You can’t ignore it anymore. There are water stains on the ceiling, and you keep finding shingles in your front yard.
The signs are clear: you need a new roof.
Hiring the right roofing contractor is what can make or break your house. If you find a trusted contractor, you will not think about getting a roof replacement for years. But if you rush through the process without doing any real research, then you will have a poorly installed roof that you can’t trust.
Choosing the right roofer means knowing what questions to ask your roofing contractor. Once you request a free online estimate, call your roofing contractors and ask them as many questions as you like. Feel free to discard contractors who seem underconfident, inexperienced and untrustworthy.
Find the Right Roofing Contractor for Your Home
Getting a roof replacement or roof repair starts by finding the right roofing contractor in your area. If you are based in Maryland, Ebenezer Roofing is the top choice for all your roofing needs. Whether you need new shingles or a completely new roof, Ebenezer’s experienced team can do it all.
Whichever roofing contractor you choose, make sure they meet these high standards of excellence:
1. Fully licensed at state and local level
2. Hold general liability insurance
3. Good reviews from real customers
Can I DIY My Roof?
Many homeowners believe that they can cut the cost by DIY-ing their roof repair or replacement. However, installing a new roof or repairing an existing one is a big job. It’s an important moment for your property because it needs to be handled with care. If the roofing isn’t done properly, then you may end up with more issues than you started with.
Working with trusted Maryland roofers who understand materials, safety, and building codes will ensure that your home or commercial building is taken care of. You will also have many warranty and financing options available, which means you can enjoy some peace of mind while the roofing contractor handles everything for you.
If you still want to jump into a roof repair or roof replacement project yourself, then you may want to check out DIY Roofing. However, we highly recommend working with a professional roofer for all your roofing needs!
10 Questions to Ask a Roofing Contractor
Before making your final decision about who to hire for the job, make sure you get all your queries answered by a roofing contractor. Many property owners find it overwhelming to decide what questions to ask a roofing contractor.
Since it is risky to make your decision based off of your gut feeling, here is a list of 10 important questions to ask your roofing contractor:
1. Are you a local roofing contractor?
Start by asking if the roofing contractor is local to your area. It’s essential to verify their physical office location and ensure their phone number has a local area code.
Why is this important? A local contractor is easier to reach if any issues arise with your roof. They are familiar with local building codes and installation requirements, which ensures that your roof will meet local standards.
Additionally, working with a local contractor helps you avoid out-of-state storm-chasing companies that may try to take advantage of homeowners after severe weather events.
2. Are you licensed and insured in this state?
Next, ask the roofing contractor to provide proof of their licensing, bonding, and insurance specific to your state. These credentials are crucial as they protect you and ensure your roofing project meets all legal and safety standards.
Request physical copies of their license, bond, and insurance documents. A reputable contractor will have no issue providing this proof.
Remember: each state has different requirements, and some areas may not mandate certain permits or insurance.
3. How long have you been in business in this area?
Inquire about how long the roofing contractor has been operating in your area. This helps you gauge their stability and reliability. An established company is more likely to be around in the future if any issues arise with your roof.
While a longer track record can indicate reliability, it doesn’t always guarantee superior quality. The key is to ensure they’ll still be available to support your investment years down the line.
Keep in mind: newer roofing companies may offer lower prices due to reduced overhead. This isn’t necessarily a red flag but something to consider when making your decision.
4. How many years of warranty do you provide?
A crucial factor in choosing a roofing contractor is understanding the warranty they offer for their workmanship. Warranties can range from 1 year to a lifetime, but you can expect a reasonable warranty of 10 years from your local roofing contractor.
A contractor who stands behind their work and products should confidently offer a long warranty, ideally close to 20 years or even a lifetime.
Remember: the true value of a warranty is reflected in the contractor’s reputation. Check reviews and customer feedback to ensure they honor their warranties and deliver on their promises.
5. Can you show me your recent projects?
Ask your roofing contractor for references from projects completed within the past 3 to 6 months. This allows you to inspect the quality of their recent work by visiting the sites or, if you prefer, talking to past clients.
While it’s not always necessary, you might choose to knock on doors and speak with previous customers about their experiences. A trustworthy contractor will be eager to provide references and showcase their recent projects.
If a contractor hesitates or refuses to show their work, consider it a red flag and move on.
6. Do you provide a written estimate?
Ensure that your roofing contractor offers a written estimate that details the scope of work and the products to be used. The estimate should also specify any tasks that will be subcontracted.
A comprehensive written estimate protects you by clearly outlining what to expect, avoiding any surprises or hidden costs. It provides a detailed record of the project, helps you make informed decisions, and ensures transparency throughout the process.
7. How will you protect my property during roof replacement?
It’s essential to ask how the roofing contractor plans to protect your property during the roof replacement. Inquire about their methods for safeguarding your lawn, landscaping, windows, and other features.
Reputable contractors typically use tarps to cover the ground and protect landscaping around your home. Some may also use additional measures to prevent damage.
Be cautious of contractors who include clauses in the fine print of their estimates that limit their liability for property damage. Always ensure you understand their approach to property protection and check for any exclusions in their contract.
8. What is your cleanup process?
Cleanup is a vital part of the roof replacement process. Ask the roofing contractor about their approach to cleaning up during and after the project.
A professional contractor should clean up continuously, ensuring debris and trash are promptly collected and disposed of in a dump trailer. Many teams have dedicated members focused on this task.
Beyond initial cleanup, it’s crucial to ensure that no nails or debris are left behind. The contractor should perform multiple sweeps of your property with magnets to capture any stray nails. This step shows a roofing contractor’s commitment towards their work and their professionalism.
9. Do you use ice and water shield?
Ice and water shield is a critical waterproof membrane that protects your roof decking from water infiltration. It should be installed in key areas such as roof valleys, around penetrations, and on roofs with pitches of 2/12, 3/12, or 4/12.
Given its importance, every roof should have this protection. However, some contractors may skip it to reduce costs.
Be sure to ask if the contractor uses ice and water shield and inquire about the specific locations where it will be installed. This will confirm they’re not just providing a generic answer but are committed to properly protecting your roof.
10. Will you install a drip edge?
Drip edge is a vital component of a roofing system, installed along the roof’s edges (rakes and eaves) to prevent water from seeping underneath the roofing materials. It’s not just a good practice; it’s required by building code.
According to the 2018 IRC Code R905.2.8.5: “A drip edge shall be provided at eaves and gables of shingle roofs.” This requirement ensures that your roof meets regulatory standards and provides effective leak prevention.
When discussing your roof replacement, confirm that the contractor will install a drip edge and inquire about their installation practices to ensure compliance with this essential code.
What Are the Signs of a Bad Roofing Contractor?
Now that you’re equipped with the top 10 questions to ask a roofing contractor, you’re well on your way to finding the right professional for your roof replacement. These questions will help you gauge their reliability and expertise, setting the stage for a successful project.
However, remember that a contractor’s promises don’t always align with their performance. To avoid hiring the wrong roofer, it’s crucial to be vigilant.
To further guide you in making an informed choice, be sure to read our article on the 8 Signs of a Bad Roofing Contractor. This will help you identify red flags and ensure you select a trustworthy and skilled contractor.
For a stress-free roofing experience and exceptional service, choose Ebenezer Roofing. Our team of experts in Maryland is ready to handle your roof replacement with precision and care.
Contact us today for a free online estimate and discover why we’re the top choice for roofing in the area. Your roof is our priority!