From time to time or at some point in life, one common thought will come to the minds of current or aspiring homeowners. “What are some of the best roofing companies near me,” they wonder.
This often occurs to many people when they need roof installation, replacement, repair, or inspection services.
At times, the homeowner just wants expert advice or perhaps they need to ensure their roof is in perfect shape to face an upcoming harsh weather incident like a storm, or an extreme season like winter/spring.
The roof (along with siding) is among the most important components of a structure because it protects the interior of your home from outside elements such as sunlight, rain, and snow.
Moreover, this protective covering also plays a huge role in improving the curb appeal and efficiency of your home or building.
Are you planning on putting a new roof on your house or replacing an old one? Do you need some repairs done on your existing roof, maybe? If this sounds like anything you can relate to, this article should be worth your while.
Higher chances are that you will need to hire a professional roofer nearby, but the choices can be confusing. Read on for inspiration on how to make the best decision possible.
What is the Best Way to Locate Reliable Roofers in My Area?
When dealing with local roofing companies, there are several qualities to consider. Roofing, like any other construction service, is best left to a professional contractor or service person that is familiar with the roofing blueprints.
Even though roofing is a specialist’s job, most homeowners find it difficult to find a reputable roofer. Here are a few pointers to help you find the best roofing contractor for your job.
Pick a certified, insured, and bonded roofer.
One of the first things to consider as proof of reliability is licensure and certification. To be permitted to operate, roofers must also be bonded and insured in most states. Bonded roofers have funds set aside to compensate you if your roof is damaged by a contractor.
Hiring a licensed and insured contractor, on the other hand, protects you from liability if the expert, for example, falls off your roof and sustains a personal injury. You should request a copy of your contractor’s license and insurance to be safe.
Most reputable roofers will have both general liability and workers’ compensation insurance, which should be an indication of their professionalism and reliability as a service provider.
Look for a contractor with strong communication skills.
Any successful home service provider must have excellent communication skills. Roofing companies with strong communication skills are quick to return calls, eager to answer questions and good listeners.
They will also constantly and consistently keep you updated on the progress of your project via calls, texts, emails, social media, and other communication channels in case you can’t make it to the worksite as often.
Moreover, roofing contractors with great communication skills are more likely to be honest, and transparent. Roofing companies with poor communication skills could possibly be keeping something from you.
Only work with companies that have a good reputation online.
Online reputation can never be overlooked when hiring a service provider in this age and day. When looking for a roofer nearby, most homeowners head straight to Google search and GMB pages.
However, deeper research is often required if at all you’re going to get a reliable company that will understand and meet your needs. This is where online reviews and testimonials come in handy.
Besides Google My Business, always ensure the roofer you choose has a good rating on review sites such as the Better Business Bureau, Yelp, and others.
The Roofer should also have an accessible and informative website, preferably with lots of positive reviews and testimonials from former clients who loved their services.
Roofing companies with a bad reputation, as well as those whose information isn’t easily accessible online, should be avoided.
Employ roofing companies with a long history in the industry.
Far and wide; experience is a crucial consideration when hiring a service provider in any industry. This is why we recommend going for companies that have been in the roofing business for a long time.
Experienced roofers will have honed and perfected their skills to handle the most difficult roofing jobs and are familiar with their client’s changing needs. Long-standing businesses also have the necessary roofing equipment for any project.
This means that you can expect exceptional quality work in any roofing project. Moreover, experienced roofers may have access to discounts on materials and supplies, which could mean decent savings on the project if they are extended to you.
Reputable roofers are also likely to extend warranties (especially for roof installation) alongside workmanship guarantees for the services offered, and other cost-attractive benefits to their clients.
Hire a roofing contractor who pays attention to detail.
The slightest mishap or blunder in a roofing job could put the entire purpose of your roof in jeopardy. As the property owner, it could mean a few things, ranging from safety issues to hefty repair costs, comfort issues, and inconveniences.
This is primarily why you need to strive to get a roof with keen attention to detail. On this note, it makes sense to insist on one important thing once you’ve identified a reputable roofing expert.
Make sure to request that he or she create a detailed work plan for the entire project. This should include the roofing materials needed for the job, the project’s start and finish dates, the estimated cost, and any other pertinent information.
The particulars of the project should be well detailed, preferably documented in writing. Besides, they are more likely to do a good job if their attention to detail is on point from the word go.
Is It Necessary To Have A Roofing Contractor’s License?
All professional and legitimate roofers are required to have a license. Although most states’ core requirements are similar, licensing procedures may differ.
Roofers in Texas and New Jersey, for example, are licensed at the municipal level, whereas roofers in other parts of the country are licensed at the state level.
If you want to avoid rubbing shoulders with law enforcement, hiring a licensed roofer to inspect, repair, or replace your roof is a good decision.
Aside from the risk of breaking the law, hiring an unlicensed roofer puts you at risk of receiving poor service, which comes with multiple negative consequences.
How Much Do Roofing Projects Cost?
As anyone would realize, roofs aren’t all the same. Roofing companies don’t all charge the same either.
From the project size to the roof type, sloping, and your roofing needs, the factors listed below will have a huge impact on the amount you spend on your roof, including how much you pay your roofer.
- Roof size (height and width)
The first factor that affects the price of your roof is its size. The bigger your roof is, the more money you’ll probably spend. This is because larger roofs necessitate more roofing materials and labor.
- Roof gradient or sloping
The extent to which your roof slopes is another important factor that determines the cost. Roofers will charge more for roofs with a steep pitch because they are more hazardous and require more labor than roofs with a gentle slope.
- Roofing type and material
The cost of various roofing materials, such as shingles, slate, and clay tile, varies. In addition, the cost of a roofing project will vary depending on the type of equipment used for waterproofing, decking, insulation, and fastening the roofing material.
- Your roof’s accessibility
According to building experts, if your roof is difficult to access, your contractor may charge you more.
Because the contractor will need more labor to load and install materials on your roof, you will have to pay more. Easy-to-reach roofs, on the other hand, take less time and effort.
Commonly Used Roofing Materials
Asphalt shingles, clay and concrete tiles, metal roofing, slate, and wood shingles are some of the most common types of roofing materials. Read on to learn about the various roofing materials available, so you can best select the preferred option for your roof.
Asphalt Shingles
Because they are inexpensive and come in a variety of colors, asphalt roof shingles are commonly used. Asphalt shingles are also simple to put up and last a long time.
For residential houses with sloped roofs, this roofing material is a good option.
On the downside, asphalt shingles, despite being the most popular roofing material, begin to decay after a period of use. They also require regular maintenance and can be blown away by strong winds.
Tile (Clay or Concrete) Roofing
As the name shouts out loud, clay or concrete tiles are used for this type of roofing. Because clay and concrete tiles are durable and fire-resistant, most people prefer them.
These tiles also come in a variety of styles and colors, allowing you to select those that complement the architectural style of your home.
Nonetheless, the construction materials are more expensive than shingles. Their enormous weight necessitates additional labor and time, plus the installation costs can be higher compared to asphalt shingle roofing.
Metal Roofing
Because metal roofing is lightweight and fire-resistant, many people prefer it to asphalt shingles and tile. Metal decks can also be installed without an underlayment deck.
Metal roofing, like the other roofing materials we’ve discussed so far, comes in a variety of styles and colors, allowing you to choose a style that complements your home’s architecture.
Slate Roofing
Slate (homogeneous metamorphic rock) is a costly roofing material that is frequently used on steeply sloping roofs.
This roofing material is long-lasting, eco-friendly, and comes in a variety of finishes, allowing you to select the best slate for your structure.
Despite its advantages, it is not widely used because it is heavy, difficult to install, and changes color after exposure to weather elements such as rain and sunlight.
Wood Shingles
Wood shingles are made of various types of wood, such as cedar, cypress, pine, and others, as the name suggests.
Wood shingles aren’t common because they’re not fire-resistant, require regular maintenance, and may not be the most environmentally friendly option.
Estimates from Roofing Companies
Even reputable roofing companies are known to charge different prices for similar roofing services. As a result, you should look for a roofing company that provides high-quality service at a reasonable cost.
Searching online for roof contractors in your area and filling out their online free estimate forms to receive quotes for your specific roofing project is the best way to find roofing companies with reasonable prices.
To obtain consistent estimates across different contractors, make sure to use the same information on your project.
Final Remarks
Do you have access to a computer or a smartphone? If you do, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding roofers in your area.
Put “roofers near me” or “roofing companies near me” into your browser, and you’re good to go. All commercial roofing companies in or near your location should be listed by your search engine.
