Installing a roof is a complex job. You need to hire a professional who has the necessary skills and experience to get the job done right. That said, you should choose experienced roofers who really know what they’re doing.
Here are some key questions you should ask a roofing contractor before hiring one.
“Will You Remove the Old Roof?”
There are roofers who cut corners by visually inspecting the old roof and then shingling over it. If they don’t pull the old shingles up, however, they won’t know whether or not there are soft or damaged spots hiding beneath. If problems aren’t found and repaired early, you’re looking at costly repairs down the road. A good, experienced roofer should always tear off your old roof before placing a new one down.
“Will You Install a Drip or Metal Edge?”
A drip or metal edge is typically a piece of aluminum, which is placed under the shingles where they come off the roof. It extends out and helps direct runoff into your eavestroughs to protect your decking, soffits and fascia. If it isn’t installed, you can end up footing heavy bills for water damage down the road. Some unscrupulous roofers will deliberately skip drip edging unless homeowners specifically inquire, which is why it’s always important to ask.
“How Many Nails Will You Use Per Shingle?
Your roofer should use at least four nails per shingle for a standard job. However, if your home has a steep-sloped roof or is in a high-wind area, they’ll need to use six nails for each shingle to firmly hold it in place.
“Will You Reuse Old Flashings or Install New Ones?”
Replacing the flashing on your roof isn’t a simple job. Your roofer needs to remove and measure the existing flashing and then custom bend the new one before installing them correctly. For unreliable roofers, installing new flashing isn’t worth the hassle. But for homeowners, this step is a necessity. Your old flashing is designed to match your original roof’s dimensions and shingle type. Like other elements around your home, the flashing also shows its age over time. Not replacing it now can mean higher repair bills in a few years, especially if it begins to rust and leak, causing additional damage to your roof and home.
“How Will You Leave the Jobsite at the End of Each Day?”
Your roofer shouldn’t strip your roof more than necessary each day. This is to make sure your home is protected from the elements. If there are still open areas remaining at the end of the day, the crew should tarp them before leaving. They must also clean any stripped shingles and check the lawn and garden for nails and other hazardous items.
Ensure quality workmanship by hiring only the best local roofer in your area. At Winfield Builders, we have the tools and skills needed to provide you with superior roofing solutions. To schedule a consultation, call (301) 370-7925, or simply fill out our contact form.