Tips for Choosing the Right Roofer for Roof Repair and Inspection
Client Testimonials and Referrals
Explore client testimonials and reviews on websites like Google and Yelp! If an owner attempts to publish a review, then you can be sure that the roofing contractor you are considering will deliver superior roofing system! Check out their website and know if they have a client testimonial section!
Knowledge About Specific Roof Types
Search for roofers that are skilled in the type of work you need. You need to select a roofer with hands-on experience in setting up the specific roofing system that you need to install in your home. Discuss with the prospective roofer to confirm if they are familiar with installing your desired roofing system.
Knowledge in Roofing Construction
Unfortunately, not all roofers are knowledgeable in roofing construction. Be particular when picking a roofing company and inquire about the following:
- Are they aware of the existing codes and building needs?
- Are they licensed with the roofing manufacturer for your particular roof?
- Do they have the required knowledge about inspecting ventilation systems?
- Are they skilled in reviewing roof decking?
- Will they be taking off the current shingles and beginning with a new roof deck?
- Are they affiliated with the BB with a decent rating?
Work Portfolio on Website
Ask if they have a website and try to browse through their certifications. A professional website will provide you with full information on the various services and credentials that the company holds besides a portfolio that will divulge multiple samples of their work! A roofer lacking a website in today’s market scenario is not the greatest roofing professional in your area!
Emergency Services
You should confirm whether or not the roofing contractor offers roof repair and inspection services after business hours. Will they provide help in case your roof breaks down unexpectedly? Many people fail to consider unexpected situations, therefore it is important to ask if your roofing contractor provides emergency repairs.
TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE BEST ROOFING COMPANY
Look for Professionalism
Only work with a certified and insured roofer–the marks of professionalism. The contractor that you choose to work on your roof should licensed and have workers’ compensation and liability insurance. When you contact a roofer, ask to see their certificates and take the time to call their insurance carrier to verify enrollment. This prevents you from being held liable for any accidents that happen. Plus, it protects you should there be an issue with your roof in the future.
Choose a Local Roofer
Hiring a local roofing professional is beneficial for several different reasons. First, it makes it easier to contact them should there be a problem with your roof in the future. While a 5-year warranty on their work is great, it doesn’t do you any good if you can’t track them down at the end of that time. Also, it’s best to get annual maintenance services from a local roofing company because it’s better and easier to build a relationship with them. Read reviews to make sure that the business you choose has built up a good reputation in the community before you hire them.
Don’t Go Too High or Too Low
Never hire a roofer based on price alone. While you do want to get a good deal on the services you need, price should never be your determining factor. Cheap bids drive down the market. In the long run, you get what you pay for. Hire your contractor based on the quality of work that they do. Then you won’t be paying an arm and a leg to fix their shoddy work in the future.
Get Everything in Writing
To protect both you and the roofing company, make sure that all aspects of the job are well understood. Get a written quote for services and write down the details of their assessment and the work they intend to do. Finally, make sure that you don’t hand over the payment for their services until you’ve inspected everything yourself. By setting clear expectations, it’s easier to avoid frustrations.
Tips to Help Homeowners Choose the Right Roofing Contractor
Know your material choices. A contractor who does not offer you different shingle options is not looking out for your best interest. The style and color of the shingles you install can affect the resale value of your home. If the insurance company is paying for a new roof, it may be the perfect time to make a change and upgrade to a more unique style that suits your taste. GAF contractors can offer extensive design and color choices for your home. Check out the choices now so you’re ready. Knowledge is power.
Don’t give in to pressure. Watch out for a contractor who pressures you to sign a contract before the insurance company has estimated the damage. Some contractors say they can work with whatever your insurance company settles upon, however the homeowner needs to ensure it’s not just any amount, but the right amount. The contractor should thoroughly examine the home and check that their insurance adjuster didn’t miss any damages.
Handle your own claim. A contractor who says they are “a claim specialist” or can “handle your insurance claim” may be breaking the law. In most states, it is illegal for contractors to act on behalf of the homeowner when negotiating an insurance claim. Any contractor who opens the door to potential legal action is not acting in your best interest.
Pay your deductible. Any contractor who claims they can handle the repair without having the homeowner pay their insurance deductible is committing insurance fraud and endangering the homeowner. The insurance deductible is the responsibility of the insured, and the contractor should reflect that in the quote without inflating the estimate to cover all or part of the deductible.
Check for proper licensing and insurance. The contractor should have insurance for all employees and subcontractors and be able to provide a copy of their insurance certificate for validation. Not having adequate insurance could potentially lead to litigation between a contractor and homeowner if a roofing employee sustains an injury at the home. Most states require licensing for contractors, but that does not stop unlicensed contractors from attempting to do the roofing work. In states where licenses are required, make sure your contractor provides you with a copy of their license and confirm their status online. GAF Master Elite® Contractors must hold appropriate levels of Workers Compensation, at least $1 million worth of General Liability coverage, and have proper state licensing where they are performing the work.
tips to help you choose the best new roof for your home
Schedule an appointment with a professional.
Once you’re armed with the necessary information, it’s time to give Trinity Home Renovations a call and share the fruits of your research. Keep a folder with questions to ask and perhaps photo inspiration of roofs from magazines or the internet that you think will work best on your home.
Get to know warranties.
Roof warranties are important, but many homeowners don’t take the time to ask about them. The warranty on the materials differs from the service warranty, so you’ll want to know about each one before making a decision. Keep in mind that most roof warranties are written by manufacturers and last 20-50 years, but the service warranty depends on the policy of your roofing contractor.
Research and understand the different types of materials.
Research is probably the most important part of the roof shopping process. After all, if you leap blindly into shopping without knowing what, exactly, will suit your needs, it’s very likely that you will spend more money than you wanted to and end up with a product that lets you down. The main materials for roofs include asphalt, slate, wood and metal. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages, such as cost, durability and length of life, so be sure to read up on each. At Trinity Home Renovations we use GAF Timberline HD roofing shingles, North America’s #1 selling shingle gives you value and performance in a genuine wood-shake look.
Don’t get hung up on the color.
If you type phrases such as “picking out a roof for your home” in a typical search engine, a lot of articles will come up about the color and look of your roof. While this can be “the fun part” of giving your home a new roof, it is not the most important. The main point of a roof, after all, is protection, and you’ll want to carefully consider the materials and durability over everything else.
Consider your household lifestyle.
Before you even start roof shopping, think about the lifestyle and longevity of your home. Will you be living there for a long time, or do you plan to move, perhaps when the family grows? And what kind of climate or weather does your roof need to withstand? These are important questions to ask before you start researching the various roofing materials.
A Roofing Inspection Checklist to Get Ahead of Problems
A roof inspection is one of those preventative maintenance jobs that’s easy to overlook. Don’t. Add a once-a-year reminder on your calendar to go out on a warm day and address any roof problems you find.
If you’re squeamish about heights, don’t worry. You can do a thorough inspection from the ground using a pair of binoculars.
Or, you can get up close and personal with your roof using a ladder. However, there’s no need to get up on your roof just yet. The less you walk around up there, the better for your roofing — and the safer for you. Work your way around your house, noting any potential problems.
Here’s a roofing inspection checklist:
- Cracked caulk or rust spots on flashing.
- Shingles that are buckling, curling, or blistering.
- Missing or broken shingles.
- Cracked and worn rubber boots around vent pipes.
- Missing or damaged chimney cap. (OK, that’s technically not part of your roof, but since you’re looking anyway.)
- Masses of moss and lichen, which could signal the roof is decaying underneath. Black algae stains are just cosmetic.
