Choosing the correct residential roofer is important to obtaining the results you desire in your new roof installation. The entire process of choosing a residential roofer is quite involved and must be: first, you’re contracting with this company to perform work on the roof above your head, the largest portion of your house that covers everything else; second, you need to determine what kind of material is most suitable for your roof; and third, you need to establish whether or not they’re experienced in residential roofing. In addition, you need to know whether or not they belong to an association and whether they follow a code of quality practices. There are a few things to consider prior to hiring a roofing contractor. By knowing what to ask when interviewing contractors, you will save yourself valuable time and energy, as well as ensure that you receive the highest quality roofing service available.
To begin with, ask to see a portfolio. Most residential roofers have at least one portfolio of past jobs, as well as a sample of some of their work. This portfolio should provide insight into the level of quality, the company provides as well as a sense of their expertise. It is also recommended that you visit the sites of previous jobs the company has performed. This allows you to better understand their work methods and the kinds of materials used. It’s always beneficial to work with a company that has numerous references available, since these references come from satisfied customers.
Next, look for local paperwork regarding roofing services and any previous inspections performed by your local area board of inspectors. If a residential roofer chooses not to disclose previous inspections, you’ll need to find out where such information was shared. If the company does share information, make sure you’re working with a certified, licensed, bonded company. Some inspections require a great deal more in-depth testing than others, so it’s important to keep this in mind when interviewing companies.
Once you have selected a few residential roofers and visited their facilities, the next step in the process is to schedule an inspection. Your roof inspection is likely to include a few different components. First, the inspector will look for damaged shingles or other evidence that the roof system has experienced damage. Such evidence may point toward improper installation methods or faulty materials, which could cause ongoing issues with your roofing shingles.
Next, a representative from the residential roofer will be able to evaluate your roof system. They will be able to determine if there are any structural concerns or gaps in the system. Finally, your residential roofer can give you information on their services and whether they offer installation of the shingles or if you will need to hire a contractor to do the work. Commercial roofers may also offer installation as well, but most often they will refer you to a commercial roofing contractor if there is an issue with your roof.
It’s important to remember that just because a residential roofer tells you that they can perform a certain type of roofing system doesn’t mean that they are qualified to perform the system that you need. Always trust your gut instinct and choose a roofer who has performed many residential roofing projects. If you don’t have a lot of cash to spare right now, then it’s a good idea to try out several roofers before deciding. Find a few that you feel comfortable with and work with them until you find one that you truly enjoy working with.
