Installing a new roof on a residential or commercial property is a significant maintenance expense, and roof repair is not a job that can be put off for long. But while it might be tempting to settle for the largest contractor in the area, or the cheapest one available, a re-roofing project is not something you should rush into.
Choosing the right contractor might take a bit more time, but it can save a lot of money in the long run. And if you want to know what to look for in a roofer, here are the four factors that should guide your decision-making.
1. Established Reputation
Anyone with a truck and a tool belt can bill themselves as a roofer, so the first thing you need to look at when choosing between contractors is reputation. How long have they been around?
The average asphalt shingle roof lasts around twenty years, so a company that has been roofing for more than two decades will probably be much more reliable than a company just starting out. But it is still important to find out whether they have a reputation for doing the job right. Just because a contractor has been in business for a long time doesn't mean they're still doing their best work!
2. Experience with Your Type of Roof
When it comes to both residential and commercial roofing, most North American towns and cities contain a significant mix of roof styles that use materials such as:
Asphalt
Cedar shakes
EPDM membranes
Metal panels
Metal sheeting
Tar and gravel
Rubber sealing
Finding out what type of material is best for your roof, and hiring a roofing company in Pickering with experience installing your chosen style of roof is essential if you want the job done right. If a company has gotten rave reviews for its asphalt shingle roofs, that doesn't mean it is the best choice for installing a tar and gravel flat roof.
3. Referrals
Any contractor worth their salt is going to be proud of the work they've done, and happy to show off their recent projects.
If they don't have photos and contact information for clients they have served over the past year, this may be a sign that they either don't have the experience they claim - or they have a track record they aren't proud of.
4. Proper Insurance
Did you know that if a workplace accident happens on your property, you could be sued? While it might seem unbelievable, the truth is that in some jurisdictions, if a contractor lacks the proper insurance, the property owner is liable for worker injuries that occur on the premises.
If you want to avoid getting involved in a lawsuit, always make sure that a roofing contractor's insurance covers their workers. This means that even if something unfortunate does happen while your property is being re-roofed, you aren't held legally responsible for it.
For homeowners and commercial property managers alike, roofing is a big job that should not be undertaken lightly. Before you begin any work, you need to find a contractor with the skill and experience to ensure the job gets done right.
Ensuring they have an established reputation, knowledge of your type of roof, a list of happy customers, and their insurance in order will help guarantee the work goes smoothly.
