The roof is the most important structure in a home. It provides protection against the elements. Most homeowners don’t pay attention to the roof and will only start looking for a roofing specialist when there is an obvious problem like a puncture. Most of the roofing problems will come about because of poor installation and maintenance. That is why it is imperative that you’re getting everything right from the onset. This means getting the right roofing contractor. There are qualities that a good roof replacement suffolk county should possess and we’re going to highlight some of them.
Experience
This is the main quality that you should be looking out for when working with a roofing contractor. The roofing industry is highly lucrative for businesses that are consistent and provide the right service. It has also attracted shoddy contractors that are looking to make a quick buck. Most roofing companies don’t survive to celebrate their third birthday. A company that has been operational for more than 10 years will most likely have more experience compared to one that is just starting out. There are exceptions to the rule but you don’t want to take a risk since it is a massive investment involved.
Local
The roofing company that you intend to work with should have a permanent address and a clickable URL for their website. That is why it is recommended to look for roofing companies that are located in your city. Having a permanent place of business is a sign of reliability and there is the assurance that you’re dealing with a reputable company. You can pay the company a visit in case there is an issue. When you’re working with someone out of town, there are no guarantees that you will get help because the company could be operating from the back of a truck.
Ask for Recommendations
Your friends and family are likely to know of a roofing contractor you can trust. Since they don’t have anything to lose, the recommendations will be for reliable contractors. You can also ask your general contractor if they know of a roofing company that can be trusted with repairs or installation. Be sure to check out options like Roofscapes Richardson Roofer as well.
References
A roofing company with nothing to hide will be more than happy to provide references. Ideally, you should be asking for references for projects that are similar to yours. This gives you the confidence that the roofing company will be able to deliver based on your specifications. A roofing contractor that is hesitant to provide the references will most likely have something to hide.
Price is Not Everything
Never settle on a roofing contractor because of the price. If a deal is too good to be true, then it probably is. Roofing materials don’t come cheap. Anyone that is offering cheap rates that are way below the market standards will be cutting corners with the workmanship and materials that are used. That is why it is recommended that you get multiple quotes so that you can compare the prices. You will most likely notice a pattern.
License and Insurance
Most states require that a roofing contractor is licensed. There are contractors that will claim a license is not necessary. There are building codes to be followed and a licensed roofing contractor will ensure that the right practices are being followed. The roofing company should also have proper insurance. Anything could happen when the contractor is working on your home. Check if the company has liability and worker’s compensation insurance. You will be liable in case of an injury if the workers are not insured.
Warranty
A roof replacement is an expensive undertaking. That is why it is important the roofing company provides a warranty. The warranty should be on the workmanship and the materials that are used for repairs or installation. A good company should be able to stand behind their work and this can be seen in the warranty they provide. It could take up to a year for defective roofing work to show up. If there are no warranties, you will have to pay out of pocket for something that could have been avoided in the first place. Look for a roofing contractor that offers a warranty longer than one year.
Conclusion
Most of the roofing problems can be avoided if there is regular maintenance. There are companies like Northwest Roof Maintenance that deal with maintenance so that you don’t have to worry about getting on the roof to do cleaning and inspections. It is crucial that you’re vigilant when searching for a roofing contractor.