Did you know the average roof repair cost in the US sits at around $985? Jobs in certain areas can rise to as high as $1,649, or even more, should you require a full roof replacement. So how do you ensure you get the best for your money?
One way is to hire the best company possible. Read on as we discuss questions you should ask a roofing company.
1. Are You Licensed and Insured?
Licensing is extremely important when finding a roofing contractor. A certain degree of craftsmanship has to be shown to obtain the license. Contractors must also show that they are knowledgeable about up-to-date practices and have customer service skills.
When you choose people who don’t have one, you have no guarantee about how good their work will be. This could result in a poor job or one that requires extensive repairs.
Insurance is also vital. There are two types of insurance the company must have.
The first covers you in the event something is broken or damaged on your property. Without this, you may have to pay out of your own pocket.
Worker’s compensation is the second and covers any workers on the property in the event of an injury. Should they have an accident, without insurance you will be liable. Heavy legal bills may follow and you may have to pay money in medical fees and compensation to the injured party.
2. Will You Remove My Old Roof?
Certain companies may tell you one of the roofing company options available involves leaving the old roof on. This can save you time and, crucially, save you money. However, it is not recommended for several reasons.
Firstly, while it is possible to put shingles on top of old broken ones, it is not a good idea. By doing this the company doing the work can’t see the condition of the roof underneath. If there are soft spots or problems inside, they will go unnoticed and gradually get worse.
Another reason is that adding another layer can get extremely heavy. With two layers, it can bend and distort your roof structure. This can also lead to large repairs later. It will also void any manufacturer warranty.
3. Do You Have References?
When hiring a roofing company you need to know they have done quality work in the past. If they have none they can reference, then you should start asking why.
Start by looking online for reviews of their company. With so many trade websites and social media channels, you should be able to find some customer reviews. Remember that not everyone will have five stars for every job done, but you want to get a company that has four stars and above in most fields.
When you have found a company you trust, ask for their customer testimonials. They may have jobs they can show you, or provide positive comments from previous customers. From their portfolio, you should be able to assess the quality of their work.
4. Do You Offer a Warranty?
A warranty for a roof replacement will come in two parts. The first usually covers the labor. If any problems occur relating to how the job has been done, they should be covered by the company.
Ask if any areas don’t fall under the warranty and how long repairs will take. An average labor warranty should cover you for at least a year. Your second warranty is related to materials, though only certain types of roofs will come with this.
If you have a roofing company with a proven track record that you have confidence in, you may not need a warranty. If other reviews say how good their follow-up service is, then it may be better to go with them regardless.
5. Do They Offer Storm Damage Repair?
Your roof can get hit by bad weather at any time. Without repairs, moisture can get into the property, causing several issues. That is why you need a company that can work quickly to solve the problems.
Several types of storm damage can occur to your house. Wind and hail damage is the worst and can remove even tightly nailed down shingles. This opens you up to water damage, which can lead to internal property damage and the formation of mold and mildew.
Debris that comes off your roof in a storm can also cause serious damage. Loose tiles may fall to the ground, damaging windows, vehicles, and worse, you and your family.
6. Is Disposal Included in the Job?
New roofing can create a lot of waste and mess, which needs to go somewhere. When you get a quote, check to see if it includes disposal. You will need this for the old tiles, shingles, wood, and nails.
If it isn’t included, then you will need to source one yourself. Make sure it is dropped off a day before the job begins. Vehicles on the property should be removed from the immediate vicinity to make way for the container.
7. How Do You Deal With Complaints and Problems?
Even the best companies will have problems that arise from time to time. What makes them great is how they deal with them. Ask what their process for problems and complaints is and how they are resolved.
Another question to ask is what happens if changes are made. Should extra problems be unearthed during the process, how will they be dealt with?
Finding the Best Roofing Company
Now you know what to ask a roofing company, approach a few. See how they respond and pick two or three of the best. After this, you can approach them for quotes.
Resistance Exteriors should be your first stop in Wisconsin. We have roofing, siding, and gutter services to keep the elements out. Contact us here to get an estimate and let us protect your home.
