How To Hire A Roofing Repair Contractor For Your Next Project

Need a roofing contractor on your project but not sure where to turn? Hiring a roofer starts by asking your neighbors or Homeowner Association (HOA) who they recommend. You’ll want to check roofing contractor requirements and directories for your state as well as find and read reviews.

Then, call two or three local roofers to schedule consultations. Check references, reviews and qualifications, compare bids and negotiate the final price. Below, learn the ins and outs of contracting the roofing service that is right for your project and budget.

When Will I Need a Roofing Contractor?

Your roof is an integral part of your home and should be dealt with immediately if you notice any problems like leaks and cracks or requires an upgrade due to time and weathering. Roofing contractors help you eliminate these unwanted issues as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your property. Therefore, the best time to hire a roofing contractor is before you need a new one. Damage to your roof can happen anytime, so it’s best to be prepared beforehand.

Roofing Contractor Qualifications

Roofing contractors have to meet the criteria of their municipality. Check your state’s roofer qualifications and directories before hiring.

Good roofing contractors are:

• Experienced
• Licensed in your area
• Insured
• Bonded (which means that a bonding company has money available to a consumer in case they need to file a claim against that company)
• Willing to provide references
• Willing to write an estimate

Services a Roofer Offers

Roofing services vary from contractor to company. Ask the two or three roofers you’re interested in working with what services they offer. Some common roofing services include:

• Roof inspections that check for:
  • Leaks
  • Damage
• Repairs and maintenance
• Installation or replacement
• Weatherproofing
• Insulating
• Ventilating
• Shoveling (removing snow and ice dams)
• Roof cleaning (pressure washing away mildew, moss and buildup)
• Sealing, treating or painting (especially for wood or metal roofs)
• Debris removal

Redoing a roof is a good time to check your gutters. You may find roofers who also offer gutter, siding and window services. Ask the professionals in your area if they can complete other services. Tackling roofing and gutters at the same time can save you money in the long run since the contractor will already be on-site.

When Will I Need a Roofing Contractor?

Your roof is an integral part of your home and should be dealt with immediately if you notice any problems like leaks and cracks or requires an upgrade due to time and weathering. Roofing contractors help you eliminate these unwanted issues as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your property. Therefore, the best time to hire a roofing contractor is before you need a new one. Damage to your roof can happen anytime, so it’s best to be prepared beforehand.

Types of Roofing Contractors

Not all roofing contractors are the same. Understanding the differences between these roofers can give you a better idea of what to expect when getting quotes and signing contracts.

Residential Roofing Contractors

Residential roofers work exclusively on homes, installing new roofs and repairing existing ones. Although residential roofing installation is less complicated or technical than commercial, you must choose an experienced and dependable contractor to ensure your roof remains durable and watertight for years to come.

Roof Repair Contractors

Roof repair contractors are responsible for ensuring the safety of your roof and repairing any damage threatening its structural integrity, such as broken shingles or holes. Roof repair contractors also provide additional services, such as fixing leaks and cleaning gutters.

Roof Replacement Contractors

Roof replacement contractors specialize in replacing the materials that make up your roof. They can help you choose a shingle or tile style and recommend roofing materials that closely match what you already have installed.

How to Hire a Roofing Repair Contractor

When you’re ready to hire a roofing contractor, there are two types to consider: independent contractors and roofing companies. There are pros and cons to both. Always compare bids for the best price and check roofer reviews, references and qualifications.

Independent roofing contractors can be helpful for quick repairs. Because they either work independently or with subcontractors, it may take longer to complete large projects, like replacing your old roof. However, they may specialize in a particular style. Hiring an individual can be a risk, but it means you’ll see and work with the same person for the duration of the project.

Roofing companies are more likely to complete large jobs more quickly, have their work covered by manufacturer warranties, offer discounts or free consultations and work with more materials. However, you may not have the same point of contact for each phase of the project.

Questions to Ask a Roofer

Interviewing contractors is an important step in hiring the right roofer. Here’s what to ask:

• What types of roofing do you install?
• Do you work with homeowner’s insurance to file claims?
• Do you have a current license to do this work in my area?
• What types of insurance do you have, and what is the coverage?
• Can you give me two or three references to check?
• Do you offer a free on-site inspection?
• Do you take photos during the inspection and after completing the project?
• Will you give me a written estimate after the inspection?
• Do you do roofing repairs? How much do they cost?
• Is your work covered by manufacturer warranty?
• How do you keep projects on schedule? What’s your inclement weather policy?
• Do you remove or dispose of old roofing materials? Is there a disposal charge? Do you recycle old materials?
• When and how do you bill or invoice? Do you accept credit cards? Do you offer financing?

Choosing the Right Roofing Contractor

Always get bids from a few roofing contractors before choosing the one that’s right for you. You may choose the reasonable, middle-of-the-road bid or the contractor with the lowest price and best availability. With the right budget, you might opt for the roofer with the highest estimate and 20 years of experience installing the type of roof you want.

No matter which bid you choose, make sure your roofer has the right qualifications.

If you already know what type of roofing you want, you may have fewer contractors to choose from in your area. Most roofers can install and repair asphalt shingles but fewer have experience with materials like cedar shake, clay tiles or natural slate. Unique styles like solar shingles or green roofs require specialists who may be hard to find in rural areas.

Door-to-door bids, when a roofer visits neighborhoods hard hit by storms and high winds, can be predatory. If local roofers reach out to you about repairing or replacing your roof, check their license, insurance and references before accepting their bid.