Choosing a reliable roofing contractor in the Allentown area starts with asking the right questions.
This guide covers essential questions to ask roofing companies about their experience, insurance, warranties, and more, providing a comprehensive approach to evaluating roofing contractors. These questions will help you make an informed decision and safeguard one of your biggest investments – your home.
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
When hiring a roofing contractor, it’s worth asking if they’re licensed, bonded, and/or insured.
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania currently has no licensure or certification requirements for most construction contractors or their employees, but individual municipalities CAN require a license of some kind. In this case, a licensed contractor should have the qualifications and training to perform the job correctly.
While licensure isn’t required, the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act of 2009 requires most home improvement contractors to register with the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office. And, these contractors must maintain minimum insurance coverage and use only contracts that comply with a number of consumer protection requirements specified in the law.
Being bonded means the contractor has a surety bond, which protects you in case they fail to complete the job or don’t pay their subcontractors.
Insurance is also crucial, as it covers any accidents or damages that may occur during the project.
Make sure to ask your roofing contractor in Allentown for proof of insurance, and verify the information with the relevant authorities. A reputable roofing contractor will be happy to provide this information for peace of mind throughout the project.
What insurance do you carry?
Homeowners should understand the types of insurance a contractor carries.
General liability insurance protects against financial losses due to accidents or damages during the project and should be your primary concern. Workers compensation insurance cover potential accidents and compensation for our employees.
Good liability insurance will help provide comprehensive safety and coverage during roofing work.
How long have you been in business?
Knowing a roofing company’s history CAN help gauge their reliability and quality!
While Rockland Builders was established in 2016 and has been serving hundreds of local homeowners since, we’ve also been in the roofing industry for years beyond.
It’s important to remember that not all roofing companies have the same level of experience and expertise. Ask specifically how long the company or its team has been performing the type of roofing service you need. We know firsthand that throwing shingles on a roof isn’t particularly challenging, but it’s the small details that count: how seams are treated, how ice flow is avoided, and how to finish edges and roof lines. These small details are what will make sure your roof lasts for years.
Can you provide references or reviews from past customers?
Requesting customer references or reviews gathers real feedback about a contractor’s services, called “social proof” in marketing lingo.
Check reviews on the contractor’s website and secondary sources like Google, Yelp, or Angie’s List for a broad perspective.
If you like, seek references from past customers who have had their roof replaced recently to get a better understanding of the contractor’s work quality. References should be available and can even be contacted directly.
Do you have examples of completed projects?
Examples of completed projects help evaluate a contractor’s workmanship. Most roofing companies have a portfolio of past projects available for review. Pictures of previous work provide insight into expected craftsmanship and quality. And, reviewing examples of roof replacement projects can provide insight into the contractor’s ability to handle large-scale roofing jobs.
What kind of warranty do you offer on your work?
Warranties and guarantees protect against future issues from installation errors or material defects. Manufacturer warranties generally cover material defects for around 25+ years in our industry, while a workmanship warranty will cover problems resulting from installation rather than materials alone.
At Rockland Builders, we provide a lifetime workmanship warranty on all of our standing seam metal roofs.
On that note, using components from a single manufacturer maintains compatibility and simplifies warranty claims.
What roofing materials do you recommend for my needs?
Discuss specific types of roofing materials popular for projects, including shingles, metal, and tiles. Ask if any existing materials will be reused, impacting cost and aesthetics.
Inquire about the contractor’s recommendation on stripping old shingles, as it might affect the new roofing layers’ longevity and effectiveness. Some roofers will put metal over top of shingles, which can be ok and reduce costs, but it does create headaches much further down the road if something goes wrong. It’s a personal conversation and one worth having with your roofing contractor.
How do you handle roof valleys and flashing?
Proper flashing installation prevents leaks, especially around roof valleys and chimneys. Verify your roofers methods for these critical areas.
Roofing problems generally happen at seams and areas where two planes meet.
Some contractors skip ice and water shields to cut costs, which can lead to the need for roof repair pretty quickly!
When do you expect project completion?
Request a detailed timeline with specific start and end dates.
Factors like weather, material availability, and project complexity can impact the timeline, but you don’t want the roofing project to be open-ended from the start.
What’s your approach to the cleanup process?
Roofing is a mess. More specifically, removing old roofing is a mess.
The cleanup process involves thorough debris collection during and after the project, using dump trailers, and performing magnet sweeps to remove nails.
Will you secure the right permits?
Your roofer should obtain any required permits for the project for compliance with local building codes.
Confirm that the contractor will manage all permit applications and related paperwork – if it’s on you, it might be a good idea to look around at other options.
How do you ensure compliance with local building codes?
Contractors should manage compliance with local, county, and state building codes, if they exist. In Pennsylvania, it’s pretty straightforward for those in the know: for instance, the installation of drip edge is a building code requirement for roofers in Pennsylvania.
Do you conduct a final inspection?
A final inspection helps to make sure the roofing work meets local code requirements and quality standards!
It typically includes a thorough review of the installation to verify compliance. More important, sometimes, it provides peace of mind as we make last-minute issues are identified and addressed before project completion.
And, a good contractor confirms their commitment to quality with this inspection.
Who will be my main point of contact during the project?
The primary contact will typically be your project supervisor or the business owner. A designated contact is great, as it helps to streamline communications so questions and concerns are addressed quickly and transparently.
Can I get a written estimate?
Requesting a detailed, written estimate helps avoid unexpected costs.
The estimate should outline all project costs, including labor, materials, and any additional fees. A written contract clearly stating the project terms is equally important.
A written estimate and contract enable the best transparency, and it protects both parties from misunderstandings.
What are your payment terms?
Clarify payment schedules, acceptable methods, and required deposits. A deposit, often less than 30%, is often required for a full commitment from both parties.
And, ask about covering additional charges throughout the process. What if they find rotten wood? What if unexpected issues arise?
Do you offer financing options?
Financing options are available for some roofing projects through some roofing contractors. The right financing options, whether in-house or through partnerships, simplify the payment process for homeowners.
Roofing companies may offer their own financing plans or partner with third-party lenders to help homeowners manage costs.
Will you be able to protect my lawn and property during the project?
Protecting your lawn and property is an often overlooked element of a roofing project!
Ask your potential roofing contractor about their process for protecting your property, including:
- Will they cover landscaping or lawns to prevent damage?
- What measures might they take to prevent debris and roofing materials from damaging property?
- How will they protect windows, doors, and other exterior features?
- What is their process for cleaning up the site at the end of each day and at the completion of the project?
A reputable roofing contractor will take a few basic steps to protect your property so that it’s left in the same condition as before the project started.
Rockland Builders: Allentown’s Premier Choice for Metal Roofing Installation and More
Proudly based in Kutztown, Rockland Builders is the top choice for Allentown residents who want the quality, durability, and longevity of a metal roof. We specialize in standing seam metal roof installation, a top-of-the-line metal roofing solution that can last for a generation and more. In addition to roof installation, we also do:
- Custom home building
- Attached garage additions
- Detached garage construction
- General home contractor services
If you’re looking for more than what the “big box” builders and roofers are offering, Rockland Builders is the fit for you: quality craftsmanship and thoughtful home improvements at affordable prices.
