Your roof does more than prevent the elements from pelting you inside. A good roof keeps mold infestation at bay, prevents structural damage, and even prevents total roof failure. As your home’s first line of defense, it is important that you ask the right questions before hiring a roofing contractor. Here are five questions to ask to ensure you get a skilled and reputable professional:
Do They Have the Right Credentials?
Many homeowners often forget that having all the necessary credentials is one of the factors to consider when re-roofing your home and hiring contractors. Unfortunately, many roofing companies operate without these credentials. A legitimate contractor should have:
- A valid license, issued by the state and is as required by state law, proving they meet industry standards.
- A bond, which provides financial protection for you, should the contractor be unable to complete the job.
- Insurance that includes general liability and workers’ compensation. This way, you are not held liable if someone gets injured on your property.
What Materials and Techniques Do They Use?
Your search for a reputable roofing company should not end with just an online search of ‘reliable roofing services near me’. The difference between a long-lasting roof and one with many faults often lies in the materials used to build them. Your first tell-tale sign that a contractor may use substandard materials that will deteriorate quickly is an unbelievably low price quote. Be sure to ask about the following:
- The type of roofing materials that will be used. Look out for mentions of asphalt, metal, or slate.
- Roof ventilation and underlayment. Poor ventilation can lead to moisture buildup, which can increase the risk of mold infestation and even shorten your roof’s lifespan.
- What are their installation methods? Will they be hand-nailing shingles or using a nail gun? Hand-nailing takes longer, but it ensures better precision.
Do They Use Subcontractors?
This is an important question to ask because some contractors outsource labor to cut costs. This often means:
- Less control over quality since subcontractors might not be as skilled or experienced as an in-house team.
- The workmanship is likely going to be inconsistent. A contractor may pull references of great work they have done in the past, but if they use different subcontractors, there is no guarantee that the quality of work will be the same.
- No accountability, as most subcontractors often bolt at the first sign of trouble.
Do They Offer a Warranty?
Ask about a manufacturer’s warranty and a workmanship warranty. The former covers any defect in roofing materials, while the latter covers issues related to the installation process. Be sure to ask how long the warranties last, what’s covered, and if any maintenance is required to keep them valid.
Can They Provide References for Past Work?
A reputable roofing contractor will have a portfolio of completed projects and be able to provide references from previous clients. When reviewing past work, look for consistency in quality, local references, and direct references in addition to online testimonials.
Endnote
Your roof is an important part of your home and safety as well. Asking these five questions will help you separate the professionals from the scammers. When hiring a roofing contractor, don’t let the price be the only deciding factor. A legitimate roofing contractor will not just answer these questions, they will welcome them.
