Scheduling an appointment for a roofing service can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be. Most people aren't familiar with what they can expect during a roofing service, and this makes them a little anxious. With a bit of preparation, you can ensure the job goes smoothly from start to finish. Consider these seven insider secrets to get your home ready for the roofing crew.

1. The Secret to Picking the Perfect Roofer

Don't leave something as vital as your roof up to just any contractor. You want to use a company that comes highly reviewed for quality work and professionalism. Tap into your social network for referrals from satisfied customers. Spend time digging into online reviews, looking beyond the star ratings to find the gems and warning signs in customer comments. Focus on ratings and credibility over popularity. Don't rule out asking tradespeople you already use and trust for recommendations. Applying these secrets helps you locate a roofer you can rely on.

2. The Key Ingredients of a Winning Roofer Interview

Once you've identified three to five potential roofers, set up consultations. You'll want to prepare questions that go beyond the basics and reveal true capabilities. Ask about unique challenges they've faced and how they solved them. Quiz them on building code specifics that apply to your roof type and location. Request copies of example contracts and sample warranties to compare deliverables. Pay attention not only to their answers but to their general demeanor and responsiveness. You're looking for true roofing experts who instill confidence they can handle your job.

3. The Way to Confirm Credentials and Insurance

Never take a roofer's word for it on something as vital as insurance certificates or other credentials. Responsible roofers will freely provide documentation, but it also pays to independently verify with the issuing institutions. Reputable roofers will have this in order, while cut-rate contractors often have gaps that spell trouble for you. A few quick confirmation calls or online checks give you peace of mind that you're working with legitimate professionals with active coverage.

4. The Preparation for Noise and Dust

Roofing is located at the top of the home, so when roofing work is being completed, the sound can travel downward into your home, along with dust. If you have pets or small children, you need to keep this in mind. Many people opt to board their pets for the day or find a babysitter for their children, to ensure they aren't scared when a roofing service is completing repairs or replacement of your roof.

5. The Forgotten Nature of Gutters and Downspouts

Clogged gutters may seem unrelated but can lead to water intrusion and fascia damage during work. Ask what your roofer expects for gutter cleaning and clearing downspouts. Make sure the downspouts direct water far away from the foundation. It's an easy step that prevents flood disasters from sneaking up on you during the roofing chaos.

6. The Insider Landscaping Protection Secret

You may not realize it, but during a roofing service, your landscaping may be covered up. Roofers may place tarps over plants or grass to help protect them from things like ladders or falling roofing debris. If you have concerns about protecting a specific part of your yard, let the roofer know, so they can take steps to ensure it's fully covered.

7. The Clean-Up and Inspection Process

Once the roof work is completed on the roof, your roofer may not yet be done. They will likely walk around the property, completing a clean-up process. They will clean up any roofing debris and nails. They should also photograph the work they did on the roof, allowing you to inspect it without ever stepping foot on the roof.

Roofing work is an investment. According to Forbes, on average, the price of installing a new roof is $7 per square foot for both labor and materials but can range between $4 and $40. As such, you want to do and learn everything you possibly can to help prepare you for your next roofing service and to ensure that the project goes off without a hitch. Educating yourself on and using industry insider secrets like these helps to set you up for a smooth roofing job. If you're looking to have any roofing work completed, reach out to Four Leaf Roofing & Windows today to schedule a roofing inspection.