A home’s roof provides shelter and protection from the elements, so it should always be in top shape. Roofing problems can cause severe water damage, mold issues, pest infestations, weather leaks, and more. When you hire a team to repair or replace your roof, you expect them to be licensed, reputable, and well-versed in the roofing industry. You’ll need to ensure the team you hire to work on or replace your roof has the expertise to do the job well. Roofing disasters can damage your home, utility bills, and property value. Before signing a roofing contract, it is wise to look at some of the most critical factors roofers should be familiar with.
1. Licensing
Most states require roofers to be licensed to work on commercial projects. While some states don’t require roofing licenses on the state level, the city or county level may require a state license. Even if state and city levels do not require a roofing license, general contracting licenses are typically needed. No matter what type of licensing a roofing company requires, licensing normally requires a certain amount of experience, proof of insurance, registration, and passing a state exam. Ensure that your roofing company holds at least management-level licensing before hiring.
2. Climate
A building’s roof needs to be compatible with the local climate. Knowing that the roofer you hire is familiar with climate and roof material compatibility is crucial. Not all materials and repairs are durable for all climate types. For example, some varying state climates are listed below.
Minnesota
Minnesota has a continental climate with notably harsher winters than southern states. It can be pretty rainy during storm season. Therefore, a roof in this state must, most importantly, be resistant to cold, ice, rain, and snow. Many roofing materials, like timber, aren’t ideal for wet or rainy climates. A roofing contractor in Minneapolis will be highly familiar with the effect of Minnesota’s climate on a roof and the most durable roofing materials for the area, as opposed to an out-of-state roofer.
California
In most areas, California’s climate experiences more dry heat, as desert regions are very prevalent. Since California experiences a wide variety of wildfires and earthquakes, roofing materials should be fire-resistant and relatively durable against earthquake damage. Timber may be a risky roofing material in California’s dry, hot areas with more prevalent fire risks.
Florida
Florida is a boiling, humid, and rainy state that experiences many hurricanes. Roofing should be sturdy against high winds and resistant to water damage. Cool roofing is an energy-efficient and eco-friendly choice here. This area will likely never see significant snowfall, so protection against snow isn’t a factor here, and most contractors will know this.
While most roofing companies are local and, therefore, familiar with roofing hazards in your climate, it’s good to ensure they’ve been doing business in the area well. Hiring a friend from out of state who will do your roof repairs for a discounted price may not be the best idea long-term.
3. Reputation
Obtaining a license and familiarity with the area doesn’t guarantee you’re good to work with. A contractor’s reputation can be a crucial indicator of the kind of work they’ll do and the quality of communication they’ll have with you. No business has flawless reviews, but if a contractor’s review page is primarily negative, it may be a sign to move on. Be sure to read reviews thoroughly, as well—not all reviews have merit. Check reviews on multiple platforms for more diversity as well. Other ways to check a business’s reputation is to learn how long they’ve been in business and who recommends them as a roofer. Organizations like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) may also offer critical insight into a business’s reputation, but not all companies are registered on these platforms.
4. Expertise
Reputation and expertise often overlap, but they are two distinct elements to evaluating if a contractor is right for you. A business may have an excellent reputation while being relatively new to the industry. Some roofing contractors have been in business for decades but have a terrible reputation. A great way to research a contractor’s expertise is to know how long they’ve been in business, how they train employees, and what roofing projects they do. A business’s website can provide much information about their experience and expertise.
5. Materials
A roof’s materials can significantly determine its efficiency, durability, and quality. Are the roofers you’re looking at familiar with the materials your roof is made of? Some roofing, such as rubber, require additional expertise that not all roofers can manage. Is the business honest about the durability and quality of roofing materials? Do they offer eco-friendly and sustainable options? Are they well-versed in both traditional methods and new roofing industry trends? Their website may provide information about the materials they work with and what they recommend. You can also ask during your initial consultation.
Conclusion
Choosing a contractor to repair or replace your roof can be difficult. Roof damage can be severe and lead to major structural issues that can cause injuries or health risks. To ensure the contractors you hire are up for the job, make sure they’re licensed, familiar with the local climate, reputable, and experienced. They should also know how to work with the materials you need for your roof.
Photo by Edge Training: https://www.pexels.com/photo/men-shaking-hands-17668953/
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