No one can underplay the importance of having a roof over your head. A quality and well-maintained roof will protect your family and assets for a long time. However, it’s easy to forget to check on your roof and maintain its condition, and, as a result, many roofs do not serve their maximum lifespan.
Installing a roof begins with selecting the right roofing contractor, but this is easier said than done. It’s difficult to narrow down the right company for your roofing needs, particularly when unfamiliar with the industry. Here are a few things you should deliberate on before deciding to hire a roofer:
1. Insurance and License
One of the first things you should do before entrusting a roofing contractor to install or maintain your roof is whether they are licensed. Licensed contractors are trained, have passed various tests, and have experience in the industry. Most licensed companies also have insurance coverage, which protects their workers while they work to put a roof on your home.
An insurance cover also protects the homeowner from paying for any injuries inflicted on the workers during the installation or maintenance. Hiring a company without a valid roofing license and insurance puts you at risk of being liable for any injuries inflicted on the workers on your property. It’s, therefore, critical that you hire a licensed company to stay on the safer side.
2. Experience
One thing you don’t want to do is hire an inexperienced roof contractor. The more experience a contractor has, the better the chance they will do a better job on your house. Ask the roofing company for previous samples of their work or references.
Fortunately, most contractors have elaborate portfolios on their websites that you can browse to see their quality and years of experience. Go an extra step and ask the company to offer you a record of references from their previous clients. Get in touch with a few of them and ask them for feedback on the company’s reliability.
3. Ease of Communication
Communication is key to getting your roof installed or repaired correctly. Communication problems are often a big red flag, which shows the contractor is not readily available for your project. Ensure the roofing contractor you select is easy to reach and always available to answer your specific queries.
Also, ensure you have various means of contact with your roofing contractor to reduce the chances of miscommunications. Reliable communication begins with successful meetings and prompt responses to your concerns. While the telephone is the most commonly used communication means, get the company’s email address and test whether they get back in time with precise information.
4. Local Physical Office
Check whether the shortlisted company has local availability. Without a local office, it isn’t easy to gauge the quality of the contractor’s work by visiting them. More importantly, how would you trace them if you cannot get through to them via other contact means?
A roofing company with an active local office is your best choice. You can easily visit their offices for a one-on-one conversation with your roof contractor. That way, you can estimate their competence better than on a phone call or, worse, even through email.
5. Types of Materials
While considering bids from various roof contractors, checking if their services include your preferred type of materials is essential. While some roofing materials will be considerably cheaper, low-quality roofs pose a great risk to your assets and family.
Choose a decent and trustworthy contractor who will advise you on the quality of roofing that fits your budget and serves your home best. Every type of roofing material necessitates unique installation techniques and equipment and knowing which roofing best fits your home is a top priority. Also, research online or locally at various hardware to distinguish between various roof qualities.
Summary
Your roof will determine how comfortable your house is and how long you and your family can depend on the roof for shelter. It’s wise to take your time and consider several roofing contractors before deciding who you will hire to do the job right. The ideal company will make you feel confident in its services and maintain communication throughout the project.
Baltic Roofing company is your best bet when it comes to quality roofing services. Headquartered in Willowbrook, Illinois, we are a trustworthy roofing partner that has served the Naperville area since 2004. Visit our site today or contact us and get an estimate for your roofing project.
Author bio:
Louis Hanley
Community Manager
Louis is a community manager for Baltic Roofing where they help the greater Chicago community with everything from high-quality roof replacements to skylight repairs. He is an expert on all things roofing and home improvement. Outside of work, he’s a huge Cubs fan and enjoys spending time with his dog, Roscoe.
