Tips for Hiring a Roofing Contractor

Roofs bear the brunt of mother nature’s fury, from hurricane force winds and rain to snow, ice and freezing temperatures. An improperly installed or repaired system may not be able to withstand violent conditions. A small hole, crack or weak spot frequently progresses to an expensive repair.  Professional residential and commercial roof contractors can diagnose potential issues before they become costly problems.

Choosing the right contractor can be difficult. Here are a few tips to help narrow your search.

• Local reputation and location. Five years is the typical warranty period. However, the warranty is only useful if the organization that installed it is still in business. Unfamiliar companies that do the work then go out of business or disappear likely do not have either of those things.
• Insurance is essential. A residential specialist should have worker’s compensation and liability insurance, just as a commercial roof organization has.
• Price isn’t the main priority. It may be common for people to pick up roofing as a weekend job. They work out of their truck and can offer the lowest price in the area. However, this doesn’t mean that the job will be high quality. Problems that arise from sub-standard work can be expensive and inconvenient. Professional contractors guarantee their work.
• Beware of canvassers. These are the people that come to your door and try to get roofing jobs. They can use scare tactics and high-pressure sales to ensure homeowners may feel required to sign an intent letter to make sure their roof is safe.

Good communication is crucial to working with a contractor. Ask every question you can before work even begins. Reputable commercial roof companies will return your calls, answer your questions and provide detailed job documentation.  A healthy roof that receives consistent maintenance can help homeowners protect the content of the home and save thousands of dollars over its lifespan.