At some point your roof will require repair, maintenance, or even a complete replacement. This is especially relevant after exposure to harsh weather conditions. Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against the elements. Since installing a new roof is a significant investment, ensure you get these services from a qualified professional.
Your roof is a foundational structure of your home. If you notice any signs of issues like leaks and cracks they should be dealt with immediately. A good roofing company will help you eliminate these unwanted issues as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your property. Note that the best time to hire a roofing contractor is before you need a new one. Damage to your roof can happen anytime, so it’s best to be prepared beforehand.
Services A Roofer Offers
Roofing services vary from contractor to company. Find out from the roofers you’re interested in working with what services they offer. Some common roofing services include:
- Roof inspections that check for:
- Leaks
- Damage
- Repairs and maintenance
- Installation or replacement
- Weatherproofing
- Insulating
- Ventilating
- Shoveling (removing snow and ice dams)
- Roof cleaning (pressure washing away mildew, moss and buildup)
- Sealing, treating or painting (especially for wood or metal roofs)
- Debris removal
- Storm damage
We’ve established plenty of useful information about planning a roofing project, why it’s important to hire a local roofing contractor, red flags you should look for in contractors and all the services they should be able to provide. We address why it is important that your contractor show proof of certification and insurance and much, much more. Finding the best expert for the job can be challenging. Here, we help you in your search to hire a roofing company by discussing seven tips.
Good roofing contractors are:
Experienced Roofers
Most roofing jobs require a unique set of skills mastered through experience. When researching how to find and hire the best roofing company prioritize those with said experience.
Selecting a roofer who has handled many installation and repair jobs is the best way to guarantee quality work. Qualified contractors can save you money by completing the job in a short duration and preventing structural damage during the repair or replacement.
Licensed
The first aspect to look for when finding a roofer is a license. While having this document is not compulsory in most states, working with a qualified roofer is always advisable. Having a license proves that the contractor has all the skills and expertise needed to handle roofing jobs. With roofers who are licensed, you can rest assured that they will be able to get your roofing job done right. Licensed contractors have passed multiple tests, know the industry well, offer contracts, and have undergone formal training.
Insured
Despite roofing contractors observing safety precautions, accidents can still happen at the site. Insurance does not only protect contractors from workplace injuries but also you as a homeowner. This means that if a roofer gets injured while working on your roof, their company will be the one to provide compensation and not you. The policy can also cover damages to your home or the roofing materials.
References
For most businesses that provide a service, reputation is everything. The internet provides unbiased, third-party reviews from people who have used a business’ services in the past. 81% of consumers say they research online before they make a purchase. Before you spend money, it pays to do your homework.
By asking for references and reading online reviews, you can see for yourself if others have had a positive experience. You can ask the company if it has a list of homeowners you can call, or you can check online for information about the company’s past jobs.
Written Estimate
Get a written quote for services and write down the details of their assessment and the work they intend to do. When searching for the best residential and commercial roofing contractor, it is advisable to request price estimates. These will simplify comparing several companies and the services they offer.
Pricing should not be the sole factor in your decision for a new roofing system, and it’s crucial to weigh out the pros and cons of all your options before making a final call. Avoid settling for the cheapest deal since it may indicate that the contractor does not provide reliable services. Instead, determine the average roof repair and installation cost first to ensure you get high-quality services within your budget. Both you and your roofer should be able to arrive at an agreement in writing.
Hire A Local Roofer
Hiring a local roofing professional is beneficial for several different reasons. Local roofing companies understand local roofing laws and know the best material to use in your region. Another benefit of working with a contractor near your property is that it makes it easier to verify references by visiting sites the expert worked on before.
Ideally, choose a professional roofer who is in your general area. Doing so will ensure more timely completion of work, and having a local roofer is a must if you ever experience a roofing emergency.
Word of caution to homeowners post storm. Don’t work with “storm chasers”. Anyone who lives in an area that gets hurricanes, hail storms, or other types of natural disasters is familiar with the “storm chasers” who come knocking once the damage is done. Stick to your original plan of asking for personal recommendations and vetting companies based on reviews from satisfied customers.
The old saying “you get what you pay for” holds when it comes to hiring a roofer. The cheapest roofing company probably isn’t going to be the best one, as low-quality contractors use low costs to lure in customers. Instead, find a provider who offers outstanding work at a fair price.
It’s best to get in front of roofing projects before they compound and potentially cause further damage to your home. Hire well, and you can expect the roofer not only to get the job done on time and on budget, but also to offer valuable insight on the best materials for your house style and the climate where you live.
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With over 30 years of experience, Advanced Roofing has established itself as a leading roofing contractor in the Northshore, Greater New Orleans area, and now South Mississippi. Specializing in both commercial and residential roofing, as well as vinyl siding and rain gutter installations, our reputation for quality and reliability extends across a wide range of remodeling and repair services.
