The two keys to a reliable roof that lasts include selecting industry-leading materials to cover your roof, and choosing the right contractor to install it. An investment of this size deserves only the best in every detail so you get the long-lasting, exceptional results you desire. You’ll save time, cash, and hassles by taking time upfront to sift through your options and connect with the top roofer for your needs.
Read on to gain valuable insights into how to vet the best roofing contractor for the important job of replacing your Wichita area home’s roof.
Questions to Ask Your Roofer Before Officially Hiring Them
1. Are you licensed and insured?
If the contractor you are considering isn’t licensed or insured, keep looking. It’s in your best interest to find someone who is. Why? Because licensing ensures they are current on local codes, and insurance protects you in the unlikely event someone is injured on your property.
2. How long have you been in business, and what qualifications do you have for this work?
This simple question is a great opener because it will allow the contractor to fill you in on their history, experience, training, and expertise—giving you a good sense of their qualifications.
3. May I have some references of recent roof replacements?
Looking at recent projects that the roofer completed is a fast way to get to know them and predict if they are a good match for your needs or not.
4. Where is your office located?
It’s essential that the roofer has a local office where you can find them after your roof is installed. If they simply have an out-of-town address, they may be storm chasers who come to town after severe weather hits and leave without any way of finding them should something go wrong.
5. What type of warranty do you offer?
Find out about the warranty your contractor includes on their work as well as the warranty offered by the manufacturer of the roofing materials you choose to have installed.
6. Which roofing materials do you specialize in installing?
There are a variety of roofing material options, and contractors usually specialize in a particular one. If you desire to have your roof replaced with asphalt shingles, find someone who has been trained by the manufacturer in the installation of a complete roofing system (like us!). We install industry-leading Owens Corning roofing materials that set your home apart from the rest. When you choose these quality products, you get the beauty and resilience homeowners love in a roof.
7. Where are some places I can find online reviews written by previous customers?
Reading firsthand accounts of what it’s like to work with the contractor you are considering is one of the most telling ways you can uncover the type of outcome you can expect should you choose them for your upcoming roof replacement. Read reviews from Angi, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), the contractor’s website, and any other location the company sends you to.
8. Do you provide a detailed written estimate?
It’s vital that you get a detailed estimate in writing from your roofing contractor before hiring them. The cost for labor and materials should all be outlined with clarity. It should include how they handle payment (which should not be all upfront).
9. What type of ventilation does my roof need?
The health of your roof is directly impacted by how well ventilated your attic is. Without proper ventilation, moisture and heat accumulate in your attic and cause your roof to age faster. Lack of proper ventilation can also contribute to ice dams in the winter. The best time to improve attic ventilation is when you have your roof replaced. Ask for a thorough evaluation of your current ventilation and an estimate on the best plan to boost it for the optimal long-term results.
10. How do you ensure safety for your workers while my roof is being installed?
Roofing installation is risky work, and the crew should be required to adhere to safety precautions to ensure no one is injured during your roof replacement.
11. How will my home and property be protected from damage while you are tearing off my old roof and installing the new one?
The contractor should have a dumpster delivered to your driveway to place your old roof in as they tear it down. Each day after they finish their work, they should make their way across your lawn with a large magnet to pick up any nails or debris that may have accidentally been discarded in your yard. Your landscaping should be covered to keep it from being damaged during your roof installation.
12. What should I expect in the installation process, and how can I prepare my property for it?
Knowing what is involved in the roof replacement process will help you get your property ready for it so things can go smoothly. Moving outdoor furniture away from your home, trimming landscaping away from its perimeter, trimming trees that may be brushing up against your current roof, and decluttering your yard are all ways to get ready for installation day. Making arrangements for young children and pets, clearing your driveway, and parking your car down the street can also help during the replacement process.
13. What type of timeline should we expect for my roof replacement?
While delays can happen due to unexpected weather, find out when your replacement can be scheduled to begin and end so you can plan for it accordingly.
Get Lasting Protection with a Roof Replacement Installed by Our Expert Team
From roof replacements to repairs, at Keeter Roofing and Remodeling, as an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor, we install stunning, weather-resistant roofing to give you peace of mind that your home is well protected. Learn more about how a roof replacement can elevate your house’s curb appeal and value while safeguarding it from the elements.
