Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home, so there are some important things to consider and to ask before you hire a roof repair company.
Does roofing work in your area require a license?
Each state has its own laws regarding licensing for general contractors and subcontractors, such as electricians, plumbers, and roofers. It’s important to also know that even if a state does not require a roofer to have a license, the city or local municipality may require one. While you as a homeowner are not expected to be well-versed in zoning laws in your area, the roofing contractors that you hire should be knowledgeable about what is required of them to legally complete the work. For example, in the state of Florida you must hold a certified licensed or registered license in order to perform roofing work, and you may only perform the work that is within the scope of your licensing area. Otherwise, in the state of Florida, it is a first-degree misdemeanor to do any roofing work as an unlicensed roofer. From clogged gutter, damaged roof tiling down to a roofing system that has been run down, you can rely on Simply Roofing specialists to get any of these jobs done with utmost quality.
Do I need a roof repair or a roof replacement?
The cost, time, and scope of work are different depending on what services you need. If you have started noticing water spots on your ceilings or have noticed that some of your shingles are cracked or broken, then it’s very likely that you need a professional roofer to do a complete evaluation of your roof and to ensure that none of the damage has spread to the inside of your home or attic. A professional roofer will take into consideration a couple of factors before suggesting whether you need a repair on just a portion of your roof or if the whole roof needs to be completely replaced:
- The age of the roof
- Whether or not you are planning on selling your home within the next year or two
- What your budget is
Who The Scammers Are
Every industry has scammers, and roofing is not immune to them. “Storm chasers,” as they are commonly called, are people who typically go door-to-door in different neighborhoods after a bad storm and offer their roofing services for a much lower cost than a professional, licensed roofer would charge. These people prey on the vulnerable homeowners who are scared that the elements or rodents can enter their home through a broken part of their roof. Don’t use them. Instead, call a reputable roofer who either has testimonials on their website or can provide you referrals.
How Important Referrals Are
As mentioned above, you will want to investigate what other people say about the roofer that you are planning on hiring. Roofers often work with other subcontractors and contractors on the various construction jobs that they get. A great roofer has developed strong professional connections with other contractors throughout their years and should have at least a handful of other professionals who can vouch for their work. Workers in the construction or home-improvement industry want to stay safe and only want to work with other people that are exceptionally skilled in their field, so if you’re struggling to find other professionals who can say positive things about the roofer you are planning on hiring, then pick someone else.