When you need your roof repaired or replaced, unless you’re very comfortable with home repair, you’ll likely turn to a roofer to have the work done for you. In order to get the best experience out of your repair or new roof, it’s essential that you choose the right roofing company. There are a lot of fly-by-night companies out there, and even more new companies simply don’t have the experience that they need to do a great job. But how do you determine the right company to use? The answer is simple: ask them some questions.
Is there an older roof beneath my current roof?
In the north, it is common to put new shingles over old ones instead of replacing them. This isn’t standard practice everywhere, but you should be aware of it regardless of where you live. Laying shingles over the top of old shingles isn’t necessarily bad when it’s done correctly, but you should at least know this prior to hiring someone out. There are good reasons to not want a re-shingled roof, like if you think that you may have decking damage. No matter which one you choose, you need to make sure the roofing company you hire follows all local laws.
Is the material available sufficient to meet your needs?
It is not possible to repair all roofs. It all depends on what material is underneath the roof. Ask your contractor to show you a sample of any existing shingles or tiles. To ensure it isn’t just scrap, inspect the sample carefully. This is the only way to find out if the new roofing material will work for you.
How are the shingles and tiles currently in condition?
It’s normal to be concerned about the condition and appearance of your roof tiles and shingles if they have suffered damage. You should make sure they are in good shape. Do not allow your roof to be damaged by poor roofing materials.
What is the condition of the current shingles and tiles?
If your roof has been damaged, it’s normal to worry about the condition of the shingles and tiles. A roofer should be able to complete a visual inspection, both from the ground and from up on the roof. Some roofers are also using drones to check on taller and steeper roofs.
Any roofer you hire should be able to accurately identify all the issues with your roof, be able to describe how the issues happened, and give you advice on the best methods for resolving the issues. If the roofing company you’re talking to can’t do this, it’s probably a good idea to stay away.
How many square feet is it? How many squares is it?
The size of your roof is something that the roofer should be able to tell you very quickly. This can be determined by walking the roof and taking measurements. Many roofers now use online mapping software that can accurately measure the size of a roof, including the slope. A roofer who can’t give you a quick and specific answer is not one you should choose.
Roofs a usually measured out in something called “squares”. In roofing terms, a square is simply a measurement of about 100 square feet, or a 10′ X 10′ area. If your roofer doesn’t know what a square is, I recommend moving on to a new one. Quickly.
What the age of my roof?
Age is another huge factor in the serviceable lifespan of a roof. Obviously, the older a roof is, the less lifespan it has left, but there are other factors at play here. For instance, a metal roof will likely last much longer than a shingle roof, and it should be able to be repaired more easily than a shingle roof.
How much rain does my roof get?
Rainfall and snowfall are huge factors when estimating the lifespan of a roof. Moisture is one of the biggest factors in shingle degradation. If you live in a climate that’s very wet, it’s important to speak with your roofer about the best practices and methods to keep your roof as dry as possible. Sometimes this can be easily done, and sometimes it requires a whole new roof. Either way, it’s an important factor in determining which route to take.
Is there anything else that needs repair or replacement on my roof?
A checklist is a common tool for roofing contractors. This checklist can be used to repair damaged chimneys or install new skylights. Ask your contractor to show you the checklist he uses for roof repairs. This may help you get an idea of the estimated cost of the project.
There are many things you should remember when you hire a roofing contractor, but one of the biggest is to ask questions before hiring. A good roofer will have answers and should have no problem going over them with you. Another great idea is to ask your friends and neighbors for recommendations. If they’ve successfully helped your cousin or your neighbor in the past, they will probably be able to help you too. After you have hired a roofing contractor, make sure you follow all of their instructions. Good contractors will ensure that you are not concerned about your roof’s maintenance.