When you’re buying a house or making plans for the future, it can be easy to get caught up in all the details and forget about one of the most basic parts of your home: the roof.
The roof of your home is responsible for keeping out moisture and keeping your loved ones safe and warm. It’s also one of the most important aspects of your home’s value and saleability. A proper roof inspection is essential, even if you aren’t planning on selling anytime soon, to ensure that you’re taking preventive measures to keep your family and belongings protected.
If you are looking into having your roof inspected by a professional like Palmetto Roofing And Solar, here are five questions you should ask potential contractors before hiring them.
1) Are You Licensed and Insured?
You’d be surprised at how many roofing contractors are not licensed or insured. Hiring an unlicensed roofer can lead to trouble later on. If they do a poor job, you can’t just go after the company and get reimbursed because they’re not officially registered with your state.
When it comes to insurance, you should make sure that the roofing contractor you hire is insured and that their workers are covered as well. This protects you in case of injury or damage to your property. Ask for proof of insurance before you hire them for your project.
2) Can You Share References?
This is one of the most important questions you can ask any roofing contractor. Most reputable contractors will have a list of references they can offer to potential clients. These references serve as testimonials from previous clients and can help you decide if the roofing contractor is right for you.
You should pay attention to how many referrals the roofing contractor is able to provide you with and how recent they are. You also should contact some of these clients and ask them about their experience with the roofing contractor. You want to determine if they were happy with the work that was done, if they were treated professionally and if they would hire the roofing contractor again.
3) What Roofing Materials Do You Offer?
Pick a material that fits your needs and your budget. Asphalt shingles are the most common and least expensive type of material. They will last about 20 years and come in a variety of colors. Wood shingles can last for up to 30 years, but they require more maintenance and are more prone to fire damage. Metal roofs have a lifespan of about 50 years, but they can be very noisy during rainstorms. Slate is another durable option with a lifespan of approximately 80 years. It has an elegant look that complements many homes, but it is also very expensive. Tile is similar to slate, but it is not as durable or as attractive.
4) Do You Offer Storm Damage Repair?
If you have had a storm recently or have noticed that your roof is leaking, this is the first question to ask. Storm damage repair will require a different type of inspection than a regular roof inspection. If your roof has been damaged by hail, high winds or any other type of debris, you want to make sure that the contractor is familiar with the process and has experience dealing with insurance companies in roof repairs.
5) What Additional Roofing Services Do You Offer?
While some roofing contractors may only be able to offer a limited number of services, other roofing contractors offer additional services such as chimney repairs and masonry work. These types of services are typically much more affordable when completed by the same company that is fixing/installing your roof. If you have found a contractor that can complete multiple tasks for you, it will also save you time and money since they will not have to schedule additional work with another contractor.