Your roofing contractor should be a trusted source of information and assistance you can rely on to care for your roof. A roof is one of the most essential components of your home; it provides protection from the elements, adds to the strength and structure of your home, and helps to regulate temperatures in your home year-round.
A roof is subject to wear and tear from the sun, wind, rain, and other natural elements daily. While roofing materials are meant to take a beating from Mother Nature’s onslaught, they will begin to weaken and break down over time. Regular repair and maintenance of your roof will be necessary in order to keep your structure stable and performing as intended for you.
Hiring the Right Roofing Contractor
Caring for a roof is a long-term responsibility. Having a good relationship with a trusted roofing contractor can make all the difference when it comes to improving your roof’s efficiency and saving money on maintenance and repairs. How do you slog through the hundreds of contractors to find the right person for your roof repair or replacement? Knowing what to ask will be a key part of determining whether someone is right for you and your unique needs. Here are some important questions to ask about roofing work. Get your answers to these questions, and you’ll be on the right track to protecting your roof and property.
Question 1: Are You Licensed?
Most states require roofing contractors to register and be in compliance with state and local roofing codes. In order to be granted a license, a roofing contractor must pass certain proficiencies and quality checks to be deemed worthy of a license. A contractor that hesitates to answer this question is likely not providing the proper documentation or information needed to be in compliance with licensing. Finding a contractor who works hard to maintain proper licensure will be more of a guarantee for you that acceptable work will be done on your roof.
Question 2: Do You Have Insurance?
Insurance is needed to protect you, your property, and even the contractor and other roofing professionals from harm or financial liability if work doesn’t go as planned. All roofing companies are required by law to carry workman’s compensation insurance, which protects both you and workers from financial responsibility if someone were to be harmed on your property. General liability insurance will cover damages to your home and property as work occurs. Protect yourself and ask for proof of coverage to avoid costly mistakes that could have lasting consequences for your property and your loved ones.
Question 3: Do You Use Subcontractors?
Your roof contains much more than just shingles and nails. This complex and intricate system requires additional components such as hip and ridge shingles, proper ventilation, underlayment, waterproofing elements, and much more. Only licensed and well-trained technicians understand the intricacies of a network like this, and they should be the ones performing repair and replacement jobs on your valuable property.
Question 4: Do You Offer Warranties?
A good roofing contractor stands by their work quality, wanting to ensure that you are satisfied with a job well done. Warranties on roof work are offered by contractors as well as manufacturers who have a warranty on materials such as shingles and tiles. Take advantage of these opportunities to protect your property with a guarantee on parts and services that will ultimately save you money.
Question 5: Will You Provide Have an Estimate?
A reputable contractor will not hesitate to give you a thorough estimate of parts and labor. Understand that there is a little wiggle room in this estimate for incidental issues and the need for additional equipment, but for the most part, an estimate provided by a professional company should give you an accurate picture of what you can expect to pay for a repair or replacement.
Question 6: How Is Your Estimate Calculated?
Beware of companies wanting to do estimates over the phone and email, for this could quickly lead to disaster. Professional roofing teams need to see your actual roofline and property to get a good understanding of what they are up against. Getting up on your roof, examining its components, and making plans for repair and replacement are all necessary parts of ensuring that the job is done correctly.
Question 7: Will the Old Roof Be Removed?
Some roofing companies attempt to save time and money by leaving old roof components in place and simply stacking over them. Unless your existing roof is removed, there is no way to tell if the roof deck and underlying wood are in good condition. By failing to take this necessary step now, you may find yourself with bigger, more costly roof issues in the future. Old rooflines should always be removed, and all underlying issues should be addressed before attempting to put in new components.
Question 8: How Will You Take Care of Old Roof Materials?
The average home has almost 10,000 pounds of debris that is removed to make room for new roofs. A good contractor will supply a dumpster for all old roofing debris and be willing to move it off your property as part of your installation plan. You should not be saddled with the task of cleanup once your job is done.
Question 9: Will the Surrounding Property Be Protected?
Quality roofing jobs include some attention to protecting property. A good contractor will ensure that your driveway, pavement, gutters, deck, and landscaping don’t bear the brunt of falling debris and other damage during work. Find out what your company is prepared to do in the event that damages do occur, as this process should be transparent and easy to navigate.
Question 10: What Sets You Apart From Other Roofing Companies?
Professional roofing contractors should be able to easily answer the question about what distinguishes them from other companies. Whether it’s stellar customer service, additional maintenance and service guarantees, or the number of years in the business, being able to proudly communicate this to valued customers is what might just inspire you to start a profitable business relationship that could last for years to come.
Question 11: Do You Offer Emergency Services?
Roof repair and replacement don’t always come at the most convenient times. You might have a torrential wind and rain event in the middle of the night or on a weekend that needs immediate attention to prevent further damage to your property. In cases like these, it’s important to have a roofing contractor that is willing to get the job done at a moment’s notice. Finding a contractor that offers quality emergency repair and replacement services will be an essential part of protecting your property long-term.
Start the Right Relationship With Trusted Roofers!
At Axis Roofing, we know just how important it is to protect your roof, and we’re here to help you do just that. We provide quality services such as roofing repair, installation, weatherproof coating, maintenance plans, commercial roofing, and emergency services. Our team is on call and ready to serve you when you need it most. Call our trusted professionals today to see how we can protect and preserve the integrity of your roof, home, and property.
