Questions to Ask a Roofer Before the Work Begins

Before you have a contractor start tearing away the shingles and tiles of your roof and replacing them with new ones or replacing your roof altogether, you want to ensure you've asked all the right questions of him or her. This means not just the questions of a warranty for their work and if they can provide you with references, but questions about your home and the roof itself. To ensure your home is in good repair beyond the roof, note a few questions to ask him or her before the work even begins.

1. Note if the current material for your roof is really the best

If you've had to repair your roof several times within the past few years or if this is not your first roof replacement job, note if the materials you've chosen for your roof may not be the best. If you live in the tropics or anyplace known for high winds or where there is heavy snowfall, the weather may be damaging to the asphalt shingles and roofing paper underneath. A metal roof may be more sturdy for you and better suited for your climate.

You may also be choosing very lightweight shingles because they're cheaper, but if you need to replace them because they keep blowing off the roof, you may be better off investing in something sturdier. Your roofing contractor can advise on the best material for your roof, so take advantage of their expertise and ask for advice in this area.

2. Ask about the condition of your gutters and chimney and other areas

A roofer usually handles more than just roof repair and replacement; they often replace gutters and downspouts and can note if a chimney is becoming soft and ready to crack because of water pressure and excess moisture. Since they will be on your roof anyway, it's good to have these things checked by your contractor for needed repairs. Your gutters may be clogged, coming away from the roof, or leaking through connectors and should be replaced to protect your home, and a roofer can note these problems and take care of this job while repairing your roof.

A roofing contractor may also be able to inspect your home's attic area and note if there are signs of water damage due to leaks in the roof. He or she may even be able to replace damaged insulation and other materials that need repair due to leaks in the roof. Ask about this before your roofing work begins so you know your entire house will be in good repair, not just the roof.

For more information, contact local roofing contractors.