Questions to Ask a Roofing Contractor

by Sue White | Aug 30, 2022 | roof contractor

Are you ready to meet with the roofers who gave you estimates for your roof replacement project? Do you have the right questions to ask the roofing contractor?

You’re not the only one. Here are the top 8 questions you should ask your roofing contractor.

What are the key questions you should ask a roofing contractor?

1. Are you licensed, bonded and insured?

First, ask your roofing contractor if they are licensed, bonded and insured.

Licensed: To obtain a license as a contractor, they must register with the state’s board for licensing contractors. What license is required will depend on the price of the job.

Bonded: A bonded company is able to verify that the contractor conducts business ethically and correctly. The bond guarantees that the customer can rely on the bond company if the company closes down or fails to fix a problem during a job.

Fully Insured: All contractors must be fully covered with workman’s compensation, general liability, and a company automobile insurance policy for all vehicles owned or not.

Ask to see the original copies. A roofing contractor who has all three should be proud of their work and happy to share it with you.

Remember that each state has its own requirements. Some states may not require contractors to have either one. Check your local codes to ensure that the contractor you hire is properly licensed and has all the necessary paperwork.

2. Is it a local business?

It is important to find a local contractor. Ask a roofing contractor about their office address and ensure they have a local number. If you have any problems with your roof, this will help you find them.

Some companies out of state come in after a major storm and undercut local roofing company’s prices. They then move on to the next town that is hit by a storm. These companies don’t care about your local codes or how they install your roof.

A local roofing company, on the other hand, will be familiar with the local codes and paperwork that are required to install your roof correctly and to comply with all applicable laws.

3. How long have you been in the business?

You should ask about the company’s history in your area before you make a decision to get their roof replacement services. You will find that a more recent roofing company is likely to be cheaper than one that has been in business for a few years.

They don’t know how to price roofing Fort Worth TX jobs properly to make sure they have sufficient earnings to last them through the winter season. That’s the time a new company will close.

This doesn’t mean that there aren’t any good young businesses in your local area. You want to ensure that the company is still around five years from now to manage your roof investment.

You want to choose a contractor with a solid track record in your local area. It doesn’t matter how long a roofing company has been around, it does not make them better. They’ll still be there if they have to.

4. Do you offer a warranty?

To protect your roof investment, there are roof warranties. One will cover your roofing materials, and one for the contractor’s work.

Ask your roofing contractor about the warranty they provide on their workmanship. You could get a warranty of one, two, three, five, ten, ten, 25 or even a lifetime.

A company that depends heavily on caulk may offer a 2-year workmanship warranty. This is because caulk can fail in a few years. If a roofing company cares about the quality of your roof, it will provide a lifetime warranty.

5. Can I speak to the owner if I have a problem?

Asking a contractor “If there is a problem, who can I contact?” is a good idea. It is valuable to be able to talk to the owner about any roofing issue.

You can rest assured that they will listen to your concerns and answer any questions. If you speak to people in an office that lack authority, you will be shuffled from one person to the next until you are tired of trying to resolve the problem.

You want to know who your boss is, and who you can talk to if you have a problem. Being able to communicate with an owner is a sign that you are valued and will be taken care of from the top.

6. Are you certified by shingle manufacturers?

Six, eight, and ten of the top shingle companies choose six, eight, and ten contractors from each area to undergo their certification process. Contractors can offer enhanced warranties and warranties on materials from the manufacturer by obtaining certification.

Ask your roofing contractor whether they are certified by any manufacturer and if they can show you a copy. This certification shows a customer that the shingle company trusts them and is a reliable roofing company.

The manufacturers will seek out contractors who are well-known in their community for doing top-quality work. The main reason why they choose the best contractors is that their brand is associated with the contractor.

They are confident that their contractor will correctly install the products according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This will ensure that the customer gets the best out of the materials as well as a roof’s longevity.

7. Could you please provide me with references?

Referring to previous contractors is crucial in hiring the right contractor. Ask each contractor who gives you an estimate for references of jobs that were completed within the last 3 to 6 months.

These references will be provided by a reputable roofing contractor. Talking to previous clients can help you confirm that the contractor answered all your questions honestly.

However, if they aren’t willing to provide references, then don’t think about investing in your roof with them.

8. What can you do to protect my property?

A roofing contractor in Fort Worth TX should protect your home when you have roof work done.

For your safety and security, it is important to ask your roofing contractor about the steps they take to protect your landscaping, light fixtures, and lawn. They should, for example, angle a tarp from your gutters to a “dump tarp” on the ground to cover your landscaping and foliage.

Some roofing contractors will sneak into your estimate and say that they are not responsible for any damage. They will install your roof and not take care of your property.