Picking a roofer can be a difficult experience. You may be handling a leaking or damaged roof, and on top of that, you have to sort through all of the different roofing companies in your area to find one who will finish the job right while still being not too expensive. Understandably, you might not be sure about what makes a roofing contractor good or reliable, especially if you’re a new property owner or have actually never needed one previously.
Here are some good questions to ask a roofer you might be considering before you sign an agreement.
1. ARE YOU A LICENSED ROOFING CONTRACTOR?
Most states need roofing contractors have to be licensed in that state in order to work; but codes and requirements will vary in between states, which means it will help you to know the code requirements for your city. This way you can be sure you’re dealing with a roofer who will comply with your state’s codes. Knowing whether they are licensed, and whether that license up to date, will give you legal recourse in case the work doesn’t turn out as promised.
2. DO YOU HAVE WORKMAN’S COMP INSURANCE?
Although it’s now required by law that roofing companies provide workman’s comp insurance coverage to their staff members, despite their number, it’s a good idea to ask anyways. Some contractors might decide to cut some corners and take their chances. However, if the injury happens on your residential or commercial property, there’s a risk that you might be held responsible for the medical expenses – which no property owner wants. Protect yourself by ensuring that the roofing professional you’re hiring has worker’s comp insurance.
3. DO YOU CARRY GENERAL LIABILITY INSURANCE?
Workman’s insurance coverage covers the roofing employees while they’re on your home, however you still need to be concerned about potential damage to your property as a result of their work. Ask to see an insurance certificate to confirm that the roofing contractor has basic liability insurance coverage, so that in case your roofing system, house is damaged and you won’t be responsible for covering the damage that somebody else caused.
4. DO YOU USE ROOFING SUBCONTRACTORS?
Some contractors will work with subcontractors to manage roof work. Ask if they use subcontractors and then get verification that they have worker’s compensation and basic liability insurance. You might likewise want to pick up lien waivers as these documents can protect you in the event that the roofer doesn’t pay the subcontractors.
5. WILL YOU REMOVE MY OLD ROOF?
It’s not unprecedented for roofers to give a quick visual inspection of your roof and make the call to shingle over it. Visual inspections will always fall short and fail to recognize issues such as soft or rotten areas; and if those problems remain, they’ll just develop larger problems for your roof in the future. The old roof should always be eliminated prior to a brand-new one is put down to ensure all issues have been attended to.
6. ARE YOU GOING TO INSTALL DRIP EDGE/EDGE METAL WHEN YOU INSTALL MY NEW ROOF?
Drip edge and edge metal are small pieces of aluminum situated under the shingle, where it extends off the roofing. This helps direct overflow into the gutters instead of behind them, safeguarding the wood and fascia of your roof. Some roofers may not default to installing this unless it’s discussed, so make certain to bring it up prior to working with a roofing company.
7. WILL YOU USE LADDER STABILIZERS OR STANDOFFS TO PROTECT THE GUTTERS DURING ROOF INSTALLATION?
Ask the roofing business whether they utilize ladder stabilizers or standoffs, and if they don’t, ask how they plan to protect your rain gutters. If they do not have an answer or refuse to state, they’re not the roofing specialist for you.
8. DO YOU BRING A CONTAINER FOR REFUSE MATERIAL?
Changing a roofing produces a lot of waste, from shingles, old plywood, nails, drip edge, etc. Whoever you work with to do your roofing job your must bring their own dumpsters to the job site to get rid of the waste material. You should not be asked to supply the dumpsters or to deal with the waste once the job is over.
9. WHAT IS YOUR PHYSICAL ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER AND ARE YOU LOCAL?
Whenever you’re preparing to work with a roofing contractor, make certain they have a physical area. Operating out of a P.O. box is generally a red flag so constantly insist on having the physical address of their business, in addition to their telephone number and the business’s full name. A good reason for knowing this information is to validate if they’re local.
Roofing professionals might travel to locations that experience tornados and strong storms to look for work. However, if the roofing company you hire isn’t local and you have issues with your roof after they’ve finished, what are you going to do? If they’re from another city or state, they might not be available to remedy any errors or issues that emerge.
10. WHAT IS THE WARRANTY ON MY NEW ROOF?
Shingles carry the very same expense as older ones do but they also last a lot longer. Consumers should anticipate to get at least 25 years out of brand-new shingles (minimum), so inquire about the length of the new roof’s warranty. Anything less than 25 years should be questioned.
11. IF YOU FIND ROTTEN ROOF OR SOFT ROOF DECKING, HOW MUCH WILL THE PLYWOOD COST?
This can wind up being among those hidden expenses that amaze property owners as some less-than-honest roofing professionals might not cover this as they discuss the agreement with you. You’ll need to know in advance how much plywood will cost you if the roofer determines it requires replacement. Request a dollar amount per plywood sheet, and you can use that number as you compare roofing contractors for the best cost savings.
12. WILL YOU HAVE SOMEONE ONSITE FOR ME TO TALK TO DURING THE WORK IF I HAVE QUESTIONS?
Imagine you get home after work one afternoon and discover that the roofing contractors have left a hole in your roofing exposed, and they’re heading to the trucks to leave. You most likely wish to know whether they’re going to cover the hole prior to heading out, but who do you talk with? It’s crucial to know who the project supervisor is before work begins so you can direct any concerns or questions to them.
13. WILL YOU PROVIDE A WRITTEN ESTIMATE?
A comprehensive estimate offered in writing is a homeowner’s buddy. Prior to signing or consenting to anything, make certain you have an in-depth price quote for the job. You’ll want to know the expense of eliminating the old roofing system, including the new roofing, products, and anything else that may turn up throughout the job. There must be no surprise expenses when the work is done.
14. WHAT WILL YOU DO IF THERE IS INCLEMENT WEATHER WHILE YOU’RE WORKING ON MY ROOF?
Roof work requires excellent weather to complete safely and on time, so when it rains, snows, or the weather condition turns sour, work gets cut short. This means the roofing contractors might have to stop midway and pick up as soon as the weather condition gets better. Ask the roofing contractor what they’ll do to secure the work, and what safety measures they take in the occasion of inclement weather condition, to guarantee that your roof, home interior, and belongings aren’t destroyed by rain, wind, or an incomplete job.
15. HOW WILL YOU PROTECT MY DRIVEWAY AND THE REST OF MY PROPERTY FROM DAMAGE THAT MIGHT OCCUR AS A RESULT OF YOUR WORK?
Roofing professionals require a lot of equipment to do their job. There will be trucks, tools, ladders, benches/tables, and dumpsters for refuse. Ask where the roofer will put these things and how they’ll work to make sure that their equipment doesn’t damage your property. Will the specialist do anything to repair or remedy any damages they cause? Will they protect the seamless gutters with stabilizers?
These are all very important questions to ask and you’ll be grateful to know before you hire a roofing company to work on your property.
