Roofs play an important role in protecting a home, but their position at the top of the house leaves them constantly exposed to the elements. This can lead to major problems for the roof itself that can impact the entire home if not corrected quickly and effectively.
Roofing requires specialist knowledge, so homeowners who are experiencing problems with their roof or seeking a replacement need to hire a roofing contractor to ensure the work is carried out safely and correctly. Unfortunately, not all roofing contractors are created equally.
Roofing work can be quite expensive, so homeowners need to weigh their options carefully. Here is some advice on how to choose the right roofing contractor.
Ask For Recommendations
The first step is compiling a list of potential roofing contractors that can be narrowed down, so ask around for recommendations. Neighbors who have recently had roofing work done are an excellent source, as are family and friends who live in the area.
Even if they would not recommend the contractor they used, this can help to eliminate prospects from the list. Homeowners’ associations may also be able to provide recommendations.
Homeowners should get bids from several roofing contractors before making their decision, so aim for at least five preliminary recommendations.
Check Their Qualifications
Roofing is a job that poses a lot of risks to those carrying out the work, and improper roofing can put the home’s structure and inhabitants at risk. Therefore, it is important to take the time to check the qualifications of the roofing contractors you are considering. This is particularly important if a roofing contractor has contacted you unsolicited following a storm with a low bid for work.
First, the roofing contractor you work with must be licensed in your area. This can be verified by visiting the website of the National Association of State Contractors Licensing Agencies. There is a listing for each state where homeowners can search for contractors by name.
They also need to be insured, and it is worth asking them what type of coverage they have and if it is current; this can be verified with their insurance company if there are any doubts. They should also be bonded, which means a bonding company has placed money in an account where it will be available to consumers if they need to file a claim against the roofer.
Be sure to ask the roofers you are considering to provide you with references, and make a point of contacting them to find out whether they were happy with the work. Be wary of contractors who are unwilling to provide references.
Few roofers will provide the contact information of someone who was unhappy with their work, so be creative and ask if anything unexpected arose during the job and how this was handled and communicated to the homeowner.
You should also conduct some of your own research online to get more opinions about the roofer’s work. Keep in mind that a particularly unhappy customer is more likely to post about a negative experience online, and you may also encounter some glowing reviews that come from the business itself or their associates to enhance their reputation.
Therefore, it is best to eliminate extreme outliers when making your assessment of online opinions and instead look at the overall trend and any common praises or complaints that arise repeatedly.
Find Out What Services They Offer
Some roofing contractors specialize in one particular area, such as inspections or replacements, while others offer a broader menu of services. If you anticipate having significant roofing needs in the future, it is best to go with a full-service contractor and establish a relationship with them. This is less important for one-off repairs for homeowners who plan to move soon or have a relatively new roof that is unlikely to encounter issues.
Some of the services to look for include roof repair and replacement, roof inspections, infrared scans for leaks, debris removal, roof weatherproofing, insulation and ventilation installation, and cleaning.
Choose a contractor with experience in the type of project at hand and the type of material involved. While most roofers can repair and install asphalt shingles, some may not have experience with materials such as natural slate or clay tiles. More unusual choices such as green roofing material or solar shingles often require specialist roofing contractors.
Important Questions to Ask
There are a few questions you should ask potential roofing contractors beyond the points mentioned above. These include:
- When can you start?
- How long will the job take?
- Will you provide a written estimate?
- What payment methods do you accept?
- Is the work covered by a manufacturer’s warranty?
- What happens in the case of inclement weather?
- Will you take care of disposing of old roofing materials?
- How much experience do you have with my roofing material?
Discuss Your Project With The Northern Virginia Roofing Contractors
If you are looking for professional residential roofing contractors for your installation or replacement project, get in touch with Adelphia Exteriors today to request a free roof evaluation. Reach out to them online or over the phone at (703) 386-7357.