A good roof does more than just protect your home from harsh weather elements; it also plays a vital role in the security and safety of your home. When it has served its time, and you need to replace it or just want to install new roofing, you’ll want to hire a skilled contractor to do the job.
However, finding the right roofing contractor is easier said than done. Assessing their range and quality of roofing services requires insights into how they operate. You can get these insights by asking the right questions.
The questions you ask your contractor should be strategic, professional, and non-intrusive. Here is an overview of what to ask a roofing contractor before hiring them.
12 Insightful Questions to Ask
The following questions will help you evaluate your roofing contractor’s quality of products and services:
- Are You Licensed and Insured?
Licensing is an essential requirement for every professional roofing contractor in Florida. It shows that they have passed a knowledge test that includes information on building codes and best practices. It also proves that they are certified by the relevant authorities to install your roof. Insurance is also vital to help protect you, the homeowner, against financial losses in case of accidents – the roofing contractor’s insurer will pay for damages caused to your property during the roofing project.
- How Long Have You Been in Business?
Training only goes so far. Experience helps sharpen a roofing contractor’s skills. For example, not all roofing contractors are trained in the most recent roofing techniques – they can only learn by being in the field or working with certain products. It is prudent to hire a roofing contractor with several years of experience.
- Have You Worked on Roofs Like Mine Before?
Roofs come in different styles and designs. Some roofing designs are more modern and complex than others, which may be beyond some roofing contractors’ skills and expertise. If your roof is a little more complex, it would be beneficial to check whether your roofing contractor is familiar with your particular roofing design – you can even ask them to show you examples of similar roofs that they have worked on in the past.
- When Can You Schedule My Roofing Project?
Some roofing projects, such as repairs and replacements, are urgent. However, some roofing contractors may have long waiting lists, in fact, the best ones do. Do not hesitate to ask the contractor how soon they can schedule the project. It’s imperative for there to be good communication between you if they are to work on your project. Having realistic expectations from the beginning is a great place to start. Some seasons are incredibly busy for roofing companies. Because of this, it is always advisable to begin your search for a contractor well before the project must be completed.
- How Long Will My Roofing Project Take?
Roofing projects can be disruptive; some may even require you to vacate some rooms or the whole house. Waiting for roof installation before moving into a new home can feel like it takes ages. Some roofing contractors work faster than others, and you are justified in asking for an accurate estimate of how long the project will take.
- How Will You Ensure Everyone’s Safety?
Roofing projects can be dangerous. For example, the roofers working on the roof are at risk of falling, while the people below are at risk of getting hit by falling objects. Standard safety equipment will include harnesses and helmets. Your roofing contractor should have a reliable plan for protecting everyone on the site. They may ask you to use specific entrances temporarily so that they can ensure your safety from falling debris.
- How Will You Protect My Property?
Besides the people on the site, roofing projects also pose dangers to inanimate objects, such as vehicles and lawn furniture. Falling debris could damage anything in proximity, and the losses could be significant. Your roofing contractor should also have a reliable plan for protecting your property – they should also be insured and bonded in case you need to file an insurance claim.
- Do You Offer Workmanship and Product Warranties?
A workmanship warranty is a guarantee the contractor will fix or compensate for roofing problems resulting from their mistakes. In contrast, a product warranty guarantees the roofing products’ quality and durability. Check whether your roofing contractor offers these warranties and how long they last.
- Can You Inspect My Attic for Ventilation and Insulation Issues?
Insulation and ventilation problems in your attic can make your home uncomfortable, especially during summers and winters when heat transfer is at its peak. Insulation problems can inflate energy bills substantially. Ventilation issues can adversely affect your roofing system’s functionality and indoor air quality. Fortunately, most roofing contractors can check your attic for ventilation and insulation issues and perform the necessary maintenance and repairs – ask whether your roofing contractor can do this.
- Can You Help Me Take Advantage of Roofing and Energy Tax Credits or Rebates on Utilities?
Homeowners can claim roofing, energy tax credits, and utility rebates for select roofing projects. For example, some projects that involve installing insulation solutions qualify for energy tax credits. You can ask a roofing contractor whether you are eligible for these credits and rebates and how they can help you claim them.
- Are You Trained and Certified by Roofing Manufacturers?
Roofing manufacturers usually select the most knowledgeable roofing contractors in an area and train them on the best practices for using their particular roofing materials. They also certify them to represent them as agents. Suppose a roofing contractor is certified in certain materials. In that case, you know that they have had additional training by the manufacturer to install that roofing material so that it can reach its expected lifespan on your roof!
- Do You Offer Financing?
Roofing projects can come at inopportune times. Fortunately, some roofing contractors offer financing solutions, such as loans, payments by installments, and discounts on roofing products and services. You can check whether your roofing contractor provides financing solutions if you need financial help.
Hire the Best Roofing Contractor
These 12 questions will help you assess your roofing contractor’s competence and reliability. However, you don’t have to vet multiple roofing contractors – Westfall Roofing is one of the best in West Central Florida, and we can offer customized roofing services to suit your unique needs. Get in touch today to learn more about our services.
