Your roof is a major part of your home and an important factor in keeping your family dry, safe, and comfortable. When the time comes that you need to have repairs or a replacement done, you’ll want to make sure you can rely on the contractor you’re hiring for your roofing job. A reliable contractor can do any roofing job correctly and fairly, prioritizing your needs all throughout.
While we know the importance of choosing the right roofer, we also acknowledge that finding the most suitable one for your project can be overwhelming. You have a lot of questions to ask, and you might even get conflicting answers from the different contractors you speak to. With that in mind, it’s crucial to cut right to the heart of the matter and understand the most important things you should look for when selecting your roofing contractor.
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Necessary Licenses
Regardless of how much your roofer is charging you or how knowledgeable they may seem about the various types of roof work, the first thing you should be confirmed is whether or not they are licensed by your state. Proper state licensing is important because it solidifies the fact that a contractor is equipped and qualified to perform different roofing jobs on your home. You can easily verify this by asking for a copy of their license up front or by calling your city office and checking their licensing number. A licensed contractor is fully equipped to deliver results up to the standards of the state and can even help you get ahold of building permits without hassle.
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Years of Experience
The whole reason for hiring a roofing contractor rather than repairing or replacing the roof yourself is to ensure quality workmanship. When you hire a roofer with many years of experience, chances are good that they will have performed the job before and know the necessary steps to ensure successful work. The opposite should be expected when dealing with amateur roofers. Because their current skills are limited and they have not worked on many roofs before, they might fail to deliver the results they promised, basically putting your hard-earned remodeling dollars to waste. When taking years of experience into consideration, go with a roofer with as many as possible.
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Insurance Coverage
Whenever you’re having work done on your roof, it’s paramount that the contractor you hire has adequate insurance coverage. This should include coverage on both general liability policies for damage to your property, as well as worker’s compensation coverage that will cover possible medical costs if someone is injured while on the job.
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Quality Products
Take the time to review the quality of products offered by your contractor. For instance, a roofer who offers products from some of the leading manufacturers nationwide, such as GAF®, can ensure outstanding roofing performance for your home. Keep in mind that not all roofers have the privilege to offer industry-leading products; only manufacturer-certified contractors can. If you’re interested in asphalt shingles, for instance, make sure you’re only getting the best of the best by hiring a GAF Master Elite contractor—only 3% of all roofers in the United States have achieved this exclusive designation to date.
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Generous Warranty Terms
If a contractor is confident that they can provide top-quality work, they will be comfortable standing behind their work with strong warranties. A roofer who offers both product warranties and craftsmanship guarantees should be your top choice because they provide protection against both material or workmanship defects, depending on your roof’s condition. Contractors who cannot promise 100% peace of mind and who are not willing to come back and fix the issues should not get your business.
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Referrals
Word-of-mouth referrals are still the most reliable forms of information regarding a roofing company. Ask your friends, family members, and neighbors for recommendations. If you have a company in mind, you can talk to their previous clients to get first-hand information about the quality of their products and services. Previous clients are typically more candid and honest about their experiences with a roofing company than any other people. A company can say whatever they want about themselves, so be sure to look for credible references to consult.
When your roofing system experiences recurring issues, the best solution is to find a good contractor to fix the problems. You need to be careful in making a decision, though. Before signing any contract, be sure that the roofer can provide superior products, workmanship, and support that you need.
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Author Bio:
Neil Cagle is the founder and current president of All American Roofing. He was teaching business when he started his own small re-roofing company during the summer of 1981 and he promptly stopped teaching when his accountant informed him he was making more money in his own company. Today, All American Roofing has grown to become one of the top roofing companies in America. For updates from Neil, check out the company blog!
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