What Questions Should You Ask Before Hiring A Roofing Contractor

Ask the Right Questions When Choosing a Roofing Contractor

Your home is one of your most significant investments, and your roof is a critical component. Whether you're getting minor repairs or a new roof, who you hire to do the work will determine the quality of your roof and how well it holds up over time. Proper installation will determine how well your roof will protect your home in extreme weather and is necessary to get the manufacturer's warranty. That means choosing the right roofing contractor is crucial!

In this post, we'll cover the questions to ask when vetting a roofing contractor to help you make the best choice for your project.

Key Questions to Consider When Evaluating A Roofing Contractor

Before hiring any roofing contractor for such an important project, you should ask some specific questions to make sure they are qualified, experienced, and the best choice for you. You need to ask about their business, experience, where they're located, what type of warranty they offer, and more.

Start with some basic questions about the business like these:

1. Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?

The first question to ask any roofing contractor is if they are licensed, bonded, and insured. Ask to see physical copies of each. Any legitimate roofing contractor will be more than happy to show you their paperwork. Each state is different. Research local codes and check to ensure that anyone you hire has all the appropriate permits and paperwork.

2. How long have you been in business?

A roof replacement is an investment. Before you invest, you need to ask your contractor how long they have been in business in your local area. If you choose a newer company, chances are their prices will be much lower. This can be problematic and indicate they don't know how to price jobs to have retained earnings to get them through the winter months. That's when a newer company will shut down. Choose a roofing contractor that is established and has a strong local history.

3. Can you provide references?

Getting references is a crucial step in the vetting process. Ask every contractor that goes to bid to provide you with references from jobs completed in the last six months. A reputable contractor will provide references when you ask. Talk to their past clients and verify that they gave you honest answers to the questions in this article. If they hesitate or refuse to provide references, walk away.

Once they have answered these basic business questions, ask them some specific questions about their process, like:

4. Will you remove my old roof and reapply the underlayment?

To cut costs, some roofers will suggest covering your old shingles. Those shingles might not be adequately attached. This can cause premature failure of the new roof and may void the manufacturer's warranty. 

5. Will you replace the old flashing and drip metal?

Flashing and drip metal are strips that help keep water from getting under the shingles near the roof's edges and near items like walls, chimneys, and valleys. Some contractors will use the old flashing and drip edges to cut costs. Reused drip edges and flashing can leave your home vulnerable to water intrusion. For optimal performance, these items should be replaced with your new roof.

6. Do you use a complete, matching system of roofing components?

Your roof is more than just shingles nailed to plywood. Your roof is a complete system of components that includes underlayment, ice and water protection, hip and ridge shingles, starter strips, flashing, shingles, vents, and drip edges. These components are all designed to work together. Don't mix and match to lower the costs. While you might save money upfront, it could complicate the installation and trigger costly repairs in the future.

7. What is the re-roofing process?

Ideally, any legitimate roofing contractor will be happy to explain the entire process for a re-roofing project clearly in a way you can understand. You may not know what your job should entail, but you will see if you can understand your contractor and if their responses are reasonable.

Lastly, finish with some questions about weather, payment, and warranty coverage.

8. What will the weather be like when you install the shingles?

Roofing is a fair-weather job, but sometimes Mother Nature doesn't cooperate. If your installation happens on a cold grey day, make sure your contractor uses recommended cold weather practices. This means using spot adhesives to secure shingles until proper bonding can happen. A spot seal down will ensure the roof stays down until the sun can do its job!

9. How is payment handled?

Before you engage any contractor, know and understand their payment schedule and accepted forms of payment. Most will ask for a deposit up-front. Avoid contractors who ask for a large up-front deposit. Use a traceable method to pay, ideally through a credit card. This is a good option because you may be able to get your money back if the roofer fails to start or complete the work.

10. What is your warranty?

Roof warranties are there to protect your investment. You'll typically have two - a manufacturer warranty on the materials and a contractor's warranty. Ask your contractor what kind of warranty they offer. It can be anywhere from one or two years, to 10 years, 25 years, or even a lifetime. Make sure you ask for and receive a warranty in writing.

11. If there is a problem, who do I speak with?

No matter how good your contractor is, there's always a chance an unexpected problem will come up. It's important to know who you can call if there is a problem. Find out if there is a project manager or if you can deal with the owner directly. Ask for the person's contact information, including email and phone. If you can't get any contact information, consider a different contractor.

Your home is a major investment. Your roof is critical to your home's structural integrity and your family's safety. Always properly vet any potential contractors before signing a contract. These are just some key questions to ask when interviewing potential roofing contractors. When it comes to your home and home improvement, it always pays to educate yourself before any project.

Don’t trust your new roof to just any contractor! We are your neighbors! If you live in Waseca, Freeborn, or the neighboring Counties in Southern Minnesota, then call Rooftop Solutions at (507) 400-7663. We have over 50+ Five-Star Google Reviews and are not your typical fly-by-night contractor. We are always happy to answer all your roofing questions – including the ones in this article.