Tips for Choosing a Roofer For Your Home

A house's roof plays many roles. Not only does it impact the overall look of the exterior, but it also impacts energy efficiency, protection from the elements, and more. Therefore, homeowners should put as much effort into choosing the right contractor as they do when choosing the materials.

However, finding a reliable roofer can prove to be easier said than done. There are many companies claiming to be professional, but this isn’t always the case. In order to make sure that the results are beautiful and long-lasting, homeowners should consider the following tips before choosing an Edwardsville roofing contractor. 

Look at Their Experience

Everyone has to start somewhere, but if the contractor has little to no experience, they likely aren’t a great fit for a repair or replacement. It’s critical that homeowners search through the different roofing companies to find one that has plenty of experience. 

Specifically, they should have experience working with the roofing materials that will be used on the home. For example, the process of installing a metal roof is drastically different from an asphalt shingle replacement. Looking at specific types of roofing experience will ensure that the contractors have the training and tools to deliver exceptional results. 

Check for References

Unfortunately, you can’t always take a contractor at their word. There are some who would embellish their experience and claim to have worked on projects just like yours. They might even show you a few pictures. In order to verify their claims that they are a reliable roofer, homeowners need to check for references. 

In some cases, customers may be able to get word-of-mouth recommendations from friends, family, or neighbors. In other cases, homeowners might have to request references so that they can speak to past customers. When speaking to past customers, homeowners should find out a few things, including:

• 
  How well the company stayed on budget.
• How the company handled project delays.
• How satisfied the customer was with the results.

Request a Detailed Quote 

Though the final decision shouldn’t be based on price alone, it’s a factor that can’t be ignored. Homeowners should request a quote from each Edwardsville roofing contractor that they are considering. These quotes should be carefully compared since they can vary based on materials and roofing methods applied. 

To get the most accurate comparisons, the quotes should be based on the home’s size and materials used. If a company only provides a basic quote, homeowners should proceed with caution and ask if they can receive more information before committing.   

Ask About Licenses & Insurance

There’s a lot of risk involved with roofing projects—for both the homeowner and the contractor. Therefore, it's imperative that the company have the proper licensing and insurance if its crews will be doing any kind of work on a home. 

However, it’s important to know that not all states require roofing contractors to be licensed. While states like Texas do not, Illinois does. Therefore, any Edwardsville roofing contractor should have the proper paperwork to prove they are licensed with the state.

When it comes to insurance, it’s important for both the contractor and the homeowner. Insurance provides an extra layer of protection against liability for either party in the event of injury or accident. The company should be able to provide copies of proof of workers comp and liability insurance. If they do not, it’s best to consider another roofing company.

Review their Warranties

Finally, homeowners need to consider the warranties and guarantees that different roofing contractors have to offer. They vary greatly from one company to another. Some only offer products with manufacturer’s warranties, while others go above and beyond with lifetime workmanship guarantees. These can all add to the value that a contractor has to offer, so they should be considered carefully. 

Homeowners should always read the fine print associated with the product and service warranties. Some are more detailed than others. In fact, many roofs aren’t protected against unforeseen weather damage, and some product warranties can be void if they aren’t installed properly. These are all questions that should be asked when comparing one roofing company to another. 

Contact Lagunas Roofing to Find Out More About Our Edwardsville Roofing Contractors

Whether you need a shingle roof replacement or hail damage repair, Lagunas Roofing is here to serve as your full-service Edwardsville roofing contractor. We strongly encourage you to reach out to us if you have any questions about our experience, pricing, or insurance. You can call to speak with a friendly representative, and we will gladly provide you with more information over the phone. We also have a simple online form that you can submit to request a free quote.