Picking a qualified roofing contractor can be stressful. You might be dealing with a leaky or damaged roof, and then on top of that, you have to sort through all of the available roofing contractors in your area to find one who will get the job done right while still being affordable.
Here are the top 5 questions to ask potential roofing contractors before you sign on the dotted line.
Are you licensed and insured?
Most states require roofing contractors to be licensed to work. But all states are different. Make sure you research the code requirements for your area. This way, you know you’re working with a roofer who will comply with your state’s codes. Hiring a licensed contractor and making sure their license is current will give you legal recourse should something go wrong with the work.
A quality licensed contractor also holds workman’s compensation insurance and general liability insurance. Workman’s compensation covers the employees on your property. If you hire a company that doesn’t offer its employees workman’s compensation, and someone gets injured on your property, you might find yourself paying for medical bills. General liability insurance protects your actual property. Ask to see an insurance certificate. This certificate will list your name and address as an additional insured, so if something happens on the job, you and your home are covered.
Are you going to install drip edge or edge metal when you install the new roof?
A drip edge or edge metal is a small piece of aluminum placed under the shingle that extends off the roof. It allows runoff to flow into, rather than behind, the gutters, protecting the fascia and wood on your roof. Some roofers will skip over this part of the process if you don’t specifically ask about drip edge before the job. It is essential to ask about drip edge before hiring a roofing company.
What will you do if there is inclement weather while you’re working on my roof?
When it rains, snows, or the weather turns harsh, what will the roofing contractor do to protect your roof and your home’s interior? Ask the roofing contractor upfront what their plan is for inclement weather. They should secure your roof with some plastic sheeting or tarp to ensure your roof, and the inside of your home remains dry. Also, ask what the plan is if the rainy days extend for a while. Will they come back to ensure the covering is keeping your home dry?
Will you use ladder stabilizers or standoffs to protect my gutters when you install my roof?
You may not consider it initially, but HOW the roofers access your roof is essential. You want to make sure you are thinking about the safety of your gutters. Standoffs and ladder stabilizers will keep an excess of a few hundred pounds off of your gutters, protecting your gutter system while your roof is being replaced. Ask the roofing company whether they use ladder stabilizers or standoffs, and if they don’t, ask how they plan to protect your gutters. If they don’t have an answer or refuse to say, don’t trust them to complete your roof.
What is the warranty on my new roof?
Once your new roof is installed, you want to know how long of a warranty you have. Look for a roofing contractor that provides a roof shingle warranty and a workmanship warranty. The average roof shingle warranty is 25 years. Anything less than 25 years should be questioned. The average workmanship warranty is 5-10 years, with ten years being the most current average.
Asking these questions (or more if you want to be thorough) will ensure the company you hire is reputable and capable of getting the roof done right the first time around. DK Haney Roofing is local, licensed, fully insured, and ready to handle your home roof needs, whether it is just a repair or a complete replacement. Contact us today for a free inspection and a detailed quote.