Roof repairs and installations don’t come cheap. It’s a big investment that you want to take your time on—that means choosing the right roofing contractor. With a wide range of options in your area, how can you choose the right one? Do you even need to hire a contractor in the first place?
When Do You Need A Roofing Contractor?
There are several tells why you probably need a roofing contractor. Some are pretty obvious like a large leak and others are subtle issues that build up over time.
Left unchecked, these issues can cause major damage down the line. So, call in a professional after considering the following:
Roof Age: Roofs work until they don’t. This typically happens around the 20-year mark. If your roof is about this age and you see visible damage. It’s best to call professionals.
Cracked Shingles: Your roof is one of the first lines of defense against the elements. Throughout the year, this causes wear and tear. Shingles could fall out or get cracked.
New Skylight: If you see a new skylight peaking through from your roof that you didn’t install, you probably have holes or punctures. This causes leaks, moisture, and mold.
Buckling Shingles: If you need a clear sign to invest in a new roof, buckling or curled shingles may be it. This will eventually lead to the shingles falling off with continued exposure to the elements.
Roof Valleys: These are V-shaped channels that drain runoff water. Continued exposure to elements causes this to degrade over time. You might also see water trapped under shingles overlaid to create the valleys.
Choosing A Roofing Contractor: 10 Tips And Hints
As a rule of thumb, seeing visible roof damage or leaks should be enough to call a contractor. But before dialing the nearest one, here are some things you need to look out for:
Company or Independent Contractor?
You can either go for a company or an independent contractor to do your roof repairs or installation. Both can do a good job. However, one may be a better fit for your specific issue.
If you need roof repairs with minimal damage, you can go for independent contractors. If it’s a quick fix a contractor will do just fine.
Meanwhile, going for a roofing company might be more pricey but you can get good deals, faster completion times, and a warranty for the parts used.
There are different types of roofing material to account for. An independent contractor might ask you to buy these materials yourself. Companies would probably include it in the quote.
Always Ask For Paperwork
Get everything in writing—even for the smallest of quotes. This helps both parties avoid hidden costs and issues along the way. Make sure the quote includes pricing estimates, insurance, and timelines.
When concerns do happen, you and the contractors can just reference the written quote. Pricing does change depending on certain factors but at least you get an estimate.
Check Reviews And Ask For References
Most contractors will probably have a website, a Google My Business page, or a social page where they promote their services. You can find reviews from previous customers on any one of these pages.
Ask Roofers To Visit Your Site Before Committing
Local contractors are likely to offer free site visits to give you a more accurate quote. Before committing to their services, make sure to schedule a site visit first.
You get the added benefit of the contractors getting an up close and personal look at your roofing concerns. There could be underlying issues that you might’ve missed.
Don’t Base Your Decisions Solely On Price
Don’t avoid higher-priced contractors. At the same time, don’t immediately go for the cheapest one, especially for bigger projects like full roof replacements.
Going for the cheapest contractor can lead to poor outputs. There will be cases where a contractor outbids their competitor by lowering prices. This usually means lowering the material quality as well.
If you’re unsure, check the average prices in your area. Another quick tip is to check the reviews online and see if there are any concerning issues that pop up.
Check Their Licenses
Some states like Texas don’t require roofing contractors to be licensed. However, a lot of the states do.
If you live in a state that doesn’t require contractors to be licensed, ask your contractors for reviews, testimonials, or references—anything that can prove their experience and skill.
Also, ask about liability insurance to protect everyone involved in the off-chance of an accident. Without the proper documentation, both you and the contractors can be at risk.
Ask About Clean Up
Roof repairs or replacements cause debris like nails and asphalt to be scattered. This can be dangerous for both your family and the workers. Make sure your contractor has a cleanup strategy every day, not just for when the job is finished.
Request A Timeline
Even if it’s two days or two weeks, an outline for a timeline is essential so both parties have clear expectations. As mentioned earlier, timelines should be included in the written quote.
Talk to your contractor about milestones they need to achieve, estimates on when the project can be completed, and the necessary preparations before repairs or new roof installations.
Get Clear On What Happens If You’re Not Satisfied
There will be cases where you won’t like the output. If the repairs or installations aren’t up to your expectations, ask how the company or contractor will handle this.
Doing so before committing to hiring contractors can help save countless hours on the phone trying to reach a representative.
Ask What Happens If They Find Something Beyond Scope
Additional repairs beyond the scope of your written quote are common in roof repairs. For example, an area of your roof might have leaks due to water pooling at one point. This could’ve caused other moisture issues that need to be repaired. Ask your contractors how they’d handle such concerns so you’d be prepared for additional costs.
Key Takeaways
Roof repairs or new roof installations need to be done by the right professionals. So, if you’re in the market for a new roofing contractor, consider the following:
- Roofs close to 20 years old are more susceptible to damage.
- Identify the scale of your roofing concerns to figure out if you need a contractor or a roofing company.
- Always ask for a written quote that covers everything from timelines to price estimates and insurance.
If you have more roofing concerns about repairs and restorations, look no further than Fahey Roofing. Contact us today!