What Questions Should You Ask Your Roofer?

If you’re looking for a roofing contractor in Las Vegas, here are some questions to ask

When you need a new roof, the fastest or cheapest choice is not always the best. You want to ensure the job is done correctly the first time to avoid future problems and more costly roof repairs due to inferior roof work. At Prestige, we are dedicated to the best workmanship and professionalism we can deliver on all our roofing projects. From paperwork to workmanship to customer service, we hold ourselves to high standards in everything we do. So, we’d like to share what we think are 10 important questions you should ask before hiring any roofing company.

Q: Are you licensed and bonded?

A: In Nevada, any business or individual who alters any building, including roofing contractors, must be licensed by the Nevada State Contractors Board (NSCB). All licensees must demonstrate detailed knowledge and experience in the field they’re licensed and pass required exams. To keep their license active, the NSCB also requires contractors to have a license bond issued by a surety bond company with an “A” rating or higher. In Clark County, your roofer should provide proof of a Class C-15 Roofing & Siding license and you can verify the license and bond are current.

Q: Do you have insurance?

A: A roofing contractor should carry both workers’ compensation insurance and liability insurance to protect you in the event of an accident. Workers’ compensation insurance covers any injuries to workers on the job and protects you from being held responsible for their medical expenses. Liability insurance protects your property in case it’s damaged during the process. Contractors should carry proof of this insurance and you have the right to request to see it.

Q: Do you have client references?

A: Roofing contractors should be able to provide names, addresses and phone numbers of previous customers. Then, you can do a drive-by inspection of previous job sites to see their work. Check to see if shingles line up without any gaps and are neatly trimmed at the edges. You can also call references and ask them important questions, like whether they would use the roofer again and if there were any leaks or problems after the work was complete. Ask for references from both recent customers and customers from several years ago to see how the roofs are holding up.

Q: Do you use subcontractors?

A: If a subcontractor is used for any part of the job, the contractor should provide the name, contact information, proof of insurance, certification and references for this person, as well. You’ll also want to know who’s going to be in charge on the jobsite.

Q: Do you provide a warranty on your work?

A: Reputable roofing contractors offer warranties on their workmanship. This warranty is different from the manufacturer’s warranty on the materials. It covers any issues that occur due to installation. You’ll want to know how long each type of warranty lasts and what’s covered under each. You should get a copy of the manufacturer’s warranty to ensure you don’t do anything to void it.

Q: Will you remove my old roof?

A: Although it’s cheaper in the short-term to put new shingles over your old shingles (called a recover), it’s not always the best investment. If you have multiple layers of old shingles, then you shouldn’t even consider a recover. Even if you have a single layer of shingles, your roof may be in too bad of a condition to recover. Your roofing contractor should walk the roof to determine if any soft spots or decay should be addressed. The best course is to do a complete tear-off, so your roof deck can be thoroughly inspected and damaged sections replaced. Tearing off the old shingles and doing a full replacement typically outlasts a recover by several years.

Q: Do you bring a container to discard refuse material?

A: There will be a lot of refuse from the old roof. Your roofing contractor should bring a container to hold this trash and handle disposal. This should never be your responsibility. He should also run a magnet over your yard to ensure there aren’t any nails hidden in your lawn or bushes.

Q: What do you do if it rains before the job is finished?

A: Clear skies can suddenly bring rain, which can be a major crisis, if it happens during your roof replacement. Your roofing contractor ensures the interior of your home is protected and kept dry by placing plastic sheeting over your roof. If a sudden storm turns into extended rainy days, the roofing company should send someone out periodically to ensure the covering is keeping the home dry and will come out to further secure it, if the storm brings high winds.

Q: How long will the job take?

A: Your contractor should provide you with a timeline of how long it’ll take to complete your roofing job. He should also tell you about contingencies, if there are rain or other weather-related delays.

Q: What is the address of your local, permanent office?

A: If you have any problems with your new roof, it’s easier to contact your contractor at their permanent local office. You should be wary of companies who come into your neighborhood after big storms that don’t have a local office or physical business address.