Roofing problems can be a frightening thing to deal with, especially on your beloved home. After all, your roof is what protects you, your family, and your possessions from the elements. When it ages or becomes damaged, there’s a possibility that you’ll have to repair or even replace the roof.
There are thousands of roofing contractors throughout the United States. How do you go about picking a trustworthy one? How can you be sure that they’ll do quality work on your house? Here are a few warning signs that someone is not qualified to work on your roof, and how to find someone who is. This information was put together by our roofing contractors in Pawtucket RI.
When Do I Need Roofing Services?
First, before we go into how to find trustworthy roofing contractors, you’ll need to know
how to tell when your roof needs some help. Most American homes are topped with asphalt shingles due to their affordability and longevity- they last anywhere from 20-30 years with proper maintenance.
The key things to look for in order to detect a problem with your roof are as follows:
- Dents or dings. Asphalt shingles are fairly hardy, but hail or other projectiles will still leave a mark and weaken the shingle.
- Leaks in your home. Water should never make it through your roof and into your house, so if it does, you have a problem and should call a contractor.
- Age. Roof replacements are sometimes done before a roof develops issues, as a preventative measure. If your roof is approaching the end of its lifespan, you may choose to go ahead and replace it before it starts to leak or weaken.
Finding a Good Roofing Contractor
Once you determine that work needs to be done on your roof, the next step is to find a trustworthy roofing contractor near you. What should you look for in a roofing contractor, and how do you know if they’re the right person to work on your home?
Hiring someone to work on your roof takes a lot of trust, so it’s worth putting in the time to find a good person to do the work. Asking friends and neighbors for their recommendations may be helpful in putting together an initial list. Visiting the roofing company’s physical location and sitting down with someone who can answer your questions may also help you eliminate some companies off the list.
Warning Signs That a Roofing Contractor is Not Qualified for the Job
What should you look out for when trying to hire roofing contractors? Here are five “red flags” that should let you know to head in another direction.
They Don’t Have a License
Licensing requirements change from state to state. Some require a license at the state level, while others leave it up to local governments to decide. Rhode Island does require a state license for contractors from the State of Rhode Island Contractors’ Registration and License Board. Don’t be afraid to ask to see a contractor’s license.
They Offer to Waive or Pay Your Deductible
It may sound like a favor at first: your contractor looks at the deductible due for your service, shakes their head, and says, “We’ll cover that!”. However, this is the lead-in to a common roofing scam. The contractor would defraud your insurance by falsely inflating the price they quote for the roofing repair, and pocketing the difference when the insurance company pays it out. This scam was so common in Texas that they had to create a law against it.
Door-to-Door Sales After a Storm
Another red flag to look out for: so-called “storm chasers.” These contractors show up at what seems like the perfect time, knocking on your door after a storm that may have left your roof damaged and offering their services. The problem is, if you sign up with them, you likely will not end up getting your roof repaired. These “contractors” often leave town before doing the work.
No References or Experience
This isn’t to say that you shouldn’t give a new company a chance. However, experience and references are important when you’re trying to vet a potential roofing contractor. Especially if your roofing job is complex, consider a contractor with proven experience, preferably in your area.
You’re Feeling Pressured
A good roofing contractor will respect your wishes, not pressure you in order to make a sale. If you’re facing any pressure from a potential contractor, especially pressure to pay them upfront, walk the other way.
What Should I Look For in a Roofer?
In addition to the red flags to watch out for, there are also some “green flags” to look out for when having your roof redone. Look for a roofing company that is well-reviewed by people you trust and has a good rating and minimal or no complaints with the Better Business Bureau. History in your area is also a positive indication- if they’ve been around for decades, there may be a good reason!