While roofs are meant to last for a long time, they don’t last forever, leaving many homeowners with the daunting task of having to replace it. This can feel overwhelming, especially if you’ve never had to replace a roof before and are unsure of where to start or what to expect along the way.

A roof replacement is a significant investment, so before hiring any old roofing company, there are certain questions you should ask first to ensure that you’re hiring the best local roof contractor for the job.

Here are five important questions to ask when interviewing potential roofing contractors to install your new roof:

1. What is the full name of your company and the physical address?
2. Do you have insurance and a roofing contractor license?
3. Do you hire roofing subcontractors? If so, are they also insured and licensed?
4. Do you have references?
5. Do you offer a warranty? What does it cover?

What Does the Actual Roof Replacement Process Look Like?

While the process will vary depending on the local roof contractor, it typically follows this overall process:

· Inspection

The first task a roofing contractor usually performs is a thorough inspection of your existing roof to evaluate the current condition of the shingles and underlayment. This includes inspection of the attic to see if there are any visual signs of water leaks.

· Estimate

After the inspection is complete, the contractor will discuss various options with you and provide a written estimate. This is based on the type of roof being installed, whether or not the existing roofing materials such as the shingles and or underlayment needs to be removed, size and slope of your roof, and other misc. features such as chimney, skylights, vents, etc. Estimates should also include disposal of the old roofing materials.

· Contract

It’s important to have a signed contract in hand before any roofing work actually begins. A signed contract ensures that all of the agreed upon terms and conditions you’ve discussed previously are documented. The contract should include, but isn’t limited to the estimate, the type of roof being installed, the terms of the warranty, and the start and end date.

· Preparing and Protecting Your Property

Your local roof contractor should give you detailed instructions and steps to take to protect your property and prepare for the actual installation day. Preparation may include:

• Making temporary parking changes.
• Cleaning up your lawn and porch by removing all toys and furniture.
• Turning off sprinkler systems.
• Removing wall hangings from inside of the house.
• Covering items in your attic or moving them to another location (they can get very dusty during installation).
• Making alternative arrangements for kids and pets.

· Installing the Roof

You should expect the installation process to be noisy and busy while it’s actually taking place. That’s why it’s a good idea to find a safe, quiet place for kids and pets to stay while the work is being done.

· Cleanup

Once the new roof has been installed, the contractor should make every effort to thoroughly remove the debris and mess left behind.

The Value of a New Roof

A roof replacement will inevitably cause some level of disruption for a few days, but the benefits of a new roof are well worth the brief inconvenience. Hiring the right local roofing contractor is extremely important in ensuring that the process is a good experience for you and your family. If you’re in need of a new roof, or for any roofing related questions, contact Armorvue Home Exteriors today.