A new roof can sometimes be an essential purchase, as well as a costly one. This leaves many homeowners searching for the cheapest way to get the job done, and asking themselves, “should I hire a roofing contractor?” When searching for the most affordable option, we’ve seen many homeowners hire friends, neighbors, or individuals with signs around town advertising cheap roof replacements.
We understand that cost, in most cases, is the driving force behind any major purchase. With that being said, choosing the cheapest option when it comes to your roof installation may not necessarily be the smartest choice. Keep reading and discover four reasons why you should hire a roofing contractor, so you can make an informed decision when it comes to your roof.
Table of Contents
– Should I Hire a Roofing Contractor?
– Safety Training
– Quality Materials
– Workmanship
– Warranties
– Hire a Roofing Contractor that’s Right for You
Should I Hire a Roofing Contractor?
A new roof is a large investment, and an important one, as well. Your roof protects your home, as well as all of the people and contents within. This is just one of the many reasons why it’s so important to hire a certified and experienced roofing contractor you trust to get the job done.
We understand that saving money is also important, but when it comes to your roof, you get what you pay for. And when choosing the cheapest route, it will be reflected in the craftsmanship, durability, and lifespan of your roof, and may even end up costing you more money down the road.
So, should I hire a roofing contractor? Short answer, yes. To expand on this, however, we’ve included the four main reasons as to why you should hire a roofing contractor below.
Safety Training
Should I hire a roofing contractor? First and foremost, one must consider safety. Professional roofing contractors have the proper safety training and knowledge to walk on a roof and work on it safely. Even further, they have the proper safety equipment to do so.
Aside from having ropes, sponge pads, harnesses, and the proper attire, for example, they also have years of experience using a ladder and getting on and off roofs of varying heights and steepness. And this can still be challenging, and dangerous, for those with years of experience.
We highly recommend that anyone who is either uncomfortable with, or lacks the experience of, using a ladder and walking on a roof shouldn’t do so. Even experienced contractors have accidents sometimes.
Plus, certified contractors have the proper insurance to handle injuries. The last thing you want is for an accident to occur on your property, and for you to be responsible for the damages, injuries, and resulting payments.
Quality Materials
To answer the question, “should I hire a roofing contractor,” let’s talk about materials. Reputable roofing contractors have access to quality materials, as well as suppliers with all of the roofing components necessary for sturdy and well-built roofs. And it’s not just the quality, it’s the quantity, too!
Roofing contractors have access to a wide range of shingle brands to accommodate roofs of all shapes, sizes and colors. They also have access to a variety of roofing materials including DaVinci composite, metal, slate, and cedar shake, just to name a few. Not only that, most professional contractors are certified by shingle manufacturers, and can offer better warranties, as well.
When a manufacturer certifies a roofing company, this also shows that the manufacturer trusts them with their product, and believes that they will do an excellent job with said product. And this is not to say that you or a non-professional roofer won’t do a great job, and can’t find quality materials. However, when working with a professional roofer, you can rest assured that you’re getting the best materials and craftsmanship.
Workmanship
Should I hire a roofing contractor? Let’s discuss workmanship. As previously mentioned, a new roof is a large and important investment. This is the type of work that you want to make sure is completed properly the first time around.
And it’s not a simple task. Roof replacements require knowledge, experience, and the proper training to be completed correctly. Roofing contractors have years of practice, and this experience shows itself in the quality of the finished product. This skill level also differentiates professional roofing contractors from someone off the street, or even DIY roof replacements.
It’s important to mention here that, even with professionals, mistakes can happen, and there are sub-par contractors out there. This is why it is crucial to do your due diligence when it comes to hiring a contractor, making sure you choose an experienced roofer who fits the bill. With that being said, you can almost always guarantee that your roof will be properly installed when completed by a professional.
Functionality and durability is the key takeaway here, but let’s not forget about aesthetics. Not only will a professional roofing contractor install your roof the right way, but they will make sure it looks great, as well. Hiring a roofing contractor for your next roof replacement is a sure-fire way to increase your home’s curb appeal and value.
Warranties
If you’re still wondering if you should hire a roofing contractor, let’s discuss warranties. When working with a reputable roofing contractor, you’ll have two warranties to fall back on when it comes to your roof. The first is a workmanship warranty, which protects your roof against installation issues.
Workmanship warranties are in place to handle problems caused by poor craftsmanship. If this were to happen, the roofing contractor should take care of the problem at no cost to you. When hiring a roofing contractor, be sure to ask about their workmanship warranty, as the length varies from roofer to roofer.
The second warranty you will have is on your roofing materials. This protects you against manufacturing defects when it comes to the materials used on your roof. All roofing materials will have a warranty from the manufacturer.
Even further, many roofing contractors will have certifications from manufacturers, allowing them to offer even better warranties. For example, architectural asphalt shingles will come with a 30-year prorated warranty. However, if the roofer is certified by the manufacturer of these shingles, then they will be able to offer a 50-year non-prorated enhanced warranty.
It’s important to note that in order to take advantage of this, your entire roof system will need to be created from the same manufacturer’s materials. Either way, both warranties are here to protect your investment. When working with a professional roofing contractor, you can rest assured that your roof is protected, and you’re getting the best warranty options available.
Hire a Roofing Contractor that’s Right for You
So, should I hire a roofing contractor? While this is up to each individual homeowner, we highly suggest working with a contractor on such a major investment. This is the best way to ensure excellent craftsmanship, that quality materials are being used, and that your investment is protected under the best warranties available.
We also highly suggest that you do some research and choose a reputable contractor that’s a good fit for you, as there are still bad apples in the professional realm, as well. In order to combat this, we came up with “5 Questions to Ask a Potential Roofing Contractor [For Professionalism and Peace of Mind],” to make the process easier. Asking the right questions is a great way to set yourself up for success when it comes to hiring a contractor, and can help you to weed out the ones that may not fit the bill.
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Elite Exteriors is the Southeast’s premier residential and commercial resource for unparalleled service, superior craftsmanship, and incomparable quality. And it’s all backed by an unprecedented lifetime labor and materials warranty! Not only are we fully bonded, licensed, and insured, but we can provide any references you may need, and are more than happy to answer any questions you may have. Give us a call today at 470-350-3024 for a NO-COST initial consultation and inspection, or fill out our online form for more information!