When you live in an area with frequent rainfall and harsh weather conditions, your roof is going to take a beating over the years. Having a quality roof that can withstand these conditions is essential to protecting your home in the long term. If you aren’t sure if your roof will last another few years or need some repairs sooner rather than later, there are plenty of ways you can find a local roofer, such as Huntsville’s trusted roofing contractor. If you don’t have anyone in mind right now, here are some ideas on how to find a reliable roofer who will do excellent work at a fair price.
Check for Licensing and Insurance
You have probably heard of a “fly-by-night” roofing company before. These are businesses that pop up after a big storm to try and take advantage of people who need quick repairs. Well, you don’t want to hire one of these guys. You want to find a local roofing company that is properly licensed and insured. To check for licensing, you can contact your state’s licensing board or consumer affairs office. They should be able to tell you whether or not a roofing company is properly licensed in your state. As far as insurance goes, you will want to make sure that the roofer has both general liability and workers’ compensation insurance. This will protect you from being sued if someone is injured on the job or if there is damage to your property during the course of the work.
Get Some Referrals
If you know someone who has recently had their roof replaced or repaired, ask them who they used and if they were happy with the work. Getting a referral from someone you trust is a great way to find a reputable roofer. You can also check online review sites like Angie’s List, HomeAdvisor, or Google Reviews to see what other customers have said about local roofers. Just be sure to take the reviews with a grain of salt, as there are always going to be a few unhappy customers no matter how good the company is.
Get Multiple Estimates
Once you have found a few local roofers that you feel good about, get estimates from each of them. Be sure to give each roofer the same information so that you can compare their estimates side by side. You should also ask each roofer how long the job will take and what type of warranty they offer on their work. Getting multiple estimates is the best way to ensure that you are getting a fair price for the work that needs to be done.
Check for Manufacturer Certifications
When having your roof replaced, you will want to make sure that the roofer is certified by the manufacturer of the shingles you are using. This certification means that the roofer has been trained by the manufacturer on how to properly install their product. In most cases, you will want to use shingles that come with a manufacturer’s warranty, as this will give you some extra protection in case there are any problems with the workmanship.
Check for Membership in Professional Organizations
One way to find a qualified roofer is to check if they are a member of any professional organizations. These organizations require their members to meet specific qualifications and adhere to a code of ethics, so you can be sure that you’re working with a reputable company. Some of the most well-known organizations include the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and the Better Business Bureau (BBB). By doing a quick search on their websites, you can find qualified roofers in your area that are registered with these organizations.
Make Sure They Offer a Warranty
You will want to make sure that the roofer offers a warranty on their work. This will protect you in case there are any problems with the workmanship or materials used in your roof repair or replacement. Most reputable roofers will offer some sort of warranty, so if they don’t, it may be best to look elsewhere.
Get Everything in Writing
Once you have found a roofer that you feel good about, be sure to get everything in writing before the work begins. This should include a detailed estimate of the work to be done, as well as the warranty information. Having everything in writing will protect you if there are any problems with the job or if the roofer tries to back out of their warranty.
Conclusion
Roofing is a big investment, so you will want to make sure that you are working with a reputable roofer who can get the job done right. By following these tips, you can be sure that you will be hiring a qualified professional who will do a great job on your roof.
