Some people work as roofers for a summer or two. Others become lifelong devotees to the profession. Those who commit to roofing as a long-time profession really take the time to learn the details. Not only do they learn how to put roofs in place, but they also learn quite a lot about various roofing materials. This equips them to make good recommendations to homeowners who are looking for the right roof. We will also make some recommendations and tell you a bit more about roofers on this blog. While we are not roofers ourselves, we know a lot about the profession and are always happy to share.
While it can be tempting to simply go with the roofing contractor that offers the lowest installation bid, it is important to remember that proper roof installation can have an impact on everything from the curb appeal of your home to how much you pay in heating and cooling costs. Consequently, it is vital that you ensure you are choosing the absolute best contractor for the job. Taking the following three factors into consideration when choosing a roofing contractor can help you to accomplish this task.
License And Insurance
When investing in a new roof it is important to make sure that you, your home, and the contractor who is installing your roof are protected in case an accident was to occur or your home was to suffer any damage. The best way to do this is to ensure that the contractor you hire is properly licensed and insured. While hiring an uninsured or non-licensed contractor could save you some money on the installation of your new roof, it could also end up costing you far more in the long run if damage or injury was to occur since you will have very little in the way of legal recourse to recoup any losses you may suffer.
Experience With Specific Roofing Materials
Some roofing materials such as EPDM rubber roofing or metal roofing shingles will require specialized knowledge and tools in order to be installed properly. If you plan to install a specialty roof on your home, you will want to ensure that you are choosing a roofing contractor that has experience working with the specific type of roofing materials that you plan to have installed. This way, you guarantee that your roof will be properly installed.
Professional References
While any contractor can easily claim to be the best in the business or claim that they offer the benefit of years of experience, it takes a truly experienced contractor to be able to back up these claims with professional references. If the contractor you are considering does not readily offer references, do not be afraid to ask to speak to some of their most recent customers in order to inquire about their work performance. You may also want to ask to see pictures of the work they have done on other homes. This can be especially important if you are choosing to install a non-standard roofing material that requires special expertise.
Contact a roofing contractor for more information.