Your Professional Roofer

If the shingles on your roof are blowing off or your ceiling is leaking in several places, it is probably time to phone a professional roofer to examine and care for your roof. While there is likely a host of roofing companies constellating your area, not all companies can guarantee the high-quality workmanship and meticulous attention that you should expect. It is crucial to select a roofing company that is reliable, affordable and puts out efficient results in a timely manner, but it can also be quite a daunting experience especially if you are not too certain what kind of qualifications you should be looking for.

To help you sift out unreliable contractors, our residential and commercial roofing experts at Your Professional Roofer have collected a few essential questions to ask while interviewing your roofer.

“Are You Licensed?”

Your roofer should be properly trained and licensed to perform work on residential and industrial properties. Many states require a roofing contractor to be licensed in their state. Keep in mind that all states are different. For instance, one code may be required in Nashville while another may be required in Boston. In Missouri, a state license for roofers is not required, but there may still be license requirements at a local level. To make sure the company you are considering has acquired all of its relevant licenses and certifications, conduct thorough research. By knowing the code requirements in your area, you will be able to weed out suspicious companies that cut corners to save money. 

“How Many Years Have You Been in the Business?”

Longer years of operation translate into more experience and more experience is usually preferable since companies that perform low-quality work do not tend to last very long. Nonetheless, even the most seasoned roof replacement company in the industry may not be well-versed in installing all types of roofing systems. Before you sign on the dotted line, do not forget to ask the roofer whether or not they are highly experienced in repairing or installing the exact type of roof you have.

“Do You Offer Workers’ Compensation Insurance?”

This form of insurance covers medical expenses and wage replacement for employees who become injured or ill on the job. There was a time when employers with a couple of employees did not have to offer workers’ compensation insurance — now they do by law. Unfortunately, there are still some roofers who choose to skimp out on this requirement. Insurance is not entirely cheap, so some would rather take their chances. The glaring problem is that if you sign on a contractor that does not provide workman’s compensation to their employees and someone happens to get injured while working on your property, you may find yourself shelling out thousands of dollars to cover their medical bills or replace a portion of their lost wages. No homeowner wants to encounter this dire loss. Protect yourself by hiring a company that insures each worker that will repair or replace your roof.

“Do You Have General Liability Insurance?

While workers’ compensation covers the employees present on your residential property, general liability insurance provides coverage for your actual property. For example, if a crew member accidentally sets your roof on fire while welding and burns down a portion of your house in the process, you can be responsible for covering the debts incurred by this critical accident if the contractor does not carry liability insurance. 

Ask to see an insurance certificate during your initial consultation with the roof replacement company. This document will list your name and address as an additional insured. If anything goes wrong on the job, you will have peace of mind knowing that you and your hard-earned house will be covered. Do not hesitate to call the insurance company if you are still unsure.

“Will You Be Responsible for Removing My Old Roof?”

Some roofers will claim to save money, time and effort by giving your old roof a brief visual inspection and then shingling over it as an attempt to “restore” the roof. But the thing is, your old, worn-out shingles need to be pulled up and removed in order to fully expose the decking or wood sheathing underneath. If you fail to replace soft, spongy, or rotten wood, it will only be a matter of time before you encounter bigger and costlier problems. It is best not to let a roofer install a new roof until they have successfully gotten rid of your old roof.

“Will You Use Ladder Stabilizers to Protect My Gutters?”

Ladder stabilizers or standoffs are common equipment used in roofing installations. These accessories have wide tubular arms and non-slip rubber pads that grip an exterior wall. This method increases the stability of the extension ladder and keeps its weight off your gutters. Without a stabilizer or standoff, you may end up with a brand new roof but torn-up gutters around your house. If the contractor you are considering declares that they do not use any type of ladder stabilizers, ask them what installation methods they will utilize to keep your gutter system intact and unimpaired. If they cannot give a clear-cut answer to this simple question, it is better not to trust them with your roofing repair or replacement project.

“Will You Bring a Container for Refuse Material?”

The roofing contractor should bring a company-owned container or rental bin to collect refuse from your old roof such as shingles, wood planks and insulation materials. Without a dedicated container for waste items on the job site, piles of castoff items and other debris will scatter around your house, resulting in an unsightly mess. As a homeowner, you should not be responsible for supplying this container nor should you have to deal with mounds of scraps once the roofing job is completed.

“How Will You Protect My Landscaping During the Project?”

Most homeowners taking on a roofing repair or installation project are often occupied with the actual removal and installation process of the roof and fail to think about what surrounds the house. This includes the garden or landscaping. If you exert physical effort and spend hundreds of dollars planting shrubs, trees and flowers, you do not want to acquire a beautiful, up-to-date roof only to end up with a dilapidated lawn. Before you hire a contractor, ask what they will do to protect your landscaping from waste materials and foot traffic. Where will the ladders be positioned? Where will the old shingles and plywood be dropped so that it does not affect the vegetation surrounding your house? If an accident occurs and a crew member stomps on your precious garden, what will the company do to fix the damage?

Let Your Professional Roofer Help Achieve Your Dream Exterior

Your Professional Roofer is a premier source of exterior improvement solutions in Saint Peters, MO and the surrounding areas. Our certified professionals install residential and commercial roofing, repair faulty gutters, replace old siding and more. We are committed to providing the comfort and efficiency you need through industry-leading products and outstanding customer service. Call us today at (636) 259-5940 or fill out our contact form to set up an appointment or request a free, no-obligation estimate.