Finding a roofing contractor in Maine you can trust with your home can seem overwhelming. Who you hire has a huge impact on your home’s future and its value. It may feel overwhelming, mostly because of its extreme importance. Choosing the right roofing contractor is the biggest decision you are going to make in the re-roofing, re-shingling, or roof replacement process. Your best defense against falling victim in these types of circumstances is to ask all the right questions. Here are ten questions to ask a potential roofing contractor.
1. Are you a local roofing company?
This first question may seem like a basic inquiry, but you need to make sure that the roofing contractor is local. No matter how they answer this question, ask about their physical business address and location. You can also check their phone number to see if it has a local area code.
There are several reasons to ask this question and ensure that the roofing professionals are local, so they will be around for any follow-up roofing needs. Three reasons it is important to choose a local contractor include:
- A local contractor is easier to find again if your roof develops issues in the future.
- Local roofers are aware of local installation regulations and requirements.
- It helps you avoid scammers and out-of-state companies who swoop in after storms and disasters to take advantage of homeowners. Then they are gone, never to be found again.
2. Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
Once you have determined that the contractor is local, ask for proof that they are licensed, bonded, and insured. A legit roofing business will be happy to provide you with these three documents. This is important to ensure your roofing project is completed properly. Each of the states has different requirements for contractors and for roofing professionals. You may want to look up your local codes just to make sure you are aware of them and to ensure that your contractor is properly permitted and licensed to work in your locale.
Additionally, even if your region does not require that a roofing contractor be licensed, bonded, or insured, it’s still a good idea to hire a professional who has all three. This helps protect you and your investment in your home’s roof.
3. How long have you been in business in my area?
Another question to ask a potential roof repair contractor is how long they’ve been in business in your area. You want to make sure their company is well-established and has a reputation in your area. Of course, newer companies may be able to do the job just as well as an older one. However, if you’re prepared to invest a lot of money in your roof, you want to make sure they will continue to be around if there is an issue later.
At Monastery Roofing, we bring over 15 years of experience to every roofing project. Our family business has been serving Maine homeowners and has earned a great reputation with local homeowners. You can be sure that we will be available for your roofing needs for years to come.
4. What is your workmanship warranty?
A well-established roofing contractor will have a solid workmanship history. You will need to ask about the type of workmanship warranty a roofing professional offers. Most reputable roofers offer some type of workmanship warranty. Some offer a 1-year, 2-year, 3-year, 5-year, 10-year, or 25-year warranty, and some offer lifetime warranties. A good roofing contractor will trust the quality of their work and the products they choose to use. They won’t have a problem providing a solid warranty.
5. Are you certified by shingle manufacturers?
Obtaining a certification from a shingle manufacturers is a good thing. When a manufacturer certifies an installer, it means they trust them to install their products according to their specifications and standards. In some cases, shingle manufacturers look for established roofing contractors who are known for high-quality work. Most of the time, manufacturers only choose a few contractors to certify in specific regions. Once the contractor obtains the manufacturer’s certification, they can offer enhanced warranties.
6. Can you give me references for recent projects?
When you’ve narrowed down potential roofing contractors to a couple and you’re ready to ask for an estimate, also ask about references. Ask them to provide you with a few references from local jobs that have been completed, particularly in the last few months. You’ll want to take a quick drive around to look at the homes they provided so you get a first-hand look at the quality of work the professional provides. If they are not willing to provide local references, don’t consider hiring them for your new roof.
7. How do you protect my property during the roof replacement?
Experienced roofing contractors know what it takes to protect a homeowner’s property during a roof replacement or roofing job. Feel free to ask what measures they will take to protect your property. Ask the contractor what types of precautions they will take to protect your outdoor features, lawn, landscape, light fixtures, windows, and other items. A reputable roofing contractor will use tarps to protect your landscape, yard, and other features that surround your home’s base. Ask the roofer what would happen if they should cause damage to your property, even accidentally. A reputable roofing company will have a policy in place and can show you the print version.
8. What’s your cleanup process?
Protecting your property is an essential part of the roofing process, but so is making sure it’s cleaned up after the work is done. In fact, the work isn’t DONE until it is all cleaned up. This is why it’s important to ask about the roofing contractor’s cleanup processes. When things are done right, cleanup happens throughout the process. Each piece of trash and debris makes its way to a dump trailer. Most roofing crews have specific people whose job is to make sure all trash and debris are picked up and in the trash receptacle. They should also ensure you that there will be no leftover nails in your gutters or on the ground once the work has been completed.
9. Do you use ice and water shield?
Roofers use a special waterproof membrane called an Ice and Water Shield. Its purpose is to protect your roof decking if water gets under the roofing materials. Ice and water shields have to be installed in some areas, including certain pitch roofs, around penetrations, and inside roof valleys. Every roof needs it because it is important. Some roofers choose not to use one to reduce costs.
10. Will drip edge be installed?
Drip edge is another crucial roofing component, much like ice and water shield. Drip edge is installed on the rakes and eaves of the roof. Installing this type of metal flashing along the roof’s edges helps prevent water from getting under the roofing components. In most regions, installing a drip edge is required just to ensure your home is up to code.
Contact Monastery Roofing
Now that you have your questions all ready, it’s time to contact a roofing contractor. At Monastery Roofing, we can’t wait to answer your questions! We’ve worked hard for the last 15+ years to build a reputation with Maine homeowners. We will be happy to explain our outstanding workmanship warranties, our cleanup practices, and work processes. We are licensed, insured, and bonded as well as dedicated to providing Maine homeowners with quality results every single time. Call us today to get your free estimate.
