When Hiring a Roofer, Ask These Questions

Getting your roof repaired or replaced is a job you wouldn’t trust to just anyone. When major storms ravage an area, some roofers come through Northern Virginia to repair damages and then disappear the next day, leaving you with no dependable roofer if something goes wrong your newly repaired or replaced roof.

Hiring the right roofing contractor takes time and requires that you do your due diligence. Your roof protects your home, your family, your assets. You want to know that you have a professional company you can turn to for all your roofing needs. Here are some questions you should ask to be sure you’ve found the right Northern Virginia roofer!

Are They Accredited With the Better Business Bureau?

Some roofing companies have reviews on popular websites but aren’t accredited with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). It’s always in your best interest to find a roofer who’s accredited with the BBB to ensure you’re getting a reputable professional who doesn’t have any outstanding complaints against them.

The BBB’s site also has ratings from customers in addition to information about the company, allowing you to verify the roofing company in question matches up with what they say and is BBB-accredited for your peace of mind!

Is the Northern Virginia Roofer Licensed and Insured?

Your Northern Virginia roofer should always be licensed and insured when working on your property. Never go with a company that can’t prove that their employees or business is insured, no matter how tempting their pricing or promises may be. If someone is injured on your property or if they leave the job half-done, you are not protected.

All reputable roofing contractors will be licensed and insured according to your state’s requirements. If the company you work with doesn’t advertise the fact that they’re insured and licensed, you may want to ask if they are and for proof.

Do They Have Any Manufacturer Certifications?

Depending on what type of material you’re using to replace your roof, it could be in your best interest to ask if the contractor has any manufacturer designations or certifications to speak of. For example, if you’re choosing shingles from CertainTeed, is your roofing contractor certified as a ShingleMaster™ with CertainTeed to provide you with the best installation and warranties?

Many reputable roofing companies maintain some type of manufacturer designation to provide you with experienced installers for the specific product you’ve chosen. You can follow up with the contractor in question to ask about their certifications and to see proof of their accreditation.

Are They Local?

There are several advantages to working with a local business when it comes to getting your roofing problems addressed. First, local companies are usually well established and can easily provide support even after your roofing job is finished. The same can’t be said for fly-by-night companies that you’ll never see again and can’t get in touch with.

Second, local companies will have performed roofing work in the community, and you can ask for photos and references for jobs they’ve completed nearby. And last but not least, these contractors are familiar with the weather in the area and can make the best roofing recommendations for you based on the climate and your home’s location!

What Warranty Options Does the Contractor and the Roofing Manufacturer Offer?

When getting a new roof, you need to know that your investment is going to be protected. After all, a new roof is a major purchase for most homeowners, and one that will impact the safety of your property for the foreseeable future. You need to know what warranty options your contractor offers.

Every roofing company should offer both a workmanship warranty that covers the installation and labor of the roof for a specified amount of time and a manufacturer’s warranty that covers your roofing materials. While these two numbers will differ, you can and should know exactly what you’re getting before investing in a new roof!

Get the Best Roofing Contractor for Your Roofing Job!

It’s not easy to pick the best roofing professionals in Northern Virginia, but by taking a few simple steps and asking the right questions, you can be sure your new roof is a worthy investment and will protect your home for many years to come!