Getting a new roof is one of the bigger decisions you’ll make when upgrading your home. Purchasing a new roof is a large investment in your house. Therefore, you want to know the job is done well. That means getting the right type of roof for your home as well as securing the best contractor to install it. Before you jump into hiring just anyone to put that roof on your house, you should ask them the following questions. These questions will help you determine if you’re on the right track to hiring the right roofing contractor.
Your first question to any prospective roofing contractors is, what are your qualifications? Anyone can get a truck with a sign that states they are a roofer. However, it requires quite a bit more than that to be a legitimate roofer.
Michigan is one state that requires a license to perform roofing. You want to make sure the contractor you work with has the appropriate licenses and certifications to perform the work.
Not only do you want to make sure the roofer you employ has the necessary state licenses, but you also benefit from a contractor with prestigious qualifications such as GAF and CertainTeed certifications. These certifications indicate a high level of quality, therefore putting your mind at ease.
When determining who you are going to hire to install your new roof, it’s important to find out what type of roofing they use. Some contractors only work with one manufacturer, and therefore “push” their products. However, this doesn’t provide you with many options, which is necessary to make the best decision for your home. It’s essential to hire a contractor who works with a variety of roofing manufacturers, that way you’ll get several options from which to choose. In fact, finding out what type of roofing materials they use will lead you to the next question.
The type of roof you get is really a matter of taste, although each type of roof type has its benefits. The main types of roofing available include:
Asphalt shingles are probably the most popular type of roofing material. It’s budget-friendly roofing, and if you have professional installers, you will get approximately 20 years out of your shingles.
Slate roofing is a beautiful, luxurious type of roofing. It’s fire-retardant and waterproof, which is a plus if you live in a wet climate. The other thing about slate is it lasts longer than you’ll live.
Ceramic roofs are like slate roofs in many ways. They are exquisite to look at, heavier than asphalt, last for decades and are more costly. Yet, you must be sure you have an expert roof installer because they can break if they are stepped on the wrong way.
Metal roofs are fast becoming popular these days. Lightweight but durable, they come in a variety of colors to match your house. They are also easy to maintain, which is a bonus. You’ll also get approximately 50 years out of a new metal roof. Other advantages of choosing metal roofing are that they are fireproof, fungus-proof, and virtually pest-proof.
A roofing contractor who is worth anything at all is willing to offer a warranty for their product and a guarantee for the labor. If a contractor doesn’t stand behind the work, then you can count on the fact that they aren’t that reputable. Besides, you need to have a guarantee for peace of mind.
What should you hope for in a guarantee or warranty when you hire a roofing contractor? For one thing, you want a substantial guarantee of the actual product itself. Some products such as GAF and CertainTeed have lifetime guarantees, which is superior to anything else you’ll find.
Another important feature to look for is a “No Leak Guarantee.” This should be standard, but you need to ask to be sure the company offers that.
Finally, you want to find out what kind of labor warranty the company will give you. Roofing contractors that are confident of their work will be happy to provide an extensive warranty for their work.
Often times people need to repair or replace a roof because of damage that was due to an accident. Possibly a horrific storm passed through, knocking over a tree branch which causes substantial damage. Or maybe lightning has struck a tree and caused a fire to break out which spread to the roof.
Whenever the problem is caused by an accident and not just due to the age of the roof, then that will likely be covered by insurance. In this case, you will have an insurance claim and be covered. However, it’s much easier to work with a roofer with experience dealing with insurance companies and claims. In fact, if they can handle the entire process for you, that will take a huge load off your shoulders.
Check to make sure that the roofing company can handle insurance claims if you are dealing with such an issue.
Once you decide to move forward with getting a new roof, then if you’re like most people, you want it done as soon as possible. No one wants to wait around for an extensive amount of time as contractors come and begin putting the roof on. You probably won’t enjoy an extended amount of time of having people on and off your property and up and down from your roof.
So, it’s important to find a roofer who can do the job in a short amount of time. Actually, if you can secure a one or two day turnaround time, you will have found a phenomenal contractor.
Sometimes emergencies happen. As mentioned above, you may have had a horrible storm that caused damage to your roof. Or maybe you just put off taking care of what you thought was a minor roof problem and now it’s a major issue. Whatever the case may be, when emergencies strike, you need immediate help. If you don’t have a roofer who can work with emergency issues, then that means you may be stuck waiting for days or potentially even weeks. Working with a company that is on-call 24 hours a day, all year round is a big benefit that you won’t find everywhere.
How many places are there that deals with emergencies as they happen? The problem with emergencies is that you never know when they are going to happen; that’s why it’s critical to work with a roofer who will be available to come day or night to deal with your problems.
Of course, when it comes to getting something as big as your roof replaced, you’re likely thinking about the finances. That’s understandable when it comes to something this substantial. You definitely want a place that allows a variety of payment options.
However, what if you don’t have access to enough funds at the moment? Or maybe you don’t even have any extra money for such a replacement. What then? You need a roofing contractor that not only does a fantastic job and guarantees the work, but you also benefit from a place that offers to finance. If you have a roofing company that provides several financing options for you, then that relieves a lot of stress from your mind.
This is a question that many homeowners face whenever problems begin to arise with their roof. Whether they notice a few drops of water coming in or see the evidence of mold on the ceiling, it is a valid concern. On the one hand, you don’t want to replace your entire roof if it’s just a minor problem that can be fixed.
On the other hand, some problems can’t really be fixed; they need a complete overhaul. At the same time, doing nothing is the worse possible thing and guesswork won’t get it either. If you delay getting help for your roof when you already see signs of water, then the problem will only worsen.
Fortunately, if you have a qualified, and honest roofing contractor, you can rest assured that you’ll get the answers you need. A professional roofer will assess the problem and let you know if it’s worth saving. Sometimes, it’s better to replace a roof, especially if the roof is already 20-25 years or older.
Now that you have some pertinent questions to ask your roofing contractor, you’re prepared to move forward with upgrading your home with a beautiful new roof.
At Ann Arbor A2roofing, we are standing by ready to answer all your questions. You’ll be pleased to know that we are qualified, certified, and fully licensed. We offer financing options, emergency service, fast turnaround service, and much more. Our professional and ethical roofing contractors in Ann Arbor have been delighting customers for decades. Give us a call and schedule an estimate today!