Improvements take a lot of time and energy, especially when it comes to your roof. According to BCC Research, roof replacements make up 90% of the overall North American roofing market's volume and value. The last thing you want is to pick the wrong contractor for the job. A bad roof installation or repair can jeopardize your foundation and your family's safety, and cost you a lot of money in the long run. When looking for a local roofing company, here are some qualities you should check for.

Transparency

During a contractor consultation, if you feel like you're getting the runaround, or they're trying to skirt giving direct answers, it's best to keep it moving. You want a roofing contractor that's clear about everything from materials to itemized cost to how long job completion will take. Whenever you ask a question, they should be ready and willing to answer it.

Communication

When you choose a roofer, you want somebody easy to connect with. By that, we mean the roofing company should speak and listen to you respectfully. They should also answer or return your calls or emails within an appropriate amount of time. You should always feel like you're in the know about project progress. If there are any delays or issues with materials or labor, a reliable contractor will always communicate that to you directly.

Safety Practices

It's no secret that working on a roof can be dangerous work. It's dangerous for both the workers and anybody that may be near the worksite. Your professional roofing company should make sure its workers are properly trained and have reliable safety equipment when working on your roof. They should also stay up-to-date on any local or federal regulations.

Materials

The last thing you want is a roofing contractor that uses shoddy and cheap materials. In our roofers' experience, a well-installed roof should last up to 20 years, while metal and slate roofs can last up to 50 years with good maintenance. Even new roofs may quickly need repairs after a bad installation or the use of cheap materials. If you live in an area with a harsh climate and inclement weather, a poorly installed roof won't provide protection. Avoid that by choosing a contractor who only uses the best suppliers and manufacturers, regardless of what type of roofing they specialize in. You can even look up their suppliers to learn about those companies.

Experience

Residential roof repair and installation may not be the best time to test out companies with little experience. Your roof plays a major role in the structure of your home, so you want people experienced in that type of work to handle it. Ideally, try to find a local roofing company that's been in the industry for at least five to 10 years. You want someone who can quickly diagnose roof problems like leaks, hail damage, and more.

Reliability

Your time is precious, and so is the safety of your home. When you hire a roofer to do a job for you, you don't want to wait around for hours or be in a situation where they don't show up at all. They should always finish what they start and do so in a timely and efficient manner. Double-check how reliable a potential contractor is by looking up their ratings on the Better Business Bureau as well as online reviews from places like Trustpilot, Reddit, and Google.

Licensing

A reputable roofer should have the proper requirements to work in the state. If they're not certified to work legally, don't do business with them. As long as they have the proper license and certifications, they should show you those documents. Don't be afraid to request to see them before finalizing the hiring paperwork.

As you can see, you should always hold your local roofing company to the highest standards. Only hire the best contractor with a proven track record and a legal license to work in the state. Don't make the mistake of hiring somebody who does unprofessional work and is unreliable. When you're ready to update your roof, don't hesitate to call our local roofing company. We've been in the roofing business for years, and we easily meet the above qualifications and then some. Contact Four Leaf Roofing & Windows today to get started.