New Mexico Roofing Contractors

About New Mexico Roofing

The largest group of roofing contractors in New Mexico is under the banner of the New Mexico Roofing Contractors Association (NMRCA), which includes more than 50 contractors and over 30 Associate Members. Though the state doesn't separately license residential and commercial roofers, the NMRCA does have separate committees for residential and commercial specialists.

Typical Climate In New Mexico

There's a wide range of temperatures in New Mexico, where January temperatures range from the mid-30s in the north to the mid-50s further south. July temperatures range from the upper 70s near the mountains to the low 90s downstate. Rainfall is limited, though more than half of it comes in July and August, when thunderstorms are common. And, while you don't think of snow in a state with the deserts of Albuquerque, the northern part of the state in the mountains can see upward of 100 inches of snow a year.

Common Roofing Issues In New Mexico

A contractor in the state observes that about 95 percent of all roof replacements can be traced to either minor defects in penetration flashings or problems with the perimeter of the roof. Indicators of such problems seen in the state include cracks in stucco at or near the tops of walls or in the corners, water stains at or near the tops of brick or stucco walls, water damage in the eaves or along the fascia, cracked or weathered flashings and shingle damage.

Licensing In New Mexico

All construction contractors need to be licensed in New Mexico. Licenses are issued through the Construction Industries Division (CID) of the state's Regulation and Licensing Department. Corporations must either be qualified to do business in the state or be incorporated there. All out-of-state corporations must have a registered agent and office in New Mexico for at least 90 days before it can get a license. Individuals or partnerships must have a residence or street address in New Mexico for at least 90 days before applying for a license. Also required are a state Taxation and Revenue Department tax identification number and, if appropriate, workers' compensation insurance that's been validated by the New Mexico Workers' Compensation Administration. The broadest construction industry license offered is the building specialty license, under which banner roofing is categorized.

Legal Issues And Complaints

In addition to handling the state's licensing, the Construction Industries Division also takes a host of complaints. Among those complaints the CID receives are:

• Violation of any New Mexico state building code, including general construction, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, liquefied petroleum and compressed natural gases
• Violation of any provision of the Construction Industries Licensing Act or CID Rules and Regulations
• Failure to maintain workers' compensation insurance
• Aiding and/or abetting an unlicensed contractor
• Contracting under a name other than that on a license
• Performing work beyond the scope of a license
• Any change, modification or alteration to the approved building plans resulting in code violations
• Abandonment of contract, conversion of funds, or a willful or fraudulent act after the matter has been adjudicated by a court

Once the CID receives a complaint, it's assigned to a compliance officer for the initiation of an investigation, which begins with the contractor being informed of the complaint. Contractors are given a reasonable time to correct any code violations. Failure to do so prompts administrative action against the contractor. Note that the CID doesn't handle any financial dispute, including contractor walk-offs.

Unusual Roofs In New Mexico

The Palace of the Governors is the oldest continuously occupied building in the United States. An adobe-built structure, the Palace's roof is lined with a balustrade that has stood since its construction since 1610.