A roof is about more than just the shingles and underlayment; it is the first line of defense for your home. It is usually the most important step in what is considered a significant and critical investment, knowing when you need to replace or make major repairs. If your contractor choice is wrong, you may end up with an ongoing leak, lost warranty coverage, limited warranty coverage, and/or significant structural damage.
Whether you are repairing damage, replacing an old roof, or installing one on a new build, choosing the right roof contractor can cause all differences in quality, durability, and job cost.
But how do you know whether a contractor is really qualified and reliable or not? The answer lies in asking the correct question before signing any contract. In this blog, we will cover the top questions every household must ask to ensure that they hire a roof contractor who provides quality work.
1. Do you have proof of your license and full insurance coverage?
An insurance license and coverage are the bare minimum for any real contractor. A licensure means someone has completed the minimum competency requirement for your state. However, you must verify two types of insurance:
Liability Insurance – If your crew damages your property, liability insurance will pay the damages (for example, you have a new siding, and a tool was dropped by the crew, damaging the new siding)
Workers’ Compensation – Workers’ compensation insurance protects you from liability if a worker is injured or killed on your property.
Any reputable roofer should have no issue providing you with copies of their certificates of insurance. Any ambiguity here is enough of a reason to end the discussion.
2. What is the physical address of your business, and when have you been doing business under this name?
Clarity and durability are good indicators of faith. A well -established local business is a reputation to maintain with the community, with a verified address, and is more likely to be surrounding their warranty years below the road. Look out for those who work out of only one truck and a P.O. box; After installing your system, it is difficult to justify them.
3. Do you use subcontractors or in-house employees for installations?
There are legitimate business models for both, but you have a right to know who will be on your property. If subcontractors are used, ask how the subcontractors are vetted and who supervises the work. The contracting company you contract with should be the single point of accountability for the quality and completion of the total project, regardless of who performs the labor.
4. Please designate the two warranties: the manufacturer’s warranty on the materials and your workmanship warranty.
It is very important to differentiate these two warranties.
The manufacturer’s warranty protects you against defects in the shingles, but it is conditional upon proper installation.
The workmanship warranty from the contractor protects you from installation errors. It is a direct reflection of that contractor’s confidence in their own workmanship to determine how long and how much will be covered. A strong workmanship warranty is arguably more important than a 50-year material warranty.
5. How do you deal with unexpected issues?
Roofs often reveal the underlying issues – such as wood, water damage, structural problems, etc. – This is not clear until the old roof bursts. A professional contractor should have a process for open communication about potential costs and potential solutions, along with dealing with these issues. When you ask about this upfront, you learn how they react to surprise and stop unexpected delays, frustration, or cost after the work starts.
6. What experience do you have with specific roof materials?
Every roof different, and an asphalt shingle roof is a completely different proposition than a metal, slate, or flat roof system. This is why it is important to ask if the contractor has experience with specific materials and styles of the roof. Specific experience increases the correct installation of the roof, eliminates mistakes that can be expensive, and ensures your roof works at the top level of its top level performance for the longevity of the product. When you choose a contractor who knows the type of your roof, you may believe that the work will be completed with accuracy and skill.
7. What steps do you take for safety and cleaning?
Roof projects come up with vested risks, which is why security should always be the highest priority. A reliable contractor will have clear security measures to protect your property along with their crew. The equally important cleaning process is rebuilding debris, stray nails, and remaining material after the job is completed. These stages ensure that you not only get quality workmanship, but also have a safe job site and a clean, threat-free home environment after the project ends.
Conclusion:
The answers to these questions matter. But the manner in which you are given the answers also matters. A qualified, trustworthy roofer will initiate this conversation and provide well-thought-through, concise answers along with proof in the form of documentation. They’re not scared of questions. They know that a well-educated client equals a confident client.
Taking your time to do this due diligence is the best way to make sure your roofing project, whatever that may look like for you, is done properly and protects your home for many years.
