The average roof lasts between 20 and 50 years with regular care and maintenance. Unfortunately, even the highest-quality roofs will need repairs if you want to make them last as long as possible.
The key to taking care of your roof lies in finding the best roof repair companies in your area. If you’re new to homeownership or just moved to a new town, you might not know where to start. Though finding a contractor you can trust can seem daunting, it’s easier than you might think.
Here are a few key factors to consider when you start your search for the right roofing company.
- Their Experience
When you’re searching for a reliable roofing company, you need to choose the most experienced contractor possible. This means you’ll need to discuss each company’s roof repair experience before you schedule a consultation.
Ask each contractor about the types of repairs they do, the types of roofs they work on, and how long they’ve been in the industry. The right company for your needs will have experience working with the same types of roofing materials you have in place and should understand how to repair the most common types of damage.
Remember, it’s okay to work with a newer company as long as you choose a contractor that has years of experience.
If the contractors working on your roof are new to the industry or don’t have experience working on the type of roof you have, you’ll need to keep looking. The last thing any homeowner wants to do is end up hiring a professional that doesn’t know how to repair the damage they’re dealing with.
- Their Primary Location
Unfortunately, some roofing companies are little more than storm chasers. They follow severe weather and offer to repair the damage to your roof at a discount.
This might seem good on the surface, but those companies won’t be around after making the repairs. If you end up having issues with their work or need a contractor to help you with a warranty claim, you won’t be able to get a hold of them.
Instead, find out where each company’s headquarters is. If they’re in your local area, the company is worth considering. However, if they’re based out of state or refuse to disclose a primary location for their business, keep looking.
- The Company’s License and Insurance
Every reputable contractor should have a valid business license and insurance policy in place before they set foot on your property. These help protect you from liability issues and reduce your risk of having to deal with a lawsuit over shoddy workmanship.
Ask each roofing company for proof of their license and insurance. Check the license number against the state’s registry and make sure they’re legally allowed to work in your area. Then, review their insurance coverage.
At a minimum, the roofing company should have liability coverage and workers’ compensation insurance in place. If they don’t or aren’t willing to provide you with proof of coverage, contact a different roof leak repair company.
- Reviews From Previous Clients
The best way to find out if a contractor is worth working with is to see what others have to say about their services. Request references and reviews from each company you’re interested in and review them in detail.
If most of the reviews are positive and references state that they’d work with the company again in the future, put that company on the shortlist. However, if most of the reviews mention similar problems or the company’s references bring up issues they had, keep looking.
If this means you have to contact several more roof repair companies, do so. It’s always best to work with a contractor that you can trust rather than choosing the first contractor you can find.
- Warranties and Workmanship Guarantees
Almost every reputable roofing contractor offers workmanship guarantees on their repairs. That said, the types of guarantees they provide will vary from contractor to contractor.
Take the time to discuss the guarantees each company provides in detail. At a minimum, the contractor should stand behind their work and outline the types of guarantees they offer in detail. If a contractor doesn’t guarantee their work or isn’t willing to discuss their guarantees, keep looking.
- Pricing for Their Services
If you’re like most homeowners, one of the biggest concerns you have about roof repairs is how much it will cost. Pay attention to the quotes each contractor gives you.
Review each quote closely and compare the services each company will provide for the price.
The best company for your needs should offer you a price that’s fair. That doesn’t mean they’ll be the cheapest option out there. Remember, it’s normal to pay more for higher quality workmanship.
- Customer Service Quality
When you’re getting quotes from different companies, you’ll interact with several people. Think about how those individuals treat you when you’re scheduling estimates and getting more information.
The best roofing company will have employees that are responsive and care about helping you. They’ll explain everything in detail and will take the time to answer your questions.
As a general rule, you’ll want to work with a roofer that prioritizes customer service and does everything they can to meet your needs completely.
Choosing the Right Roof Repair Companies Is Possible
Hiring the right roof repair expert is the best way to keep your roof in great shape for years to come. Keep these things in mind when speaking with different roof repair companies.
As long as you take your time and review each contractor’s experience closely, you’ll be able to find a roofer you can trust. Just make sure to prioritize experience over cost every time. The more experienced the contractor is, the better their work will be.
Keeping your roof in good shape is just one aspect of every home maintenance routine. Check out our latest posts for more tips to help you better maintain and improve your home.