The roof of your home or business is the first line of defense when it comes to protecting your real estate investment! Roofs are generally the single most expensive item homeowners will replace. When it comes time to install a new roofing system, it’s often hard to know which roofer to hire for the job. Homeowners should be skeptical about hiring their roofer based on price alone. When hiring a roofer, you will usually get exactly what you pay for! Hiring a roofer solely because they provided the lowest bid can result in a poor quality roof that can leak and diminish the curb appeal of your home.
Hiring a roofer can be confusing, but homeowners can be sure they are hiring the absolute best roofer for their specific roofing needs by following a few important steps.
ROOFERS WITH EXPERIENCE IN HIS SPECIFIC TYPE OF ROOFING SYSTEM
There are numerous roofing contractors in your area. However, not all roofing contractors are experienced in your specific type of roofing system. Residential roofers must be certified by GAF, CertainTeed, Owens Corning, IKO, and Atlas Roofing. A commercial roofing contractor must be an expert in all types of flat roofing and be certified with various commercial roofing manufacturers such as Carlisle Syntec, Sika Sarnafil, GAF, Versico, and MuleHide. Ask the roofing contractor you’re considering if he has experience installing the exact type of roof he wants to install. Be specific when addressing this question. For example, if you are interested in installing a metal tile roof, ask the roofer if they actually installed a metal tile roof and not just a metal roof. Roofing systems can be very different in their preparation and installation requirements. The same goes for heavy designer shingles, TPO roofs, slate roofs, tile roofs, or any other type of roof. You want to hire a roofer with hands-on experience installing the specific type of roofing system you want to install on your home or business!
KNOWN IN ROOFING CONSTRUCTION
Unfortunately, not all roofing companies are knowledgeable in roofing construction. In today’s market, the roofing industry can be lucrative and attracts people who are savvy marketers and are interested in running a profitable business, but who may not necessarily be knowledgeable in roofing construction. Be specific when hiring a roofing company and ask questions like:
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Are they up to date with current codes and building requirements?
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Are they certified with the roofing manufacturer for your specific roof?
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Have you inspected your current ventilation system?
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Did you discuss ventilation options or upgrades?
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Have you inspected your roof deck?
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Were you warned about the possibility of rotten wood not being visible?
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Do you have a gap cover that will need to be covered again?
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Will they use real starter strip and ridge?
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Do they replace all pipe jacks and roof fixtures?
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Will they remove the existing shingles and start with a clean roof deck?
THEY ARE BBB MEMBERS WITH A SOLID RATING
Be sure to contact the Better Business Bureau and make sure the roofing contractor has an A+ rating! It is crucial to work with a roofer who is committed to customer service and treating customers fairly! If the roofer you’re considering has an A+ rating with the BBB, you can be sure they’ll work hard to install a high-quality roof that meets or exceeds your expectations.
CHECK HIS WEBSITE AND PORTFOLIO
Today’s roofing contractors are well aware that the world has gone digital and consumers want to see examples of their work online! Ask if they have a website and take the time to check their credentials! A professional website will give you detailed information about the many services and qualifications the roofer possesses, as well as a portfolio that will show you various examples of their work! A roofer who does not have a website in today’s roofing industry market is not a top roofer in his area!
TESTIMONIALS AND CUSTOMER REFERENCES
Look up customer reviews online through sites like Google and Yelp! If a customer takes the time to post a review, they can be sure that the roofer they are considering will provide a quality roofing system. Go to their website and see if they have a customer testimonials section! Any reputable roofer will have an area of their website dedicated to customer reviews. Last but not least, you can always ask them for a list of previous clients that you can contact for a reference. If you’re talking to a roofer who can’t provide you with a list of customer references and doesn’t have multiple positive reviews posted online, our advice would be to find a more qualified and reputable roofing company!
NEVER PAY IN ADVANCE FOR A ROOF INSTALLATION
Every year we hear sad stories of people who have been scammed by people posing as local roofing contractors in their area. Sometimes these scammers were actually roofers who took the money and ran! If your roof is being replaced as part of an insurance claim, we never collect any money until the roof is actually installed. If your roof is being replaced as a cash estimate, then you must have a very nominal down payment that must be made to secure the contract. You never pay until the roof is installed and you are a happy customer!
FREE ROOF INSPECTIONS AND QUOTATIONS
A professional roofing contractor will be happy to provide you with a free roof inspection and make a professional recommendation on how best to address your specific roofing needs. If your roof can be repaired and still provide the protection your building needs, a reputable roofing company will always tell you that! But if a complete roof replacement is required, they should also advise you on the best solution to fit your specific needs and budget.
Installing a new roof can instantly transform your home or business and add value to your home. Don’t let just anyone tackle this important job that can drastically affect your property’s curb appeal and more importantly diminish the most important layer of protection for your property! Your roof is a critical component of your home’s structure and it is essential that you hire a roofing expert to tackle this important repair!
Always take your time and do your research when searching for venues roofing contractors to replace your roof! A little time spent will pay off in a big way to ensure you actually receive a quality roofing product installed at a fair price!