6 Questions Every Homeowner Should Ask Their Roofing Contractor

There are a few things you should be asking your roofer before agreeing to any work. Here are 6 questions every homeowner should ask. 

How long will it take to do the job?

A skilled roofer should be able to give you an accurate estimate of how long it will take to complete the work. The sooner the roof is replaced, the better. Your roof shouldn’t be exposed to the elements for an extended period of time. If it is, that could ultimately cause damage to your home.

Is there a warranty?

Ask about a manufacturer’s warranty on your new roof as well as a workmanship warranty from your roofing contractor. Manufacturer’s offer an excellent warranty on their materials, as long as their materials are used properly. And if they aren’t, this will entirely void the manufacturer’s warranty – which leads us to the next question.

What material will be replaced?

Decking may or may not need to be replaced. But it should be thoroughly inspected by the contractor and replaced if needed. Flashing, Drip Edge, Synthetic Underlayment, Ice and Water Shield, Collars and Seals around ventilation pipes, and of course new Shingles are all components of a roof that should be replaced. Skipping any of these materials will surely lead to problems.

Will there be any additional costs or fees?

An honest and knowledgeable roofing contractor will always mention the potential for underlying issues before starting the work. There is only so much that can be seen before the shingles are torn off. It won’t be known for certain if there are any underlying issues until the roof is thoroughly inspected down to the decking.

Do I need to apply for a building permit?

A majority of municipalities require a building permit for a full roof replacement. You will want to know if the responsibility to obtain and pay for your municipality’s building permit lies on you or the contractor. This should be discussed before any work is started.

Do you offer financing?

Investing in your roof is a big financial commitment. Not everyone is prepared to manage the cost of a complete roof replacement without some type of financing. A roofing contractor that offers financing is a great option to consider.