Eventually the time will come when you'll have to setup a Denver roofing project, and knowing how to pick out the right Denver roofing contractor will help you in the long-run.

The advantages to having an efficient Denver roof can help with your energy bills as well as keeping your home in good shape. Since completing a Denver roofing project for your home does not happen often, you may not have a stable relationship with a rooftop roofing contractor, so here's a few thing to look out for:

Personal Experiences with a New Roof Project

If you know anyone who has recently had their Denver rooftop replaced, they're the best people to talk to on how it went. You may even get a referral to a good rooftop roofing company. Here's a few things to ask them:

1. Were the workers on time for your rooftop roofing project?
2. Did the rooftop roofing contractor clean up the site properly?
3. Were the correct roofing material used in the construction?

Estimates on Your Denver Rooftop Roofing Project

After going through the questions regarding your friend's Denver roofing companies's experiences, you'll need to get a number of estimates from the roofing companies you decide go with. Make sure the estimates you receive are in writing. There are also a few questions you can ask the contractor when he is inspecting your roof:

1. Do the rooftop roofing construction workers use nails or staples (Using roofing nails is preferred if you live in a high-wind area.)
2. Is there an extra charges for fixing damaged materials found under the existing rooftop?
3. How long has the rooftop roofing company been in business?
4. Does the roofing company carry insurance or is it bonded?
5. Does the roofing contractor carry a list of previous work done? (Checking out a roof job personally is another step to take.)
6. Do they require money up front for a roofing job? (If they do it's definitely a red flag!)
7. How long do their warranties last?
8. Does the price include replacing the existing damaged shingles on the rooftop?
9. Will the company take responsibility if any of the rooftop gutters become damaged?

Check out the Rooftop Company on BBB.org

Checking the better business bureaus website is always a good idea. Also, try checking the Chamber of Commerce. Both of these organizations keep a detailed list of customer complaints against any rooftop roofing company.

Last but not Least, Go with Your Gut!

After going through this tedious process (and it is tedious, but finding the right Denver roofing contractor should never be easy), trust your instinct to choose from whatever roofing contractors are left on the list.