How much experience does the roofer have?
It’s important to hire a roofing company that has been doing business for years and employs highly-trained workers who know how to complete proper roof inspections and repairs. Companies with more experience will be in a better position to complete the job fast and without making mistakes, which saves time and money on your end. Roofing issues can be very costly if not caught early, so it’s best to have an experienced professional take a look and provide you with your best options.
How big is their team?
The bigger the team at your roofing company, the better chance you’ll have that someone will be available when you need them. More importantly, getting a company with a bigger team means they can do larger jobs faster. That means your roofing project will be finished sooner which saves you time and money on the installation or repair process.
Do they have experience with different roofing systems?
When hiring someone to install your new roof or repair any damages, it’s important to know that your contractor has worked with your type of roof and that they have the expertise needed to get the job done properly. Ask them for examples of similar work they’ve done in the past and ask about any roof problems they may have had working on your specific type of roofing so you can know what to expect.
Types of Roofing Systems
When getting roofing services, you’ll need to decide what type of roofing system you need. There are a few different options that have different benefits depending on the region and type of building.
Types of roofs include:
- Metal roofing
- Asphalt shingle
- Clay tile
- EPDM rubber
- Slate
- Wood shake or wood composite shingle
Each roofing system has its own pros and cons. Some are more energy efficient than others, while some have a longer lifespan or lower cost, so choosing the one that fits your needs and budget is important for getting the most value. Asphalt shingles are probably going to be the most popular choice because they’re affordable and have a long life span, but there are other options available.
Does the company have insurance?
Finding a roofing company that has liability insurance coverage is important because you usually won’t be the one to foot the bill in the event that they make a mistake, are injured on your property, or cause any damages to your roof. This insurance will also offer you peace of mind by protecting you and your property in case of any accidents on the job site.
How quickly can they get started?
There is no time for delays when it comes to repairing storm damage on a residential or commercial roof. If you need someone to work on your roof quickly before any more damage is done, finding a company that will be able to start right away should be a priority. Giving them a call ahead of time can help you know what to expect in terms of availability so you don’t waste any time waiting for leak repairs.
A good contractor should give fast estimates and start repairing your roof right away if necessary. Waiting around weeks or months for them to finally complete the work could get costly if your roof is already showing signs of damage.
Are there warranties on materials and labor?
One key part of having a quality roofing experience is the labor and materials warranty. Be sure to ask about what the warranty includes because many contractors only provide 1-year limited warranties or none at all. It would be best to find a warranty that lasts for 10 years or more like the warranty coverage provided by Owens Corning Platinum and Preferred Contractors.
Do they offer free estimates?
One thing people often ask when getting quotes is if there are any hidden costs or fees involved. There may not always be extra charges, but it’s important to know how much they are going to charge you for each part of the work. A free estimate will give you an idea if they’re charging a fair price for the services before making a decision on hiring them.
How much will a roof replacement cost?
The cost of roofing services will vary depending on the type of roof you’re getting installed or repaired, the square footage and complexity of the roof, the roofers’ qualifications, and how far the roofing company has to travel to the job site. It’s difficult to give an estimate of how much it will cost to have your roof fixed without an onsite visit, but what’s important is that you pick a company that is known to do great work.
Consider not only the price of roofing materials but also the labor cost. Professional roofers who have a lot of experience will be able to complete the work faster and with better results than those without as much experience. Great work and materials might cost more up front, but could save time and money in the long run.
Is financing available?
Paying for a roof out of pocket can be difficult. Many roofing companies offer financing, but some smaller roofers don’t offer them. It’s important to ask how quickly you can be approved if you’re looking to get your roof repaired quickly. If you can’t get financing from your roofing company, you can still apply for financing from a bank or online lender.
Do they use subcontractors?
It’s better to find someone who is willing and able to complete your job with their own crew instead of using subcontractors. Subcontractors will often charge less, but they may not have the same experience or work as quickly. Some companies will use subcontractors because it’s cheaper and easier for them, but there are more chances for mistakes to happen with lower standards of quality.
Are they available for emergency services?
Having good customer service doesn’t end with normal business hours. A reliable roofing contractor should provide 24/7 emergency service, preferably by phone so it’ll be easier to reach them when needed. You don’t want to be stuck waiting for someone to show up when your roof leaks in the middle of the night, so make sure you know what options are available before choosing a contractor.
How can I reach them?
If you want to contact your contractor about anything, it’s important that they’re available when needed. Having an answering service or automated message is not ideal when trying to call for help. When getting estimates from roofing contractors, make sure you ask what their office hours are and how many days out of the week they are usually available so you know if you’ll be able to easily reach them with any questions or concerns about your project.
Being able to speak with someone who knows exactly what is going on with your work will help keep the job on track without delays. Knowing this ahead of time is going to be important for keeping your roof project on schedule.
Next Steps
Supply all of these questions to each contractor that gives an estimate and then compare their services based on not only price but also quality.
Roofing takes a lot of knowledge on what works best for different buildings by region and local weather conditions, so if the cost is similar among companies it’s often better to go with someone who knows more rather than paying less for lower quality labor.
Choose your roofing company based on the overall value of their services rather than just the price tag. Cheap can be expensive when it comes to roofing. Hiring an inexperienced crew could end up costing you more in the long run with water damage or unnecessary repairs.