Choosing A Contractor

How Long has the Contractor Been in Business?

In many cases, homeowners let price dictate their choice of contractor.  Please read our section on the importance of roof system installation to get a better understanding of why the contractor is such an important decision.  We are not saying to choose the most expensive contractor. But we do not like receiving phone calls from homeowners having to replace their roof after 5 years or being unable to track down a contractor who installed their roof.  The best advice we can give is to ask your potential contractor for a list of satisfied customers.  Experience and reputation speak volumes about a roofing contractor. 

Double Check Licensing and Insurance

Working on a roof comes with inherent dangers. You will want to know that the contractor you are working with carries the necessary insurance to cover its workers in the event of an injury on your property.  

Ask Who is Performing the Installation

Some roofing contractors outsource their jobs to third party independent contractors.  You want to know exactly what you are buying and make sure that no warranties are voided in the process.  

Ask About Unplanned Repairs

Roofing contractors will give you an estimate based on their initial assessment of your roof.  However, once they tear off those layers of roofing, they may find decking that is rotted or other damage that was not able to be seen before tear off.  Ask your contractor how it handles unexpected repairs. 

Will Contractor Tear Off Your Old Roof?

It is almost always a bad idea to install new shingles over an old roof.  It adds additional weight to an aging roof that may be due for new decking.  It does not address any underlying problems, such as damage concealed by old shingles and can be compared to putting a bandage over an infected wound. 

Ask if the Contractor is an Authorized Installer

Is the roofing contractor a preferred partner or authorized installer of the product manufacturer?  If they are not it can void certain manufacturer warranties.  If they are this will ensure that the manufacturer has provided installation training to the contractor for their specific roofing system.