Your Essential Guide: Questions to Ask Your Roofing Contractor
Choosing the right roofing contractor for your project is crucial to ensure a smooth and successful outcome. In this guide, we’ll provide you with a concise set of questions to ask when evaluating potential roofing contractors. From their experience to project-specific details, these questions will help you make an informed decision.
General Questions
- How long have you been in business?
- How local is your business?
- Who owns your business, and for how long have they owned it?
- Can I visit ongoing projects to see your work firsthand?
- Who will be installing my roof – employees or subcontractors?
Crew and Safety
- What training and experience does your crew have?
- Are they trained by the manufacturer of my roofing material?
- Can I talk to past customers?
- When can you schedule my job, and how long will it take?
- Do you have proper licensing, certification, insurance, and workers’ compensation?
Project-Specific Questions
- How will you access my roof?
- How will you handle materials removal, and will there be a dumpster on-site?
- How will you protect my home’s gutters and property?
- What’s the plan for inclement weather?
- Can you provide written warranties for workmanship and materials?
- Will you use manufacturer-approved fasteners, and how do you ensure correct placement?
- How will you protect my driveway from damage?
- What’s the cost of plywood replacement if needed?
- Who will be my project contact, and how accessible will they be?
- Can you provide specifications for the proper installation of my roof?
Evaluation and Specific Roof Details
- How will you handle roof protrusions like walls, skylights, or chimneys?
- Discuss the age of skylights and whether they need replacement.
- Does your chimney have a cricket, and do you recommend one?
- Address any unusual design aspects or dead valleys on your roof.
- Inquire about structural changes if needed for the roof.
- Discuss ways to reduce streaking and staining on the roof.
- Verify approval for low pitch areas from the roofing material manufacturer.
- Evaluate attic ventilation needs and discuss exhaust and intake vents.
- Discuss the necessity of removing the old roof.
- Address past wintertime ice issues and prevention strategies.
- Explore environmentally friendly options, including energy efficiency and recyclability.
By asking these questions, you’ll gain valuable insights into the roofing contractor’s expertise and approach. Making an informed decision will not only protect your investment but also ensure a high-quality and durable roof for your home.
