Choosing A Professional Roofing Company

If you are a typical homeowner, you might not know much about roofing, however, it is important to understand the roof as it protects you from the elements and protects your investment.

If your roof leaks, wait until the weather passes to investigate. Climbing on a roof can be dangerous and you must exercise caution if you decide to venture off your ladder. When using a ladder be sure to follow basic ladder safety guidelines and use a Ladder Mount™ to protect your gutters and stabilize your ladder.

While leaks sometimes can be caused by shingles that are faulty, be sure you look at your roof's foundation too. If there's dry rot, water may be able to enter a home. Check everything over to see if there’s any sign of damage.

If you find a leak, make sure that you get it fixed properly the first time. Do not find one bad spot and stop. One leak can turn out to be multiple issues.

Problems with contractors and home renovations are some of the top consumer complaints. When hiring a professional roofer, it is important to understand the process and to avoid scams, poor workmanship, and legal liability for an injured worker.

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1. Research and reputation

Do some careful research before deciding which roofer to hire. Hiring a bargain contractor is often a good way to lose money that could have been used to make quality repairs.

Search for complaints or changes filed against them with your local Better Business Bureau.

Read customer reviews.

Take the time to do your research. Investigate the possibilities online, talk to friends and co-workers, or use a referral service to locate the best company for the job.

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2. Insurance

If something goes wrong, then you could be responsible for damages to your property, your neighbours property or is a worker is injured.

Roofers should carry both general liability insurance and workers compensation (check your local laws to see what applies in your community)

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3. Worker Safety

As a homeowner you should ask about the company’s health and safety practices (and their safety record)

Each roofer must be professionally trained to work at heights and have the proper safety equipment. Most state and provincial laws require works to be protected at all times when working at a height of more than 3 meters (10 feet) off the ground. Safety matters!

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4. Written Estimate and Deciding

All estimates should be in writing and include a detailed description of the work to be performed, a detailed list of the materials to be used and a cost breakdown. Also makes sure that it includes what happens if anything happens.

Extra time upfront can save you time, money, and needless frustrations down the road.

Make sure that you’re not making a decision solely based on price. Evaluate the estimated time and the specific materials being used (you want to compare apples to apples).

A roof is a major investment to protect a major investment, your house. You want to be sure that you’re working with a reputable roofer with proper insurance and safety practices that is using the high-quality materials.

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5. Contract and Warranty

Most home renovation contracts are covered under laws that stipulate a cooling off period of typically 10 days. That means you can cancel the contract without penalty. If work begins during this 10-day period you still have the right to cancel.

The contract should include:

Company name, address (not a PO Box) and phone numbers

Detailed description of the scope of work and materials

Work schedule including a start and finish date, and how delays will be managed

Taxes, deposits, payments, etc.

How your property will be protected and what to do if damage occurs

How clean up will be managed and when it will be done

Specific details on warranties for both materials and workmanship

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6. Spot a Scam

Ask for proof of damage prior to repair work, they should be able to provide photos

Limit down payments to 10%

Beware of tax-free cash deals, they won’t come with any paperwork or proof of payment which means that you won’t have a warranty.

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Professional and reputable roofing contractors won’t have any problems providing any of this information, if they do then that’s probably a good sign to move onto someone else. Your home is probably your largest asset and it is important to protect it!

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