Your roof is an essential piece of your home or business. Over time, weather and debris can cause damage, wear and tear, and even threats to its entire integrity. When you need roof maintenance or replacement, you’ll want to recruit a great roofing contractor to complete the work. But what attributes should you look for in the right contractor?
Let’s take a look at the most important qualities you should seek out in your roofing contractors.
1. Experience
A talented roofing contractor should bring a wealth of experience within the industry. Experience is not only a metric of years in business but of how many jobs the company completes regularly. A higher volume of jobs will indicate a strong familiarity with roofing projects of all types.
2. Roofing Expertise
Industry expertise is a must for a great roofing contractor. You should work with a company that has a thorough understanding of all the aspects of roofing. This includes different roofing materials, different roof shapes, installation techniques, weather prevention, durability enhancements, and roofing methods. Be sure to check a company’s testimonials to get a sense of their expertise within their field.
3. Solar Expertise
With solar systems growing in popularity, they present challenges for unprepared roofing contractors. Your solar system is an investment and you don’t want it improperly handled by a contractor team not trained in solar. The best roofing contractors will have the expertise and qualifications to perform panel removal and reinstallation as part of your roofing project.
4. Licenses and Certifications
A great roofing contractor should be properly licensed and certified. These certifications should come from two sources: local construction authorities, and product manufacturers. Local licensing ensures they’re legally operating and meet necessary responsibilities, like insurance requirements. Manufacturer certifications mean they’re approved to complete work on specific roofing products without invalidating the warranty.
Always ask your roofing contractor to provide you with a list of their certifications and licenses.
5. Quality of Work
The quality of the work is crucial to your experience with a roofing contractor. The best method to determine the quality of work is to review the company’s reputation. Read through their online reviews, and ask the company to supply you with references and testimonials from previous clients. This will help you gauge the quality of work they’re able to produce.
6. Communication
Clear communication can make a project a breeze, while a lack of communication can quickly create frustration. You want to work with a contractor that addresses questions and concerns in a timely manner. They should be willing to explain the entire process your roof will undergo, and keep you updated on progress regularly. Strong communication skills can be the difference between a positive and negative roofing experience.
7. Safety
Safety should always be a top priority for any roofing contractor. Look for a contractor who follows safety protocols and takes measures to protect their workers and your property. Ask about their safety practices and insurance coverages to ensure you are protected from legal action if a roofer were injured.
8. Warranty
A great roofing contractor will provide a comprehensive warranty on their workmanship and the materials they use. This provides peace of mind in the event that any issues arise down the road. If your roofer must remove and reinstall your solar panels as part of the project, or if a solar contractor is performing the solar work, require the roofer to put those in writing. Specifically, you want to ensure the solar panel reinstallation will not void the roofing workmanship warranty covering material and labor. Beware of the roofer that agrees verbally but will not put the details into the contract.
Choosing the right roofing contractor is a process, especially for homes or businesses with solar panel systems installed. It’s about finding a balance of experience, expertise, qualifications, safety training, and knowledge of both solar and roofing.
At Fusion Solar Services, our team provides a comprehensive roofing experience where customer service and communication are prioritized. With solar maintenance and roofing services supplied in-house, we make it easy to take care of your property and protect your warranties. Contact our expert team today for free information on how we make both projects easy for you.
