Here are some questions to ask a roofer before you hire them:
1. What is your scope of service?
You want to know exactly what the roofer can provide you, as well as whether or not your roofer will provide a free estimate. It’s a great idea to understand what the roofer can and cannot do, and find out if they can explain this information to you clearly and succinctly.
2. Do you provide testimonials?
Many professionals now provide testimonials on their website, but, if theses testimonials seem generalized and do not reveal a testimonial specific to your work, you can always ask for more. On top of that, you can ask for pictures of work your local roofer has completed.
3. Can they satisfactorily fix the issue you are encountering?
Have the torrential rains of Portland, OR given you a leaky roof? Do you need an entirely new roof? Do you have an older or historical home and need the roof repaired in a way which will preserve your home’s original charm? Find out exactly what the roofer will do and how they will do it. See if they have literature or can easily explain why the procedure they propose works.
4. Do they have care recommendations?
Here in the Pacific Northwest, we encounter more problems than just a loose tile or two from wind. We have tons of rain, moss, etc which can affect a roof negatively. Find out if your roofer has recommendations which may help extend the life of your roof.
5. What kind of products will your roofer use?
Everyone likes a lower price, but it’s a good idea to find out what’s behind a higher-than-expected estimate. If a particular roofer proposes using high quality or green materials, it’s good to assess what’s more valuable to you – a lower bottom line or a better quality product. It’s also a great idea to find out why this product is higher quality than another. Most roofers won’t give you a guarantee beyond the product guarantee, but it’s good to know the benefits of that shingle (or other product).