Those appointments are the perfect time to ask key questions and vet various roofing professionals. Here's what you need to ask.
6 Must-Ask Questions for Your Roofers in Mobile, AL
At Ethos, we recommend that you treat each roofing inspection or consultation like a job interview. You want to hire the best roofer in your area, right? Then use that consultation as an opportunity to learn more about the roofing companies in your area.
During those conversations, make note of things like a roofer's professionalism, expertise, and customer service. Here's how.
1. Can You Show Me Your License?
In the world of exterior contracting, licenses are incredibly important. That document proves that a roofing contractor understands their trade and can legally complete roofing work. Without a license, there's no guarantee your roofer has the necessary skills, experience, or abilities to do the work.
In Alabama, every roofing professional is required to have a state license issued by the Licensing Board for General Contractors (Next Insurance). If a roofer does not have a valid license from the LBGC, don't hire them.
2. How Can You Support My Insurance Claim?
Alabama residents see their fair share of storms each year. If your roof becomes damaged by one of those storms, your home insurance provider may cover the costs of repairs.
However, you'll need to file an insurance claim to cover your storm damages, which is not always a stress-free process. To file a claim, you'll need to do things like:
- Document the damage thoroughly
- Contact your insurance company
- Submit a claim
- Meet with an insurance adjuster
- And more
Some roofing contractors may offer assistance for roofing insurance claims. Others may even offer to handle the claim for you. Unfortunately, it is not technically legal for your roofer to file your claim. Be wary of roofers who offer this service.
Instead, look for roofers who can offer advice and educational insights to support your claim process.
3. Can You Show Me Proof of Your Insurance?
You can never predict the future. A million things can go wrong during your roofing project. If your roofing company lacks insurance and an employee gets hurt on your property, you may get stuck with their medical bills and other costs.
At a bare minimum, your roofing contractor should have:
- Workman's compensation insurance
- General liability insurance.
Those policies help protect homeowners in the event of an accident. Make sure your roofers in Mobile, AL have these insurance policies in place.
4. Will You Subcontract the Work?
In some instances, roofers will subcontract parts of projects to other contractors or companies. This isn't a big deal, but it can create some challenges. For instance:
- Subcontractors may not deliver the same quality of work as the prime contractors
- Differences and exclusions in insurance policies may be present from one roofer to the next
If your roofers are planning to subcontract the work, ask if you can speak with the subcontractors as well. You'll want to ask them similar questions to ensure you receive quality repairs.
5. Can You Tell Me About Your Warranties?
On average, roofing systems tend to last for at least 15-25 years (Real Homes). That exact number can vary by the type of roofing material (e.g., asphalt shingles, metal roofing, etc.), but you can't predict the future. Your roof may become seriously damaged in the blink of an eye! When that happens, you'll be glad for your warranties.
A roof warranty can help minimize any future repair or replacement costs. For instance, we offer the GAF Golden Pledge Warranty at Ethos, which offers coverage for your roofing materials for up to 50 years.
To save some cash down the road, make sure you ask your roofing contractor in Mobile, AL about their warranty offers.
6. How Will You Protect My Property from Inclement Weather?
Whether it's a roof replacement or a roof repair project, roofers like to work on sunny days with clear skies. That said, roofing pros simply cannot get work done during stretches of bad weather (e.g., rain, hail, high winds, etc.).
It's helpful to learn exactly what steps your roofer will take to protect the condition of your home if bad weather strikes during your repairs. Be sure to ask about the precautions they will take to protect their work and your home.
Book Your Inspection with the Best Roofers in Mobile, AL
For our roofing business, customer service is the name of the game. Regardless of what repair services you need, our roofers will take the time to fully answer every question you have. From your key questions to the projected roofing repairs, we'll make sure every minor detail is discussed for your complete satisfaction.
Contact Ethos Roofing & Restoration today to book a FREE roof inspection with the best roofers in Mobile, AL.
