5 Must-Ask Questions For A Roofing Contractor

A roof protects a home in several ways. Not only does it keep out wind and rain, but it also helps to regulate the indoor temperature. Vents in the roof allow hot air to escape to the outdoors, and modern roofing materials do a good job of reflecting the heat of the sun. When a roof is compromised due to storm damage or age, the whole house can suffer. 

That’s why it’s important to hire a roofing contractor who will do top-quality work when repairing or replacing a roof. In most communities, there are local, nearby, and even traveling roofers to choose from, and it’s a good idea to interview a few before making a decision. The following are the top five most important questions to ask before hiring a roofing contractor. 

1. Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?

Unlicensed roofers may offer to do roofing work at a lower cost, but hiring an unlicensed contractor is risky. While licensing requirements vary by state, a roofing license signifies a certain level of experience and expertise as well as familiarity with building codes. For example, a roofing contractor in Cullman must already hold a business or occupational contractor’s license in Alabama. 

In many states, the licensing process includes a surety bond that protects the consumer if the contractor doesn’t do the work as promised. A bond covers such circumstances as incomplete work or unpaid invoices to subcontractors or material providers. A bond can also cover poor work.

A roofing contractor needs two types of insurance: liability and workers’ compensation. Liability insurance covers damage to the customer’s property as well as injuries to non-workers. Workers’ compensation covers injuries to workers on the job. The roofer’s insurance protects customers from liability in these circumstances.

2. How much experience do you have?

Roofing is a skill gained through experience, so it’s important to learn how much and what kind of experience the contractor and workers bring to the job. The first question to ask is simply, “How many years have you been in business?” A company that has been around for more than a few years has probably developed a good reputation. 

Not only do you need to know something about the history of the business, but you also need to find out about the workers themselves. Does the roofing company use mainly its own employees or subcontractors? How much experience and what kind of training do the workers have?

In addition, the type of experience matters, especially for homeowners who have or want to install a new or less-common roof type. For example, it’s easy to find roofing contractors who have plenty of experience installing asphalt shingles. A customer with a tile roof, however, may have a harder time finding someone with experience installing clay or concrete tiles.

3. How will you protect my property?

Before hiring a roofing contractor to do roof repair or replacement, homeowners need to understand exactly how the work will impact their property. Good roofers will have a plan to ensure that ladders, materials, dumpsters, and other equipment will not interfere with the landscaping. For instance, many roofers use tarps to protect plants and grass from falling debris.

Repairing or replacing a roof generates a lot of trash, which often includes nails and other sharp objects. When interviewing a roofing contractor, homeowners should make sure to ask about the clean-up process. The best roofers not only clean up visible debris, but they also sweep the area with a magnet to collect nails and other bits of metal. Homeowners should consider cutting their grass the day before a roofing job begins so that trash and debris will be easy to find.

4. How long will the job take?

Most roofers can easily predict how long a job will take under optimal conditions. However, homeowners should ask about both best-case and worst-case scenarios. For example, what happens if bad weather suddenly interrupts the job? What happens if an employee leaves? A good roofer will have contingency plans, and some roofers will include a guarantee in the contract that a job will be completed no later than a certain date.

Another question to ask is whether the roofing company will do all of the work. If not, the job may last longer than predicted. For instance, if a skylight or chimney siding needs replacing, will the contractor do the work? In some cases, a roofer will arrange for a siding company or glass company to do such jobs after the roofer’s work is complete. 

5. Do you guarantee your work?

Good contractors will guarantee their work. Homeowners should expect two warranties: one from the manufacturer of the roofing materials and one from the contractor. A manufacturer’s warranty guarantees that materials are not defective and will last for their normal lifespan. It doesn’t cover roof failure due to poor installation, however.

Contractors’ warranties vary widely from business to business, so it’s important to ask what the warranty covers. Most roofers guarantee their work for anywhere from five to ten years, but roofs can last much longer than that. For an extra fee, customers can usually obtain an extended warranty for twenty years or more.

Other Considerations

There are a couple of other points to consider when hiring a roofing contractor. For one thing, there are some benefits to hiring a local roofer rather than a traveling company. Experienced local roofers are familiar with building codes, they have a reputation to uphold, and they understand the local climate. They’re also easier to contact if there is a problem with the roof after a repair or roof replacement is finished.

In addition, consider the range of services the roofing contractor provides. Some companies only do roofing and outsource other work, such as repairs to gutters and siding. Some roofers offer more comprehensive services, including weatherproofing, roof cleaning, siding and window installation, and gutter repair. 

Final Thoughts

Hiring a roofing contractor is not a task to take lightly. Before hiring someone, homeowners should get several estimates from roofing contractors who make a visual inspection. An inspection should include a tour of the roof itself and the attic space inside the house. Roofers should also ask about the homeowners’ preferences and needs before offering a quote. Finding the right roofer can take a little time, but the effort is worthwhile.