If you go outside after a storm and notice that a lot of your roofing shingles are now laying on the ground, you may want to replace your old roof before the next nasty storm brushes through. Your roof is your first line of defense after all.
Unless you have some roofing experience, you’ll need to call a contractor to come in and get the job done. You will need to get quite a bit of information from each company that you call before you hire them.
To help you get the information that you need so you can make sure that the job gets done right the first time, here are 10 of the main questions that you need to ask.
1. Are You Licensed?
A vast majority of states require roofers to have a license. There are some that don’t. It varies from state to state so, you may want to look up code requirements in yours before you ask this question.
If your state does require it, then the answer you want to hear here is yes. It means that they are following state codes, and it allows you to take legal action if something goes wrong while they’re working too.
Related: 5 signs you need a new roof
2. Do You Have Worker’s Comp and Liability Insurance?
There are two major types of insurance that you want to make sure your roofing contractor has. These are worker’s comp insurance and liability insurance. Worker’s comp is required in most states but there are some employers who elect to do without.
If your contractor doesn’t have it and something happens to a worker on your property, you could be held liable for all their medical expenses. Worker’s comp will cover you in the event that a worker is hurt but what about your property?
For that, there is liability insurance. It ensures that if your roof is damaged in any way you won’t get stuck paying for it. So, it’s worth it to ask contractors for proof of liability insurance.
3. Do You Use Subcontractors?
In some cases, contractors will hire subcontractors to work on your roof. You want to ask if these subcontractors also have worker’s comp and liability insurance.
On top of asking about this, you should also get lien waivers. This will protect you if the contractors don’t pay the subcontractors.
4. Are You Going to Remove My Old Roof?
There are some contractors that will do a visual scan for roofing damage and then decide place shingles over your old roof. The problem with this is that it takes a bit more than a visual inspection to notice rot and other physical issues that will cause problems down the line.
To make sure that no issues arise, it’s better to have the old roof removed and a new one put in its place.
Related: Clay roofing tiles: Are they right for you?
5. Will You Install Drip Edge Metal on the New Roof?
If water and moisture are allowed to sit on your roof it will cause water damage, mold, and rot over time. That’s why you should ask your contractor about drip edge metal.
It’s small pieces of aluminum that are installed under your shingles. It allows for water to run off into your gutter instead of staying on your roof.
6. How Are You Going to Protect My Gutters?
Contractors will have to use ladders to reach the top of your roof and work. The problem is that could lead to hundreds of pounds leaning on your gutters. This pressure will cause them to bend and break.
Standoffs and stabilizers can prevent damage to your gutters so you want to ask your contractor if they use them. If they don’t, ask them how they do plan to protect your gutters.
7. What is Your Physical Address?
When you’re looking around for contractors you want to rule out any company that doesn’t have a physical address. If they just have a P.O. box, then that’s a huge danger sign.
The reason why you want to ask about this is that you want to know if they are local. If the contractor isn’t local and they make a mistake, then you may be stuck with it because they can’t get back to you to fix their slip up.
8. What Will You Do In the Event of Bad Weather?
Mother nature is an unpredictable force. It’s not unheard of that a storm brushes through while contractors are working. If the contractors have to pick up their things and leave half-way through the job the hole that’s left behind will leave your belongings vulnerable to the elements.
Most of the time workers will use some sort of tarp to stop rain from getting all over your belongings. Ask your contractor about their bad weather plan.
9. Will There Be Someone On-Site Who Can Answer Questions?
So, you’re coming home from work while the roofers are packing up to go. This wouldn’t be a problem if there wasn’t a huge hole in your roof. You’re going to want to ask someone if they plan to cover it up before they head out.
A lot of times contractors will send out a team of workers and a supervisor to your home to do the job. You should know who this supervisor is so you can ask them little questions in scenarios like the one above.
10. Can You Give Me a Written Estimate?
You don’t want any hidden costs to creep up and surprise you later. This being said, before you have a contractor start on the job, you should get a written estimate of how much their services will cost.
This estimate should have a complete breakdown of everything you’re paying for, from the old roof removal to the materials that are used to place the new one.
Related: Everything you need to know before you get a roof inspection
Do You Need Your Roof Replaced?
When your old roof starts showing its age, it’s important that you have it or replaced as soon as you can. If you don’t, you’ll leave your family and belongings vulnerable. In order to avoid scammers or substandard work, you should ask them these common questions before hiring a roofing contractor.
Dynamic roofing is local to the DFW area and is happy to answer all of these questions and more. We offer free, no obligation roof inspections with photo and video evidence of any damage we find as well.
What to Expect From a Roof Inspection
A roof inspection is a critical process that assesses the condition of your roof to identify any damages, wear and tear, or potential issues that could lead to future problems. The following sections describe what you can typically expect during a roof inspection.
Initial Consultation
The process often begins with an initial consultation, where the roofing professional will discuss your concerns, the history of your roof, and any specific areas you’re worried about. This conversation helps the inspector understand what to look out for during the inspection.
Visual Inspection
The inspector will conduct a thorough visual inspection of both the interior and exterior of your roof. On the exterior, they’ll look for signs of wear and tear, such as missing, damaged, or aging shingles, issues with the flashing around chimneys and vents, gutter problems, and any signs of water damage or leaks. On the interior, they’ll check your attic for proper insulation, ventilation, moisture, and mold, which can indicate roof leaks.
Detailed Assessment
The inspector will also examine the roof for structural integrity, checking for sagging or signs of deterioration in the roof decking and support structure. They’ll assess the condition of the roofing materials to determine their lifespan and any immediate repair needs.
Photographic Evidence
During the inspection, the inspector will take photos of any issues they find. This photographic evidence is crucial for documentation and can be helpful if you need to file an insurance claim or for future reference during repair or replacement.
Report and Recommendations
After the inspection, you’ll receive a detailed report outlining the condition of your roof, any issues detected, and recommendations for repairs or maintenance. This report is your roadmap to addressing any roofing concerns and planning for future work.
Consultation on Findings
Finally, the roofing professional will discuss the findings with you, explaining any issues in detail and answering your questions. They’ll provide recommendations for next steps, whether it’s immediate repairs, ongoing maintenance, or planning for a roof replacement.
What Should Be On a Roofing Estimate
A roofing estimate is a detailed proposal that outlines the scope of work, materials, and costs associated with a roofing project. The following sections explore what a comprehensive roofing estimate should include.
Contractor Information
The estimate should start with the roofing contractor’s contact information, including their name, address, phone number, and license number. This information verifies that you’re dealing with a reputable and licensed professional.
Detailed Scope of Work
The estimate should clearly describe the work to be done, including any repairs, replacement, or installation services. It should specify the areas of the roof to be worked on and the extent of the project.
Materials
A detailed list of materials to be used should be included, specifying the type, brand, color, and quantity of shingles, underlayment, flashing, and other materials. This ensures transparency and allows you to understand the quality of the materials being used.
Labor Costs
The estimate should break down the labor costs associated with the project. This includes the cost of removing the old roof (if applicable), installing the new materials, and any additional labor required for repairs or modifications.
Warranty Information
Information about the manufacturer’s warranty on materials and the contractor’s warranty on workmanship should be included. This gives you an understanding of the protections in place for your investment.
Timeline
The estimate should provide a projected timeline for the project, including the start date, duration of the work, and completion date. This helps you plan accordingly.
Payment Terms
Finally, the estimate should outline the payment terms, including the total cost, payment schedule, and acceptable payment methods. It should also specify any deposit required to start the work.
A detailed roof inspection and a comprehensive roofing estimate are foundational steps in ensuring the health and longevity of your roof. They provide the insights and information needed to make informed decisions about maintaining, repairing, or replacing your roof.
Ready to Talk About Getting a New Roof?
If your roof is old and you’re not sure whether you need to replace it, contact us for a free inspection and we can tell you.