If it’s time to replace your current roof, it’s vital to find a trusted roofing contractor to complete the job properly. There are a few important questions to ask when replacing a roof. Having the roof replacement contractor address these points can help you determine their reliability, experience, and trustworthiness.
Top 10 Questions to Ask a Roofing Contractor
1. Are You Licensed and Insured?
This is one of the first questions to ask when replacing a roof. Any professional roofing company should carry both workers’ compensation and general liability insurance.
Don’t just take their word for it. Ask to see an official certification that proves they have a license and insurance. Otherwise, you could be liable if a worker is injured or if your property is damaged.
2. What Is Your Company’s Full Name and Physical Address?
You need to know the roofing company’s full name and physical address before signing any contract. Be leery of any company that only uses a post office box and can’t provide you with a physical address. This could be a sign of a scammer or unofficial company.
3. Do You Provide Written Estimates?
Before you enter into any service agreement, you must obtain a detailed, written estimate. Make sure the estimate includes all the necessary details, such as roofing materials, removal of the old roof, and disposal of debris. Keep this estimate in case there are any pricing discrepancies.
4. Do You Offer a Warranty?
Since a new roof is such a large investment, you want to ensure that it comes with a warranty. Select a roofing company that offers at least a 25-year warranty and is willing to put that in writing.
5. Do You Work With Subcontractors?
Some roofing companies hire subcontractors to handle part of the work. While this factor alone is not necessarily a negative point, you should request information about the subcontractor’s credentials. Specifically, find out which subcontractors they work with, and ask to see their proof of insurance.
6. Will You Replace the Old Roof?
Many homeowners don’t realize that some roofers simply install a new roof over the old one. Failing to remove the old roof means that problem areas, such as rotten wood, won’t be uncovered or corrected. In turn, this could lead to extensive roof damage later. Usually, it’s best to have the old roof removed before installing a new one.
7. How Will You Protect My Property?
A roof replacement requires specialized equipment, materials, and workers. These factors make this one of the most important questions to ask when replacing a roof. Ask the roofer exactly what steps the company takes to protect your property during the project.
For example, how will they protect your roof during bad weather? Will they use ladder stabilizers or standoffs to protect your gutters? How will they protect your landscaping?
8. Do You Handle Refuse Removal?
Don’t work with a company that doesn’t include debris removal in their contract. This can be a costly added expense. Both the estimate and contract should explicitly state that the roofing company is responsible for refuse removal.
9. Does Installation Include Edging or Flashing?
Edge metal and drip edge flashing fill in the gap between the edge of the shingles and the gutter to help protect the wood. While many professional roofers automatically include this feature, some do not. It’s important to ask whether edge metal and/or drip edge features will be installed and included in the pricing.
10. Who Is the Contact Person?
Don’t let your roof replacement project begin without obtaining the name and phone number of an on-site contact person. This way, if you have any roof replacement questions or a problem occurs, you can get in touch with the right person immediately.
Contact Thompson Creek to Answer All Your Roofing Questions
Our team at Thompson Creek Window Company can answer all these roof replacement questions and more. We have designed, and installed roof replacement projects throughout the Mid-Atlantic. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to request a free estimate.