1. Your Roof Is Important!
Your roof is the most important part of your house! Most people don’t really think about it until water is leaking into their kitchen. Your roof will sit up there for twenty to thirty years and withstand the elements such as hail, wind, sun and snow. So when it does go wrong everything under it goes wrong! Insulation, drylining, flooring and your furniture.
When looking for a roofing company don’t be tempted to choose whoever offers the cheapest. We have seen homeowners pay double for the same roof as the first contractor rushed the job. We hear this all the time at Apollo Roofing and it can make us a little frustrated. Your roof isn’t difficult to do properly but it is easy to do wrong. Especially as no one is watching.
2. What is a Real Roofing Company?
A real roofing company will be insured, licensed and have trained staff. They will also have a real office and history. They will be able to offer you roof installation, repairs and complete replacements. Storm damage, inspections, tracing leaks, flashing, guttering (sometimes).
The best ones will also be able to help with the tedious bits. Getting the correct permits, tidying up and dealing with your insurance adjuster. They will also be able to order the correct materials to ensure your shingles match! A good roofing contractor will make your life easier. If a company can’t explain their process in simple terms then this is a red flag. This could be a small company or large company. At Apollo Roofing we will always walk our customers through the process step by step before we put a single nail in. As there is rarely any good surprises with a roof.
3. Warning Signs
There are some dodgy roofing companies out there. Often you will know straight away. Companies knocking on your door after a storm claiming they were in the area and need a deposit. Handwritten quotes on the back of a business card. Extremely cheap prices. Pressure to sign up.
They won’t be able to show you proof of insurance. This is a massive issue as if someone falls off your roof they will hold you responsible. Another issue is if they don’t have a real address. All they have is a phone number and a Facebook page from last month. Storm chasers do this. They come into town after a hailstorm, quickly get their cash and by the time your roof is leaking they are 3 states away. A trustworthy local roofing company will be around as they have their name to protect.
4. Licensed & Insured
People tend to eye roll at this but it is an essential part of the process. Licensed roofing companies will have met the minimum standards for your state or city. Insurance is more important. You will want to check they have general liability and workers compensation. General liability will cover damage to your property. Workers compensation will cover the staff in case they get injured. Roofing is a dangerous job. If a contractor doesn’t have workers compensation and one of their staff gets injured they could claim on your homeowners insurance. Which is a nightmare!
If they can’t show you the certificates then they aren’t genuine. A real company will show you straight away. If they act weird or say “yeah yeah we’ve got it,” then you should leave. At Apollo Roofing we send you copies of our certificates before we sign a contract. So you can check.
5. Cost of Replacing a Roof
Everyone wants to know how much a new roof will cost. The cost can vary massively depending on the size, pitch, materials, layers of roof needing to be removed and location. A simple asphalt shingle roof on a small house will be very different to a steep metal roof on a large 2 story with skylights and chimneys.
We always suggest getting 3 quotes. Make sure you look at what is included. Are they including tear off? Underlay? Drip edge? Ventilation? New flashing? Some companies will give you a low quote as they aren’t including these items. Then during the job they will add “change orders”. This will cause your quote to go from 10,000 to 14,000.
Most of the time the cheapest won’t be best. Mid range with a detailed written quote will usually be the honest contractors. Quality takes time and good materials which will cost.
6. Materials
This can be confusing. The most common material in the country is asphalt shingles. They are a cost effective and reliable option. They will usually last between 20-30 years if fitted properly and ventilated.
Metal roofing will cost more but can last 50+ years. They shed snow nicely and are wind resistant. Clay and concrete tiles look amazing but they are heavy and your structure will need to be able to support the weight. Slate, wood shake, synthetic etc.
A good roofing contractor won’t try to upsell you. They will ask you about your budget, how long you will be in the house, local weather and even HOA rules. If they are pushing one product to everyone then they are trying to sell you. The best roofing company will match the material to you.
7. Repairs or Replacement?
Sometimes a roof doesn’t need replacing. It could just be a cracked pipe boot, some failed flashing or missing shingles due to windy weather. These are all inexpensive to repair. An honest roofer will tell you this even though it means their invoice will be less.
However if there are signs that a repair is a waste of money then it is best to replace. Curling shingles, granules in your guttering, daylight coming through your attic, sagging areas and excessive moss/rot. If your roof is older than 20 years and you are constantly repairing it each season then it is usually best to replace.
A thorough inspection will tell you. Ask them to take pictures and explain what they have found. If they can’t show you the damage then we would rather repair a small issue for a couple of hundred and build your trust. At Apollo Roofing we wouldn’t want to sell you a roof you don’t need.
8. Warranties & Written Contract
Warranties can be confusing. Usually there will be 2 types. A manufacturers warranty which covers the materials. If your shingles fail early then this will cover it. A workmanship warranty which covers how it was installed. This is from the roofing company. This shows how confident they are in their work.
Some companies may only offer a 1 or 2 year warranty. Whereas others will offer 10+ years. Always check the small print. Warranties can be voided if there was incorrect ventilation or lack of maintenance.
Always make sure you have a written contract. This should include what work will be carried out, materials (brand & colour), payment terms, start date, how long it will take, tidying up and what will happen if it rains. A handshake is lovely but a contract will save you. Never pay the full amount upfront. A reasonable deposit and payments as the job progresses is standard.
9. How to Find a Good Roofing Company
Start by looking at reviews. Make sure you read the comments. Look for 3 star reviews and how they responded. If they are defensive and rude then you know a lot. Check the Better Business Bureau, local Facebook groups, neighbours and anyone who has had recent work.
Ask for references. This seems basic but very few people do. Ask how long they have been trading, who will be doing the work, are they using subcontractors and who will be managing the job. If possible visit a completed project.
During the estimate check how they treated you. Were they on time? Did they climb onto your roof? Did they answer your questions without getting annoyed? This will give you an insight into how they will treat you throughout the job. A reputable roofing company like us should be happy to be questioned.
10. Final Thoughts
No one is excited to spend money on a roof. It can be stressful and expensive. However if you take your time, ask those awkward questions and choose a reputable roofing company with credentials then you will sleep easier every time it rains.
Don’t feel pressured to choose someone. Don’t choose the cheapest. And don’t forget to have a contract. Do your research, get multiple quotes and trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right then it usually isn’t.
A good roof should be boring! You shouldn’t have to think about it for decades. If you are ready for this then contact us at Apollo Roofing. We will have a look with no pressure. We will give you honest answers and do a quality job once.
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