WHAT TO ASK WHEN REPLACING YOUR ROOF PART 1: ABOUT THE CONTRACTOR
Choosing a roofing contractor is no easy task. When getting your roof replaced, you need to work with a company that has your best interests at heart. It’s important to gather as much information as possible before making a commitment.
We know how tough it can be to find a reputable roofing company. That’s why we put together a list of questions for your roofer and sales rep to help you weed out the less reliable.
BEFORE YOU MEET THE ROOFING SALESPERSON…
If it’s your first time choosing a roofing contractor, make sure to do your research on each company and pay close attention to customer reviews before meeting with roofing sales reps. Online reviews of local roofing companies can help anticipate the reliability of their crews and judge the quality of their customer service.
5 QUESTIONS TO ASK ABOUT THE CONTRACTOR AND ROOFING COMPANY BEFORE REPLACING YOUR ROOF
When interviewing roofing contractors, it’s important to nail down the basics of each company. Here are just a few questions to ask a roofing salesperson before signing a contract.
1. How long has the roofing company been in business?
Oftentimes, the longer a roofing company has been in business, the more you can rely on their craftsmanship and service. However, consider asking about the company’s employee turnover rate, as well.
Also, how long has the rep been working for the company? Why did they choose to work for that specific roofing company? Asking these questions can help break the ice between you and your guest, making you both more comfortable at the start of the interview.
2. Are you insured?
Roofing contractors need insurance. Roofing professionals understand the importance of carrying liability insurance and workman’s comp in order to ensure your home and their workers are protected. If an accident occurs on the job, you shouldn’t be held responsible.
Greenawalt Roofing is a fully licensed and insured contracting company. We provide each customer with a Certificate of General Liability and Worker’s Compensation to bring you peace of mind before the job begins.
Check out our article, “Is Your Roofing Contractor Fully Insured,” for more information on why contractors need insurance.
3. What certifications does your roofing company have?
A professional roofing company should take the time to train and certify their crews to ensure you as the customer receive top-quality craftsmanship. It’s essential for roofing contractors to have a full understanding of the materials they work with and the proper installation techniques.
Many material manufacturers offer specific certifications that indicate to homeowners that certified contractors are committed to preserving the quality of the materials throughout the installation process. Greenawalt Roofing, for example, is a CertainTeed 5-Star SELECT ShingleMaster. That means our roofers have undergone extensive training to earn Master Shingle Applicator status and are in the top 1% of their trade, so we can ensure your roof is in expert hands. Hiring a multi-certified contractor increases the longevity of your roof and decreases the frequency of repairs in the long run.
4. Who will be replacing my roof?
Does the roofing company you’re interviewing have a specific crew that works in your area or roofers who specialize in the type of roofing system on your house, whether that’s metal roofing or architectural shingles?
The sales rep should be fully educated on the types of jobs the company can accommodate, along with the crews that work for the company and each of their specialties.
5. What steps will your crew take to protect my property?
A roofing salesperson should be able to explain the company’s roofing process to you with ease. The company should always take precautionary measures to treat your property as if it’s their own.
When you place your trust in Greenawalt Roofing, you get top-quality service from start to finish. In addition to the standard tarps many roofers use, oftentimes our roofing crews use the Equipter RB4000–a lightweight, drivable, liftable roofing trailer–to help protect lawns and landscapes from old and heavy roofing materials during the replacement process.
DON’T STOP THERE
These questions are just a few to get you started. Be sure to check out Part 2, the final part of our series on what to ask when you’re looking to replace your roof, to gather questions to ask a roofing sales rep about your specific roofing job.
Learn more about Greenawalt Roofing Company online or give us a call today to start the process and schedule a free roof replacement estimate.