What to Ask Your Roofing Company

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Replacing a roof is a major project, and you need to go into the process well prepared. Asking questions is one of the key ways to find the right roofing company to do the work on your home.

1. Is your company licensed, do you hold insurance and are you certified?

Check that the roofing contractor is licensed in your state and that the license is up to date. This ensures you have recourse if things go wrong.

Insurance is equally important. Workmen’s compensation insurance and general liability insurance held by the roofing company cover you if an employee is injured while working on your property and for damage to your house during the project.

Certifications let you know that the contractor is offering specific warranties. For example, we hold CertainTeed’s Select ShingleMaster certification, which warranties a variety of products and processes for a certain period.

2. Will you supply customer references?

Ask specifically for the contact details of the contractor’s last three customers, so you’re more likely to get a balanced view of the roofing company’s level of service. Also ask for the names of a couple customers who had their roofs replaced or repaired three years previously. This will give an indication of long-lasting levels of satisfaction.

3. Who will be doing the work?

Companies may sub-contract, and you need to know what work is outsourced. If, for example, it’s just removal of debris by day laborers, then it shouldn’t be a problem. But if the company is getting sub-contractors to work on your roof to install shingles, then you should ask the sub-contractor the same question you’re asking the roofing company.

4. What safety measures do you employ?

Employees who are working on roofs need to wear safety harnesses and utilize other protective gear, such as gloves and goggles, when necessary. Also, standoffs or ladder stabilizers should be used to protect gutters while work is in progress.

5. What happens if there is inclement weather during the roofing project?

Some type of plastic sheeting or tarpaulins, supplied and installed by the roofing contractor, need to be put over the open roof space if it’s going to rain. Make sure that if there are high winds, someone will check that the covering is stable.

If you need to have your roof replaced or repaired, contact Bill West Roofing for more information. We’ve been proudly serving Kansas City since 1980.

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