Qualities to Look for in a Local Roofing Company
The roof is one of the most important components of a home. Besides providing great aesthetics, it protects your property and family against the elements. Occasionally, it will present some repair and maintenance needs.
Considering how much a roof costs, you need to work with the best roofer in town to ensure you don’t get subpar roofing work which will only cause further damage. How do you choose the right contractor to handle your roofing needs? Learning what attributes to look for is key to finding a dependable roofing company near me. While searching for a roofer to do repairs or provide other roofing services for your house, remember the following attributes.
1. They Offer Warranties
When looking for a dependable roofing company near me, only work with one who offers warranties for their work. Roof installation faults (like using too few nails, skipping the underlayment, or omitting the flashing) can lead to complications or even cause the entire roof to fail prematurely. A roofing contractor who offers a warranty for their work is ready to do everything in their power to ensure your roof doesn’t fail prematurely.
If you’ve ever had to navigate the complexities of contractor guarantees, manufacturer warranties, and insurance claims, then you know how confusing it can get. Even a contractor who guarantees their work isn’t accountable for any product flaws; that responsibility lies with the manufacturer. On the other hand, if improper roofing work practices damage the manufacturer’s products, they won’t make any payments.
The reason behind this makes sense for the manufacturer, but it can leave the homeowner in a tight spot. A contractor that offers a warranty on their work understands the value of a manufacturer’s warranty. They know everything that can void a warranty and will conduct roof inspections and handle roof products as per manufacturer recommendations to ensure the warranty stays intact.
2. They Are Licensed
When looking for a contractor who offers services for siding and roofing near me, there’ll always be unlicensed professionals claiming to offer what you need, often for far less than a professional would charge. However, if you decide to use their services, you’ll miss out on the many benefits homeowners enjoy when they hire a licensed roofing contractor. It may even end up costing you more money in the long run. Some of the benefits of working with a licensed contractor include:
They know the industry: Licensed roofing contractors must demonstrate their expertise by completing tests to obtain a license from their state licensing boards. The tests ensure they know the best installation, repair, and roofing practices. It also makes them aware of all relevant rules, regulations, and codes, which can protect you from legal implications.
They carry the necessary insurance: Another significant benefit of hiring a licensed contractor is they must carry insurance to obtain a license. An insured roofer shields you from being held responsible for any expenses if a roofer hurts themselves or damages your property. Licensed roofers also carry workers’ compensation insurance. When looking for a dependable roofing company near me, never engage a company that treats its staff unethically.
3. They Are Insured
In your search for a dependable roofing company near me, only work with insured residential roofing businesses. Mistakes are inevitable on the job, even for the most skilled roofers. Since the life of roofers typically involves working from heights, handling heavy equipment and materials, and taking on dangerous construction-related tasks, they’re more likely to suffer a personal injury. An insured roofing business will offer coverage if a roofer gets hurt while working on your roof, protecting you from using your home insurance.
Other than the risk to roofers, roofing jobs can also put you and your family in danger. For example, you may go outside during a roof replacement, and a falling shingle strikes you, causing substantial injuries. Choosing a roofing firm with liability insurance guarantees you won’t be liable for paying the medical fees if such an unexpected accident occurs.
There’s always a chance that your property may sustain damage during a roofing job, whether minor fixes or complete roof replacements. Considering the heavy materials and equipment roofing jobs typically involve, a mishap or accident during the job can cause minor or substantial damage to your property. When you work with insured residential roofing businesses, they’ll cover the cost of repairs.
4. They Offer Different Roofing Materials
Another factor to consider as you look for a dependable roofing company near me is the residential roofing materials they offer. Different materials offer unique benefits. For example, asphalt shingles offer a cost-effective solution. They’re also easy to install.
Slate roofing offers exceptional durability and has long been popular for its longevity and natural beauty. Although slate is one of the more costly roofing materials, it’ll probably last you a lifetime. Synthetic or composite slates are also available for those who like the aesthetic of slate but want a less expensive alternative. They’re also easier to install than natural slate.
Metal is a great roofing material for several reasons. Metal roofs are highly resistant to fire, snow, rain, and wind. They’re also lightweight, weighing roughly half as much as asphalt roofs and nearly four times less than tile roofs. These roofs are less expensive than slate and are also known to lower heating and cooling costs due to their light-reflecting capabilities.
Compared to other roofing materials, tile maintains its color better and has the best wind resistance. It’s common in Mediterranean, Spanish, and colonial-style buildings and comes in various shapes, colors, and sizes. Roof tiles can be round or flat or resemble roofing materials dating back hundreds of years.
5. They Have Great Reviews
A great tip to help you search for a dependable roofing company near me is to consult online reviews. They’re one of the most effective ways of gaining deeper insight into the service quality of different roofing companies. The best roofers will have great reviews, while a shady contractor will have negative reviews.
Don’t just look for positive reviews. Watch out for how they respond to negative comments. They should provide solutions rather than focusing on the criticisms.
Reviews can also give you a better idea of a roofing company’s customer service. You can learn whether they were responsive to customer inquiries if they addressed any concerns that arose during the project, and if they followed up with the customer after providing their services.
6. They Are Local
When looking for a dependable roofing company near me, prioritize local contractors. Hiring local roofing companies offers unique benefits. For example, you can schedule consultations or roof inspections on short notice. You can also count on them during roofing emergencies, which makes the difference between extensive roof restoration and minor leak repairs.
Another advantage of working with a local roofing contractor is they can promptly get to your home after a storm. The sooner you submit the relevant documents for a claim, the sooner the process will start, and vice versa. A local roofer can also represent you and ensure you receive fair compensation for your insurance claim.
Local roofers cater to a relatively small customer base. One of your acquaintances likely owns a local roofing business, or they provide roofing services for one of your friends. These companies deliver friendly, customized services and a superior consumer experience. From the initial consultation to installation to the final quality assessment, you’ll always know who’s working on your roof.
Every construction and restoration project must adhere to the regulations outlined by building codes, both local and international, and the HOA in some areas. Noncompliance results in fines and expensive do-overs. Local roofers are familiar with all relevant roofing regulations and reduce the risk of unanticipated expenditures resulting from noncompliance.
7. They Offer Maintenance Services
You should also consider maintenance services in your search for a dependable roofing company near me. Roof maintenance performed by roofing contractors is beneficial for several reasons. For one, it extends your roof’s lifespan.
Roof maintenance also acts as insurance by preventing general wear and tear from making your roof fail prematurely. You also have to consider that roofing damage can sometimes be obscure. Simply looking at your roof from the ground won’t be enough. Maintenance checks by a local professional roofer will reveal all underlying issues.
Timely roof repairs and maintenance prevent mildew and mold growth and spread. These substances can cause or worsen health complications for your family. The roof has a major impact on the overall look of your home. Maintenance services also help to maintain its curb appeal.
One of the most notable benefits of these services is they prevent future costly repairs. Some manufacturers of roofing materials also require proper maintenance to preserve the validity of the warranty. Sticking to a regular schedule is the key to making the most of maintenance services.
8. They Offer Professional Advice
In searching for a dependable roofing company near me, look for one willing to offer advice. A reputable roofer typically has years of experience working on roofing projects. These include roof replacements, repairs, and maintenance. They also know how to navigate roofing challenges effectively.
A roofing contractor shouldn’t just do what you say. They should use their years of experience to tell you when you’re making the wrong decisions for your roofing needs. You also want a contractor who’ll take the time to listen to your concerns and offer solutions that meet your needs.
9. They Make You Feel Comfortable
As you look for a dependable roofing company near me, only settle for one that makes you feel comfortable. It could mean a contractor with excellent communication skills. Such a contractor will explain the roofing process in clear, concise language that’s easy to understand to ensure you’re fully aware of what the work entails, the costs, and your responsibilities. For example, if they’re using asphalt shingles for the job, they should tell you how much it costs and how to ensure proper maintenance.
A good roofing company must also be responsive to your inquiries and requests. A contractor who’ll return your calls and emails and be available to answer any questions will make you feel comfortable during and after the job. To ensure you don’t incur unexpected costs down the road, only work with a contractor who’s upfront about any costs or fees associated with their work and is willing to provide you with a detailed quote.
10. They Offer Free Estimates
Getting a free estimate for your roofing needs allows you to compare the cost of different roofing contractors. However, price shouldn’t be the primary deciding factor. While it’s important for the roofing services you’re seeking to fit into your budget, you should also ensure you hire an experienced local roofer with the appropriate equipment to prevent costly future roofing repairs.
Getting a free estimate will also give you a full picture of your roofing needs and how much it’ll cost to address everything. They’ll also offer suggestions for roof maintenance, like upgrading your gutters or scheduling periodic roof cleaning appointments. A free estimate will help you prioritize your roof maintenance and repair needs.
Your first interaction with a roofing business will likely be when they come to your home to provide a free estimate. Use the opportunity to learn more about the roofing company’s services. When choosing which roofing business to use for your roof repairs later on, this first assessment will offer valuable insight that’ll inform your decision.
When your roof needs professional attention, set aside enough time to search for a dependable roofing company near me. Doing this will ensure you get the best contractor for your specific needs. Ask for referrals from family and friends who’ve had roofing work recently.
You should also consult online reviews. Once you find a reputable roofer, you can relax and watch as the pros work on your roof. Use this read as a guide for qualities to look for in a local roofing company.
