There are a lot of questions that homeowners can ask before hiring a roofer. Some of these include how long the company has been in business, references, and information about warranties.
Some of these questions may seem obvious, but it’s important to ask them anyway. Your new roof is a big investment, so you want to make sure you hire a reputable roofing contractor.
1. How Long Have You Been in Business?
If they’re a new company, they’ll likely need to rely on word-of-mouth referrals and other marketing tactics. If you can find information about their reputation, this may help you decide whether they’re a good fit for your project.
A quality roofer should have a strong business plan and be able to provide you with references from past customers. They should also be licensed and insured, which helps protect you in the event of an accident.
Trusted Ontario roofers warn homeowners to be wary of roofers who offer cheap quotes. They’re more likely to use poor materials that don’t last long, leaving you with a costly repair bill in the future. Also, ask them about their experience working with insurance companies. Some jobs are simply too expensive to pay for out of pocket, so it’s important to know whether they’ll work with your homeowners’ policy.
2. How Many Nails Will Your Roofer Use Per Shingle?
When it comes to roofing, “time is money.” However, some roofers use this mantra a little too literally. This can cause mistakes that lead to leaks. For example, if a nail is driven into too high of an area on the shingle it could lift up or create a hole that water can seep through.
In order to ensure that shingles are properly secured, many shingle manufacturers recommend four nails per shingle, and some up to six. It is important that your roofer uses ring roofing nails, which are designed for sheathing and shingles, and have rings along the shank that provide extra holding power.
Smooth shank nails do not have this additional strength and are more likely to push up shingles or create sheathing rot. They also do not have the same direct withdrawal resistance as ring roofing nails.
3. Will Your Roofer Reuse Old Flashings or Install New Ones?
Many black-hat roofers will cut corners by not taking up the old shingles and simply shingling over them. This can leave you with a roof that is more vulnerable to high winds and water damage, especially if they nail the shingles improperly or use angled nails. Also, if they skip installing drip edge or metal trim, you may end up footing the bill for costly repair work later on. You’ll want to make sure that the roofer will install new flashings as needed.
4. Will Your Roofer Install Drip or Metal Edge?
Drip edge is a strip of metal that covers the edges of your roof, helping to protect your fascia and gutters. While some roofers skip this step, it’s important that your roofer installs it because it can prevent wood rot and leaks down the line.
Drip edges can be made from steel, aluminum or copper, with galvanized steel being preferred due to its durability and ability to resist rust. Regardless of the material, it should be at least 24-gauge to hold up against strong winds.
A drip edge is also helpful in cold climates because it can help to prevent ice dams from forming. It can also be a barrier against pests that want to make their home in the tight crevices between your roof and the fascia. Drip edge profiles vary, but Type C is a popular choice because it directs water flow away from the fascia.
5. How Far Will Your Roofer Overhang Your Shingles?
The amount of shingle overhang is important for several reasons. It helps to prevent water from seeping under the shingles and into the rake board, fascia boards, or soffit. It also helps to prevent the shingles from blowing off in high winds. The shingle overhang should extend about 6mm to 2cm past the drip edge flashing on the roof. Some unscrupulous roofers will skip installing this metal, which is vital to the health of your soffits, rafters, fascia boards, and decking.
Also, some roofers will weave the valleys of your roof instead of using metal. This is a big red flag, as woven valleys are prone to wear and tear, and will likely need to be replaced sooner than metal ones. If you choose a roofer who will be weaving your valleys, be sure they are also installing drip edge flashing.
6. How Will Your Roofer Cut Their Shingles?
When cutting shingles, roofers should strike a chalk line and cut on that to ensure that the shingle edges are straight. This helps eliminate short exposures, waviness and other aesthetic issues.
It’s also important to ask roofers how they plan on attaching the shingles to the decking and flashing. If nails aren’t driven in properly, they can cause the shingles to tear and expose your home to water damage. And if the nails are angled, they’ll leave a ridge that could lead to high winds blowing them off in a storm.
Unless you climb up on your own, it’s impossible to see how well a roofing job is from the ground. Asking a few questions and looking carefully at the finished work is the best way to spot red flags that your roof has been installed incorrectly.
7. What Will the Cost be for Plywood if the Roofer Finds Rotten or Soft Decking?
This is a great question to ask as it can help you avoid being overcharged for plywood sheets that might be needed to fix soft, rotten decking. Moisture is a major cause of dry rot and mold growth, which can lead to further damage such as termite infestation. It’s important to understand that if a roofer finds soft, rotten decking, it can increase the cost of the project significantly. Be sure to get a clear explanation about how the contractor will handle this issue. Ideally, they should provide you with a detailed proposal that includes an outline of the job specifications and products used for the work.