How to choose the right roofing contractor?

While it's important to check all of these boxes, you may not know exactly what to ask your professional to ensure that all of these expectations are met. Here's a practical list of 30 questions to ask your contractor before hiring them. And speaking of guarantees, always make sure that your contract includes a legitimate guarantee. It is very important to have it in case of material defects or poor workmanship.

The ideal is a 20- or 25-year warranty. The roof system is an integral component of the building envelope, which is your home's first line of defense against the elements. Even if you have the best installation equipment on the planet, cheap roofing materials simply won't stand up to the elements. Whether you're replacing, fixing, or installing a roof, let these tips guide you in choosing the best roofer for your job.

When it comes to the roof of your home, take all possible steps to ensure that you hire the right roofing company. Most roofing companies have a salesperson who also acts as a project manager and they are always exhausted with several jobs at once. The formal contract must clearly describe the payment schedules, the roofing materials used (brand, type and color) and a list of subcontractors. If your next-door neighbors and sister chose Roofer A and both have water leak problems with their new roofs, chances are good that you'll avoid Roofer A.

If you choose a GAF-certified roofing contractor*, you'll know you're getting the best out of the business. If your state requires roofers to be licensed, you should be able to do a license check on your state's Department of Consumer Affairs website or on the site of your business licensing office. Whether you're buying or repairing your roof, you'll need a trusted professional to help you make the best decisions for your home. But if you've never been through the process of hiring a roofing contractor before, it can be difficult to know what to look for.

If you're not exactly sure what the problem is, simply give them all the information you know and schedule a time for them to inspect your roof and learn more.