If you have a damaged roof that needs repair or complete replacement, it’s always advisable to get a contractor for the job instead of resorting to DIY practices. A dependable roof is essential for your safety and the safety of your home, and no one can do it better than experienced professionals. Hiring a roofing specialist is no walk in the park. You need to ensure that you’re picking a professional with the right credentials. Choose the wrong contractor, and you could be left with a permanently damaged roof.
Given the numerous roofing companies around you, it can be stressful to pick the right contractor for the job. Here are four things you should look for before locking in a roofing contractor.
1. Ask About Their Licenses
All commercial roofing contractors must obtain relevant licenses before undertaking projects. It’s actually the law. Plus, working with an unlicensed contractor is not only illegal but also dangerous. As part of your selection process, make sure to carry out a thorough background check and specifically ask for copies of licenses. Bear in mind that different states have different licensing requirements—cross-check the licenses with information available in the public domain. If the contractor cannot show you the paperwork, it’s probably best to avoid working with them.
2. Don’t Forget the Insurance Coverage
Working with roofing specialists who don’t have adequate insurance coverage is a huge liability. In the absence of an insurance policy, a mistake by the contractor during the repair or installation process could force you to pay for damage caused to the property and additional repairs.
Moreover, working with uninsured contractors can lead to lawsuits in case of any injuries sustained by your family, a roofing employee, or any third party.
3. Check the Terms of the Warranty
A workmanship warranty is a critical factor when choosing a roofing specialist. This will help if there are any issues with the roof repair or installation down the road. A warranty can help you cover the costs. Otherwise, you will be fully responsible for them.
Typically, commercial roofing warranties come in one of the following forms:
Manufacturer’s material warranty: Material defects are covered under these warranties but not the labor to fix the material defects. Such warranties should never be your only coverage, as the coverage is very minimal, and material-only warranties are usually prorated.
Manufacturer’s system warranty: Both material and limited labor defects are covered under most system warranties. While the scope of coverage is broader and the claim period usually has a longer non-proration period, most warranties don’t cover leaks from non-manufacturer-produced parts. As a result, flashing, pitch pans, and so forth are excluded.
Manufacturer’s workmanship guarantee: Both material and labor defects are covered. The claim period has a longer non-proration period which usually covers workmanship. This warranty is incredibly valuable to have.
When you’re shortlisting contractors, check if they’re willing to disclose the terms of the warranty. Anyone who avoids questions about the warranty is best avoided. Since the exact terms of the warranty can vary, you will need to send some time finding a contractor who offers the best terms.
If you live in the Portland-Vancouver area, consider working with Interstate Roofing. We offer comprehensive workmanship warranties. These warranties ensure that you’re covered for both manufacturing and installation-related defects.
4. Don’t Underestimate Experience
Trusting an inexperienced roofing contractor to repair or install your roof can be incredibly dangerous. Someone with little to no experience can do a substandard job, forcing you to shell out extra money to get it repaired by another professional sooner rather than later.
For your reference, always ask the contractor to provide a portfolio of projects handled. If needed, ask for details of previous clients and reach out to them for honest feedback. In the digital age, you can also check out online reviews of contractors and visit their social media profiles to understand how they interact with customers.
Final Words
Your roof plays a central role in protecting the overall structure of your house and keeping your family safe. A competent contractor ensures that every roofing project is completed efficiently and effectively. While it may be time-consuming to filter through various profiles and pick one, the payoff is worth it.
Enjoy the peace of mind you deserve by outsourcing your roofing needs to roofing specialists who know how to get it done.