When it comes time to replace your roof, choosing a roofing company can be challenging. Homeowners will want to be sure that the roofer they hire will use appropriate, high-quality materials, offer a warranty and guarantee on their work, and describe the services they will provide from the start. A careful review can determine if your new roof will protect and beautify your home for years to come.
With several options available, selecting a material for your roof is not as easy as you might think. Asphalt shingles are the most common, but there are also roofs made from shingles, slate, metal, ceramic, and fabricated materials. A roofing company should be able to discuss the options that are appropriate for your home and provide price comparisons as well as durability information. Remember that appearance is important, but costs can quickly add up if you decide to buy fancier materials. Also, not all frames are designed to hold slate or other heavier materials used to create ceilings. Practicality is key and a contractor should not convince you to use a roof that is not suitable for your home.
Make sure you have a contract with a roofing company that describes exactly what is included in the cost of labor. Find out if they will remove and dispose of your old roof. Having to transport heavy shingles to the landfill or have them collected can be complicated, time consuming and expensive. Also, ask the contractor if they will dismantle and replace your gutters. If a roofer takes shortcuts or isn’t required to finish the job, he may find himself on the roof fixing drainage problems later on.
Lastly, it is important to get something in writing that describes a warranty on both materials and workmanship. If a roofing contractor only offers you the warranty documents that come with the roof, be careful. The highest quality materials will not hold up in the long run if not applied correctly. The warranty must be written clearly enough for you to understand exactly what you are signing.