Whether you are a home or business owner who is about to start a new building project or who needs to replace, repair, or restore an existing roof, choosing the right contractor for the job is critical.
A roofing contractor can be a single person for a smaller job or a part of a larger team or company. These professionals understand the ins and outs of roofing installation, maintenance, and repair, and they are knowledgeable about the different types of roofing materials and designs. If it is a bigger construction project, a roofing contractor will work as a part of the greater construction team. They will also serve as a consultant for architects and home/building designers as well.
They are considered tradespeople and are experts in the field of everything roofing. Many will have a specialty in either residential or commercial, but in many situations, they will have expertise in both areas of roofing construction.
Choosing the right roofing contractor for the job is key, and below, we have a few questions to help home and business owners make the best decision.
Do They Work With High-Quality Materials?
Choosing a roofing contractor with high standards of quality is directly attached to the level of materials they offer. Regardless of whether the roofing project is for a new build or a repair job, having materials that will stand up to the elements is important.
Roofing materials should be durable, strong, rust resistant, algae and mold resistant, and fire resistant, and they should have the ratings to show their longevity. A good roofing contractor will be able to discuss the pros and cons of any type of material and will be sure to use the best roofing material for the job.
It’s important to note that this applies not only to the materials like shingles or sheets of metal but also the tools being used and other components such as nails and adhesives.
Do They Have a Good Reputation?
In today’s technological age, a roofing contractor’s reputation online is extremely telling. There are so many review sites in existence today, and home and business owners should take their time when going through reviews and getting sources from different sites.
You want to get the full, well-rounded story, and online review sites are a way for customers to vent frustrations just as much as they sing praises. Just a few examples of sites for roofing contractor reviews include the following:
- Google Reviews
- Yelp!
- Angie’s List
- Top Local Review Lists (mostly in larger cities)
When looking through reviews, home and business owners should highlight the number of reviews, the consistencies in praise and quality work, and any personal or company responses to neutral or negative reviews.
Negative reviews should be taken with a grain of salt, but frustrations and complaints are still worth understanding. These are also great topics to discuss with a roofing contractor themselves, and the response will in turn be telling.
Do They Have a Larger Portfolio of Project Examples to Review?
While everyone has to start somewhere, choosing a roofing contractor with an extensive background of experiences and a portfolio of project examples gives home and business owners peace of mind. Past projects will help give examples of workmanship and quality and will also provide references.
Do They Have the Correct License(s)?
Roofing contractors are specially trained tradespersons and are often licensed within a state to offer roofing services. Even though the requirement of a roofing license depends on the state, this is a solid seal of professionalism and approval of quality skills.
It’s recommended to understand the state requirements where the construction project is taking place so you can ask the right questions regarding licenses.
Do They Have the Correct Insurance?
In addition to the state-required or field-recommended licenses, a roofing contractor’s insurance coverage is another important component. While we never want to think about accidents happening on the job, a professional contractor will have insurance in place to not only protect themselves and their team but also the work zone.
There is also insurance for liability, materials and factory defects, and warranties that should all be discussed.
Look No Further
At Alpine Sheet Metal Systems, we not only specialize in fabricating the highest-quality metal roofing components, but we offer top-notch installation services as well. We’ve been in the roofing business for over twenty years, have worked with thousands of clients throughout the South, and have an extremely diverse project portfolio.
Our team is one of the most sought after in the Dallas–Fort Worth area, and we pride ourselves on being able to combine old-work craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology.
We offer services throughout the beautiful state of Texas but also in Oklahoma, Louisiana, Alabama, and Arkansas. Feel free to stop by our convenient Dallas office location or give us a call to request a free quote on your next roofing project.
