The roof is one of the main elements protecting your house against the exterior elements. No doubt, at some point, it will either need repairs or even replacement. However, it can be a daunting task to choose the right roofing contractor when it comes to calling in the workmen for the job. It is essential to choose the right roofing contractor who will perform the job professionally. It is quite a critical thing to do.
Every year, the consumer agencies like the Better Business Bureau received thousands of complaints about the roofing companies. Unfortunately, many states have a few or even no rules and regulations regarding the roofing contractors and installers. Moreover, they do not even have building code requirements for roofing. It creates a huge buyer-beware situation when it comes to roofing. Even if you do due diligence, you still run the risk of a contractor who doesn’t watch over the installation practices the way they should.
To ensure quality services, you should hire the best roofing company in Houston TX. To ensure that the roofing company or the roofing contractor you hire is reliable and will provide you with the right services, you must ask the following questions.
Are You A Licensed Roofing Contractor?
It is one of the most important questions to ask while looking for the best roofing company in Houston TX. Most states require the roofing contractor to have a license to work in that state. However, the codes and requirements differ between states, and it will help you know about the code requirements for your area. Asking about the license will ensure that you are working with a roofing contractor to comply with the state’s rules.
Do You Have Workman’s Compensation Insurance?
It is essential to ask this question because if an accident happens on your property, there is a risk that you will be held liable for the medical expenses which none of the homeowners want. You can protect yourself by making sure that the roofer you hire is offering workman’s compensation insurance.
Do You Carry General Liability Insurance?
The workman’s compensation insurance only covers the employees while they are on your property.
However, you still have to worry about the damage to your property during the work. Make sure to ask the roofer to show you the insurance certificate. It will allow you to verify that the roofer has general liability insurance so that you will be responsible for anything in case of damage to the house, roof, or property.
Do You Have Roofing Subcontractors?
While looking for one of the best roofing companies Houston TX, ensure to ask if the roofer is using any subcontractor or not. Moreover, you should also verify that they have workman’s compensation and general liability insurance.
Are You Going to Remove My Old Roof?
The old roof should be removed before getting a new roof. You should ask the roofer about this if they are going to remove the old roof or not. The visual inspections will not let you inspect the issues with the top. If there is an issue with the roof, they will only create larger problems for your property’s roof in the future.
Will You Install Edge Metal/Drip Edge While Installing New Roof?
Edge metal and drip edge are small pieces of aluminum located under the shingle, where it extends off the roof. It allows the runoff into the gutter instead of behind it. It protects the fascia and wood of the roof. Most roofers do not install this unless you mention it. So, make sure you ask the roofer while hiring one of the best roofing companies Houston TX.
Will You Use Ladder Stabilizer or Standoff to Protect the Gutters During Roof Installation?
You should ask the roofing company whether they use ladders stabilizers or standoffs while installing a roof. If they do not use these, make sure to ask them what they will protect your gutters. It is because the stabilizers and standoffs will keep an excess of a few hundred pounds off of the gutter and protect this system while the roof is replaced. If the contractor cannot provide an answer or refuse to say anything, it is not the roofing company you are looking for.
Do You Bring A Container for Refuse Material?
Replacing the roof results in a lot of garbage from shingles, nails drip edges, old plywood, etc. While looking for the best roofing company in Houston TX, ask the contractor whether they will bring a container for a refuse material. They should not be asked to supply the container or deal with the garbage once the job is done.
What Is Your Phone Number and Physical Address, And Are Your Local?
When you are looking for one of the top-notch roofing companies Houston TX, make sure they have a physical location. It allows you to know whether the company is reliable or not. Insist on having the phone number and physical address to the business and the company’s full name. Besides, it allows you to verify if the company is local or not.
What Is the Warranty on My New Roof?
It is one of the most important questions you should ask the roofer. Shingles have the same cost as the older ones, but they also last a lot longer. Make sure to ask about the length of the new roof’s warranty as the customer can expect to get 25 years out of the new shingles. However, the warranty of less than 25 years should be questioned.
Will You Have Someone on The Site to Talk If I Have Any Questions?
It is essential to know who is the project manager while looking for the best roofing company in Houston TX. Ask them if they have someone to talk to if you have any questions or concerns about the roofing project. Anything could happen during the roofing project, and there should be a project manager to talk to.
Will You Provide A Written Estimate?
A detailed written estimate is an important thing to get when it comes to roofing services. Before you hire a roofing contractor, you should ask them whether they will provide a written estimate. Moreover, this estimate will include the cost of removing old roofs, adding a new roof, material, and anything that may come up during the roofing project. Besides, there shouldn’t be any surprise cost when the job is done.
What Will You Do in the Case of Inclement Weather While Working on My Roof?
The property owners always want the project to be completed safely and within the right time.
However, when it snows, rains or the weather turns bad, the work gets cut short. It means the contractor will need to stop the project midway and pick it up once the weather gets better. You should ask the roofing contractor what they will do to protect the work. Moreover, you should ask what precautionary measures they take in case of inclement weather to ensure the roof, interior, and the belongings are not ruined.
How Will You Protect My Driveway and Rest of The Property from Damage That Might Occur During the Work?
Roofing contractors require a lot of tools and equipment to get the job done smoothly. Ask the roofer where they will place all these and how they will protect your driveway and the rest of the property from the damage.
