6 Key Questions To Ask Your Roofing Contractor Before Hiring

Important Questions to Ask Your Roofing Contractor

As you have reviewed your roof inspection checklist, or are currently planning a roof replacement, you are likely thoroughly researching several of your local roofing companies. You may be wondering, “what questions should I be asking my roofer?”

Here are 10 key questions you should ask your roofing contractor before hiring them on.

1. Are you licensed and insured?

As a general rule of thumb, make sure that your roofing contractor is both licensed and insured. Do your research and know what the local codes are. Ensure that the contractor you hire has all the appropriate paperwork and permits to perform work on your home.

Licensed: This means that your roofers are registered with the state of Wisconsin.
Insured: Every roofing contractor must be fully insured, with a company vehicle insurance policy, workman’s comp, and general liability.

Affordable Contracting Services is a GAF Factory-Certified Contractor, so you can rest assured that our roofing contractors are all appropriately licensed and insured.

2. How long have you been in business?

Be sure to look into how long the company has been in business. Usually a company that’s served their local clients for many years is committed to a quality job, with a respect for their property. The most reliable way of finding out the credibility of a business is to take a look at reviews online. A roofing contractor’s Google, Facebook, and Yelp reviews will help give you a lot of insight into the quality of work they do.

For example, you’ll be able to pick up on people’s experiences with the company’s warranty, honesty, willingness to answer client questions, the team’s process from start to finish, timeliness, and their overall level of expertise.

3. Are you a local company?

Make sure you choose a roofing company that’s in your local area, with a physical office location and a local phone number. There’s clear advantages to hiring a local company. For example, a local company knows what local installation codes to follow, what paperwork is required, and anything else that complies with requirements of the state of Wisconsin.

We encourage you to avoid out-of-state companies that only come to your area after a major storm hits. More than likely they may or may not perform work that complies with Wisconsin requirements.

Also, these roofing contractors may simply be looking to get roofing projects for money and then move on to the next storm-stricken region of the country to do the same there.

Questions to Ask Your Roofing Contractors

4. How does your company protect my property during the project?

Another important question to ask your roofing contractor is “how does your company protect my property during the project?” As a home or business owner, you’ll definitely want a peace of mind going into the project. One of the best ways to do that is by directly asking the contractor what steps they personally take to protect your property.

For example, what protocols do they follow to protect your lawn, landscape, or light fixtures? You don’t want a roofing contractor that states in the fine print that they’re not responsible for any roofing damage.

5. What is your roof warranty?

You should inquire with your roofing contractor about the kind of warranty they offer on their workmanship. You’ll find that the warranty ranges from company to company. A roof warranty can be one year, two years, five years, ten years, twenty-five years, or even a lifetime.

Contact Affordable Contracting Services for more info on our GAF warranty and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.

6. Can you give me references?

Another tip we recommend is to ask your roofing contractor for a reference of a job performed in the last 3-6 months. Any reputable roofing company should be happy to provide you a reference upon request. If desired, you can verify past clients’ experience with the company by contacting them personally.

Specifically, some questions to ask include:

Did the roofing team complete the roof replacement on time?
During the project, how did the contractor protect your property?
How did the contractor clean up after the roofing project?
What kind of warranty did the contractor provide?

Good references help to establish trust with your roofing contractor. If the contractor is not willing to give you a reference, it’s a sure sign that you shouldn’t invest your money in that company.

Read more here for tips on picking the right roofing contractor.

Questions to Ask Your Roofing Contractors: FAQs

Here are some FAQs to consider in your search for a reliable roofing company:

What questions should I ask roofer?

When hiring a roofer, it’s essential to ensure they are qualified and trustworthy. Consider asking: Are you licensed and insured? Can you provide references from previous clients? What warranties do you offer on materials and workmanship? Do you provide a written estimate and contract? How will you handle adverse weather conditions during the project? Asking these questions can help you gauge the roofer’s overall expertise.

How to interview your roofer?

Interviewing a roofer is akin to a vetting process. Start by asking about their experience and credentials. Check if they have photos of past projects. Inquire about their process, timelines, and how they handle unexpected challenges. Ask for references and actually call them. Discuss payment terms, and ensure all agreements are in writing. Lastly, trust your gut feeling – if you’re uncomfortable with any answers, it might be a sign to look elsewhere.

What time of year is best to replace a roof?

The best time to replace a roof largely depends on your climate. Generally, late spring to early fall offers ideal weather conditions for roofing. During these months, the weather is typically dry and warm, which is conducive for installation and ensures that materials adhere properly. However, professional roofers can work around various conditions, so it’s crucial to discuss timing with your chosen contractor.

How often should you replace your roof?

The frequency of roof replacement depends on the material used and environmental factors. Asphalt shingle roofs, the most common type, typically last 20 to 25 years. Metal roofs can last 40-70 years. Tile and slate roofs have a lifespan of 50+ years. Regardless of the roofing material, regular maintenance and inspections can extend a roof’s life. If you notice sagging, missing shingles, or frequent leaks, it might be time for a replacement.

Why do roofers have a bad reputation?

Like any profession, roofing has its mix of professionals. Some roofers might cut corners, use subpar materials, or provide vague contracts leading to unexpected costs. Such practices can tarnish the industry’s reputation. However, many professional, ethical roofers pride themselves on quality work and transparent dealings. It’s crucial to research, read reviews, and get recommendations to find a trustworthy roofer.

For further reading, take a look at the article here about important questions to ask a roofing contractor before signing a contract.

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Ask a Roofing Contractor For Help With Your Roof!

Need help with roofing services in the Appleton, Neenah, Menasha, Kimberly, Oshkosh, and Fox Valley area? Look no further than our roofing contractors to get your new roof job done right!

We are skilled in roof installations, replacements, repairs, maintenance, siding, gutters, windows, doors, custom garages, and other home improvement services.

At ACS Roofing, we’ve proudly provided professional roofing services for asphalt, steel, and rubber roofs since our beginnings in 2003. Since then, we have only continued to grow as a team. Furthermore, each member of the Affordable Contracting Services team is GAF certified. This ensures that you can trust that our roofing contractors will always follow best installation practices.

In addition, we always provide a detailed written estimate and a timeframe that you can expect the roof job to be complete. We build relationships with our valued clients in the Appleton, Menasha, Kimberly, Kaukauna, Oshkosh, and Fox Valley community, and are looking to serve you for many years to come!