If you’re in the market for a new roof, then it’s important to find a high-quality roofing contractor. You need someone with experience, care, and the right credentials to get the job done. Otherwise, you will be looking for another roof replacement sooner than you expect. This article outlines a few of the top questions you need to ask roofing contractors before you make a decision on who to hire.

Are You Licensed, Bonded, and Insured?

The first thing you need to check is whether the roof contractor is licensed, bonded, and insured. Any roofer worth their salt will promptly show you the documentation for all three. Many counties and cities require roofers to obtain a professional license. Roofing is not something that anyone can do. It requires attention to detail and safety. By registering with the local licensing board, consumers can verify that a roofer is legit.

Bond companies will protect the consumer if the roofing company goes out of business or does a bad job and won’t address it. Essentially, it shows that the roofing company is an ethical and practical business. Hiring a roofer without a bond deprives you of a key safety net.

Speaking of safety nets, make sure the roofing contractor you hire is insured. As mentioned above, roofers work in a bit of a dangerous position. The wrong step can lead to a bad accident that leads to injuries or potential property damage. The roofer’s insurance will cover the costs of these issues. Unless you want to foot the bill and potentially be held legally culpable, make sure the roofer you hire has insurance.

What Experience Do You Have?

Another key topic to ask about is the level of experience the roof contractor has. If they have been in the field for years, then they likely know what they’re doing. This doesn’t mean that more experience always makes a better roofer, however, it is best to choose a roofer with more work under their belt.

A new roofing company may offer lower prices that are very attractive. However, be cautious of this. Inexperienced contractors don’t necessarily always understand the business side of roofing, even if they themselves have worked for another contractor for years. It’s a steep learning curve and if they underestimate their expenses, then they may be out of business quickly, which leaves you without a roofing contractor and maybe without a warranty.

Do You Offer Any Warranties?

You want to make sure the roofing company you hire has a robust warranty policy. Roofers offer a variety of workmanship warranties. On the short side, they may last one or three years. On the high side, they last for 25 years or a lifetime. Shorter warranties are often offered by roofers who do not produce high-quality workmanship. Beware of short-term warranties.

Also, be aware of what the warranty covers. If a tree collapses on your roof, the warranty will not help you there. It only covers necessary repairs caused by improper installation. Choose a roofer with a good track record of customer service by looking at online reviews and testimonials.

Can You Outline Your Manufacturer Certifications?

Nowadays, there are plenty of roofing materials on the market and material quality is not always guaranteed. That’s why it is important to choose a roofing contractor who has the proper manufacturer certifications. At Eenigenburg Exteriors, for instance, we are a Master Elite Contractor with GAF manufacturing, North America’s leading shingle manufacturer.

With this credential, you can rest assured that we will install your roofing products correctly, thereby maintaining the warranty on them. We offer a warranty on material defects for up to 50 years and a labor warranty for up to 25 years. Since most roofing materials last about this long, with metal roofs lasting up to 50 years, according to Roofing Calculator, maintaining this warranty is invaluable. We will know exactly how to install your material of choice so that you can get the most out of your roof.

You need a roof contractor that you can trust to install a high-quality roof. Anything less will leave you with frequent problems and costly repairs. If you are looking for a reputable roofing company in St. John, IN, then turn to Eenigenburg Exteriors. Call today for more information on our exterior services.