When your roof needs to be replaced or repaired, choosing the right roofing contractor can make the difference between a successful project and a costly disaster. Whether you’re getting a new roof or dealing with roof repair issues, asking the right questions to ask roofing contractor candidates will help you choose a roofer who delivers quality work and protects your home investment. Every roofing project requires careful contractor selection to ensure proper installation and long-term performance.
Why Asking the Right Roofing Questions Matters
Before diving into specific questions to ask a roofing contractor, it’s essential to understand why this vetting process matters so much. Your roof is one of the most critical components of your home’s structure, protecting everything underneath from the elements. A poorly executed roofing job can lead to water damage, structural issues, and expensive repairs down the road.
The roofing industry, unfortunately, attracts some unscrupulous operators who prey on homeowners, especially after severe weather events. These contractors may offer incredibly low prices, demand payment in full upfront, or use substandard roofing materials. By asking thorough roofing questions to ask during your contractor selection process, you can identify red flags early and ensure you’re working with a professional roofer who will complete the work properly.
A reputable roofing contractor will welcome your questions and provide detailed, honest answers. They understand that homeowners need to feel confident about their choice, especially when investing thousands of dollars in roof replacement or repair. The contractor you hire should demonstrate expertise, transparency, and a commitment to building code requirements and industry best practices. A professional roofer should also be able to listen to your concerns and address any questions about payment terms before signing a contract.
Top 8 Questions to Ask a Roofing Contractor
1. Are You Licensed, Bonded, and Insured?
This is arguably the most important question you need to ask any roofing contractor. A legitimate roofing business should carry proper licensing for your area, be bonded to protect against theft or property damage, and maintain both general liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
Ask to see proof of insurance and verify that the policies are current. The contractor should be able to provide certificates of insurance that list coverage amounts and expiration dates. Workers’ compensation protects you from liability if someone gets injured on your property, while general liability covers damage to your home during the roofing work.
Check with your local building department to verify the contractor’s license status. Some areas require roofing contractors to hold special roofing licenses, while others may only require a general contractor’s license. Make sure the contractor uses properly licensed subcontractors as well.
2. How Long Have You Been in Business?
Experience matters significantly in the roofing industry. Ask how long the roofing company has been operating and whether they specialize in residential or commercial projects. A contractor with several years of local experience will better understand regional weather patterns, local building codes, and the specific challenges that roofs face in your area.
However, don’t automatically dismiss newer companies if they can demonstrate relevant experience. Some established roofers start their own companies after working for other roofing contractors for years. In these cases, ask about the owner’s total experience in the roofing business, not just how long their current company has existed.
Also, ask about their experience with your specific roofing materials and roof type. Installing shingle roofs requires different expertise than working with metal, tile, or flat roofing systems. The right roofer for your project should have extensive experience with your chosen roofing components and should also be able to handle related work like chimney repairs or gutter installation when necessary.
3. Can You Provide Recent References or Reviews?
A reputable roofer should readily provide references from recent customers and encourage you to contact them. Ask for at least three references from jobs completed within the past year, preferably projects similar to yours in scope and roofing materials.
When contacting references, ask specific questions about the contractor’s professionalism, work quality, adherence to timelines, and cleanup practices. Find out if the work was completed as promised and whether any issues arose during or after the project.
Also, check online reviews on platforms like Google, Better Business Bureau, and specialized contractor review sites. Look for patterns in both positive and negative reviews. A few negative reviews among many positive ones might not be concerning, but recurring complaints about the same issues should raise red flags.
4. Do You Offer a Workmanship Warranty?
Understanding warranty coverage is crucial when evaluating roofing contractors. Ask about both material warranties (typically provided by manufacturers) and workmanship warranties (provided by the contractor). A confident, professional roofer will offer a comprehensive workmanship warranty covering their installation for several years.
Make sure you understand what the warranty covers and what might void it. Some warranties require regular maintenance or inspections, while others have specific requirements about who can perform future repairs. Get all warranty information in writing and ensure it’s included in your contract before signing a contract with any roofing company.
Ask how the company handles warranty claims and what their process is for addressing issues that arise after the job is done. A reputable roofing company will have clear procedures for honoring their warranty commitments and should offer a warranty that covers both materials and workmanship.
5. Will You Provide a Written Estimate?
Never work with a contractor who only provides verbal estimates. A detailed written estimate should break down all costs, including materials, labor, permits, and any additional charges. This documentation protects both you and the contractor by clearly outlining project scope and expectations.
The estimate should specify the roofing materials to be used, including manufacturer names and product lines. It should also detail the installation process, timeline, and cleanup procedures. Any contractor unwilling to provide this level of detail in writing should be eliminated from consideration.
Compare estimates carefully, but remember that the lowest bid isn’t always the best value. Extremely low bids may indicate corners being cut on materials, labor, or proper installation procedures.
6. What Is Your Roofing Installation Process?
Ask the contractor to walk you through their entire installation process, from initial roof inspection to final cleanup. A knowledgeable contractor should explain how they’ll protect your property during installation, what steps they take to ensure proper ventilation, and how they handle specific roofing components like drip edge, ice and water barriers, and valley installations.
Understanding their process helps you evaluate their expertise and professionalism. The contractor should demonstrate knowledge of building code requirements and industry best practices. They should also explain how they’ll address any unexpected issues that might arise, such as damaged roof decking or structural problems.
Ask about their approach to attic ventilation, as proper airflow is crucial for roof longevity and energy efficiency. The contractor should evaluate your current ventilation system and recommend improvements if necessary. A qualified contractor should also be able to inspect and address issues with chimney flashing and gutter systems as part of the job when needed.
7. Who Will Be Onsite During the Project?
Find out who will actually be doing the work and whether the contractor uses subcontractors or employees. If subcontractors are involved, ensure they’re properly licensed and insured. Ask if the same crew will handle the entire project or if different teams will rotate through.
Inquire about supervision and quality control measures. Will a project manager or the contractor be on-site regularly to oversee the work? How do they ensure consistent quality throughout the installation?
Also, ask about the crew’s experience level and any specialized training they’ve received. Workers should be knowledgeable about safety procedures and proper installation techniques for their specific roofing materials.
8. What’s Your Timeline and Cleanup Process?
Get a realistic timeline for project completion, including start and finish dates. Ask what factors might cause delays and how the contractor communicates about schedule changes. Weather can significantly impact roofing work, so understand how this affects their timeline.
Discuss the cleanup process in detail. The contractor should remove all old roofing materials, nails, and debris from your property. Ask if cleanup costs are included in the estimate or charged separately. A professional roofing contractor should leave your property in better condition than they found it after the work is done.
Find out what happens if bad weather interrupts the project. How will they protect your home if the roof is partially removed when storms arrive? The contractor should have procedures for temporarily protecting exposed areas and should be able to handle these situations professionally.
Additional Roofing Questions to Ask Before Signing
Beyond the essential eight questions, several other inquiries can help you make an informed decision when you find the right contractor for your project. Ask about the contractor’s safety protocols and whether they follow OSHA guidelines. Roofing work is inherently dangerous, and proper safety measures protect both workers and your property.
Inquire about permit requirements and who will handle obtaining necessary permits. Many roofing projects require building permits, and the contractor should manage this process. They should also arrange for required inspections and ensure the work meets all local building codes.
Ask about material delivery and storage. Where will materials be stored on your property, and how will they protect your landscaping and other structures? Professional contractors plan these logistics carefully to minimize disruption.
Discuss communication expectations and payment terms clearly before starting any work. How often will the contractor update you on progress, and what’s the best way to reach them with questions or concerns? Also, clarify whether you’ll need to pay a deposit upfront and what the payment schedule looks like. Clear communication prevents misunderstandings and ensures project success.