As a homeowner, you know that replacing or repairing your roof is a big job. You want to hire the best roofing contractor for the job. But what should you look for when hiring a local Akron roofer? Most people only replace their roofs once in their lives and hope there aren't too many expensive repairs in between. Getting your roof fixed or replaced is a significant investment, so you want to choose the Best Akron Roofing Company. This article will show you how to do just that.
Services Roofing Contractors Offer
Roofing contractors can do anything from a simple inspection and estimate to a full roof replacement.
Some other services your Akron roofer can perform are:
- Free Inspections to determine if a roof is leaking
- Significant and minor roof repairs
- Preventive maintenance
- Replacing damaged decking or plywood
- Roof weatherproofing
- Installing ventilation systems
- Providing other types of roof inspections
- Removing debris from roofs
- Gutter repairs/replacements
Check out our article: What Are Ice Dams?
Qualifications of a Roofing Contractor
Roofing projects can be one the most important jobs in the home improvement industry, and for a good reason. Since your roof keeps the weather out, it needs to be in good shape. But repairing or installing a new roof requires a significant investment of time and money. You don't want to trust this job to anyone. To become a roofing contractor, you don't need to go to school. Most roofers learn on the job. Different states have different rules about getting a license. Some states require a roofing contractor to have a license before they can do any work, while others may have other rules. You won't need a state license to work as a roofing contractor in Ohio, but there might be roofing license regulations at the local level, which you'll need to check before you can begin work.
Ohio roofers should also:
- Be willing to provide a written estimate
- Have liability insurance
- Be bonded
- Be ready to provide at least three references
- Possess a business license
Now that we know their qualifications let's look at what you should ask and look for when hiring an Akron roofing contractor.
How Long Have They Been In Business?
You probably wouldn't take your car to a mechanic who has only been working there for two weeks. And you probably wouldn't want a doctor right out of school to perform open heart surgery on you. So why would you choose an Akron roofing contractor without a track record of quality work? Fly-by-night contractors are known for vanishing overnight to avoid paying for damages and coming back months later under a new name.
Roofing jobs are best done by reputable roofing contractors who have done them before.
Homeowners want to hire roofers with the skills, knowledge, certifications, and commitment to fix, replace, and maintain their roofs. A person who hasn't done much before is likelier to let you down with the quality of their work than a roofing expert with years of experience.
Check Their Licensing And Insurance
Roofing is a risky profession, so we never suggest that people perform DIY roof projects. Having the right tools, materials, and safety gear is essential. Having experience is just as important. Trustworthy roofing contractors have the licenses and permits they need for their roofing services. A reputable roofing company will also have all the required insurance for their employees, covering them if someone gets hurt while your roof is being worked on. As a homeowner, you should only speak with potential roofing contractors that can prove their workers are covered by insurance.
Your Roofing Company Should Be Established In Your Area
Before you hire a roofing contractor to replace your roof, you should find out how long they have been in business in your area. You need to work with a local roofing contractor that has been around for a long time and has a good reputation in Akron, OH. You want to ensure that the company will still be around in five years to take care of your roof and any problems.
Read Ratings And Reviews From Current And Former Customers
In today's digital world, there are many ways to find a good roofer in Akron. Customers read through positive and negative reviews to decide which service or business to use. When reading online reviews of possible roofing contractors, look at reviews from the last two to three months. This makes sure that you get information about their recent work. You can learn a lot from reviews about whether a roofing contractor does good work. That doesn't mean that every review you read is accurate. Some people go too far in one direction or another. But if a roofing company stands by its work, treats customers well, and does things the right way, it will more than likely show up in its reviews.
Ask For References
When you meet with a possible roofer, it's essential to ask for references. Ask every contractor who gives you an estimate to provide references from jobs they've done in the last 3 to 6 months. If you ask for these references, a roofer will gladly give them to you. But if they won't give you references, don't consider working with them on your new roof.
What Is The Duration of the Roof Warranty, and What Features Does It Have?
There are two kinds of coverage for roof warranties. There is one type of coverage for mistakes in the work and another for problems with the materials and manufacturing issues. Many warranties cover a wide range of things, from asphalt shingles to accessories to the installation process. You can also choose a warranty that includes processes. Depending on the type of shingles, the accessories, and how they were put on, a warranty could last up to 10 years.
Hire Based on More Than Just Price
Even though getting a good deal and sticking to your budget is crucial, you should rely on something other than your quote. Your price will vary depending on the size of your house and the size of your roof, and the cost of many more minor repairs can vary by a lot. Do your research to determine if your quoted price is fair. However, you should also think about other things, like availability, working style, references, experience, and the type of project. Another way to ensure you're getting a fair price is by getting multiple estimates.
Get Multiple Estimates
When you get multiple bids on a roofing project, a potential roofing company is more likely to pay attention to the small details and avoid overcharging. Again, don't just choose a roofing contractor with a low bid until you've done some research on them. It's true that you usually get what you pay for, and the lowballers are probably using inexperienced workers and/or cheap, low-quality roofing materials.
Meet Them in Person
Always try to meet your potential roofer in person so you can talk things over. You can also ask them these important questions to learn how they do things. If you decide to hire them, meeting them first may make you feel better about getting updates and reports on your project.
Why You Should Hire A Local Roofing Contractor In Akron, OH
If you're considering hiring a local roofing contractor, it's a good idea for many reasons, including the fact that the people doing the work live, work, and play in the same area as you. You can also look at examples of their work before deciding whether or not to hire them, and if you live nearby, they are more likely to fit you into their schedule.
Local Knowledge & Personalized Service
The roofing industry is large, but a local contractor will be familiar with your area. A reliable roofing company in your hometown knows local building codes, regulations, and local and state licensing and insurance requirements. They will also have experience with the different types of architecture in the area. Also, they know firsthand about the climate and different weather extremes your roof will have to deal with. If you hire a local roofer, you'll be able to get more personalized services. When people do work for the people they live near, they feel more responsible, accountable, and willing to please.
Quick Response
Local roofers don't have to drive for miles to and from a job site. Instead, they can spend their time taking care of your roofing needs, which means your job will be completed faster. And if anything goes wrong with your roof, they can quickly fix it.
Contact Our Experienced Akron Roofing Company
These tips should help you find a good roofer in Akron, Ohio. Remember that finding the right roofing contractor will give you peace of mind that your home is in good hands. Since 2007, the TK Roofing And Gutters team has been proud to serve the people of Akron and the nearby areas.
You can count on us whether you need roof repairs, a new roof, maintenance, new gutters, or help with an insurance claim. Our Akron Roofing Company offers Free Roofing Estimates and will work with your insurance company. Contact us today to see how we can help you!
References:
- https://www.homeadvisor.com/r/hiring-a-roofer/
- https://nulookhomedesign.com/blog/how-choose-good-best-roofing-contractor-company/
- https://www.billraganroofing.com/blog/tips-find-great-roofing-contractor
- https://www.gdccontractinginc.com/best-roofing-company/
- https://www.angi.com/articles/6-tips-choosing-roofing-contractor.htm
- https://www.visexterior.com/blog/how-to-choose-the-best-roofing-contractor