Questions for Roofers: How to Pick Your Roofing Shingles

Choosing the best roofing shingles can be an overwhelming task. There are several factors that should be weighed carefully to come up with the right decision. From the composition to the style, colors, and price, these options shouldn’t be taken lightly when picking your shingles. However, asking the assistance of a professional roofer can make a huge difference. With their expertise and skills, you can get the most out of their recommendations. Read on this article as we’ll provide a list of questions to ask the roofers on how to select your roofing shingles.

Picking Your Roofing Shingles

A good roof can be a good investment. And since it’s not something that you have to do every year, you want to ensure that you choose the perfect one for your needs and preferences. Here are a few questions to ask a roofing contractor when looking for a shingle:

1. What are the costs?

The first thing you should consider when making a great choice is the costs. Determine the possible expenses by asking the roofer about how much a shingle should cost. In many times, you need to measure the approximate square footage of your roof so you can figure out the price.

• An experienced roofer will advise you to measure the length and width of your roof area to come up with the footage. You can use a tape measure to conduct the measurement on your own.
• What’s important is that knowing the process will enable you to compute the costs for any type of shingle you want for your roof.
  

2. Does your manufacturer offer a warranty?

When choosing a roofing shingle, it’s important that you decide on a warranty. That being said, you can ask a licensed roofing contractor about how long the shingles will last.

• Typically, an expensive shingle will last longer. However, the issue on longevity varies depending on their architectural designs and the company they are made by.
• Ask the roofer if they partner with a known shingle manufacturer. By doing so, you’ll know whether the company may guarantee you everything but they’ll not be around long enough to warrant it.

3. What are the style of shingles and features that will be best for my roof?

A roofer is an expert when it comes to any type of shingles. With their valuable years of experience in the industry, they know what to take into account when making a selection. For instance, you should ask about the appearance, algae defense, and fire protection.

• First, talk to the contractor regarding the dimensions you want your shingles to have. Those with architectural designs are made to produce a shadow effect, giving your roof an in-depth look.
• Second, looking for shingles that have properties against discoloration is the best thing to do when you’re living in an algae-prone area.
• Third, the shingles you should choose have a good fire rating to keep everything in your home safe. Aside from these elements, you shouldn’t also forget to think about environmental conditions.
• If you live in a place with high winds or snow, prefer a shingle that can stand up to the challenges brought about by Mother Nature.

4. What is the ideal color for my roofing shingle?

Selecting the ideal color of your shingle can be one of the most difficult parts of the process. It may be simple at the start but it can be hard along the way. With this in mind, it’s best to consult a trustworthy roofing company when it comes to finding the appropriate color for your shingles. They know exactly what factors should be checked when you’re making your choices.

• For instance, you should consider your home’s aesthetics and make sure the color of the shingle blends with it. Be careful with what you pick as you may find it clashing with other designs.
• Another essential consideration is the curb appeal. Thinking about this factor is beneficial when you have plans to sell your home in the next few years. Thus, a roofer will tell you to go with a neutral color for your shingles because it’s a great way to keep your home up-to-date. However, you can add some sparkle with a remarkable color combination that will fit your home’s personality.
• Lastly, a roofing contractor will advise you to survey your neighborhood. If you have neighbors who have a roof that catches your attention, don’t hesitate to ask what type of shingles they use and who installed them.
• Remember, having an idea of what your neighbors have can make the selection a bit easier for you to determine the steps you can take to make sure your home will stand out.

5. What are the types of shingles you can recommend?

Don’t forget to ask your roofer about the type of roofing shingle you want for your home. They are knowledgeable about the different options you may choose when it comes to your roof.

• In general, asphalt shingles are the most common in the industry that’s why they’re also priced accordingly. They are also a good choice in terms of effectiveness and durability.
• On the other hand, laminate shingles are similar to other types but they are without high maintenance and hassle once installed. They are available in shake patterns which make them a decorative type of shingle because of their shapes like triangular or rounded corners along the edges.
• You can also ask the roofing company about the other shingle types which are made of clay, wood, and other materials. All of these are designed to suit your home at a lower price. But, what you should remember in picking your shingle is the maintenance cost.

Hiring The Best Roofing Company

Now that you know what questions to ask a roofer when it comes to selecting a shingle, it’s time for you to pay attention to how you can hire the best professional for your roofing job. Here’s what you need to ask when looking for a roofing contractor:

1. How long have you been in the roofing industry?

Of course, you want a reputable roofing company to handle your project. You even want to know how many roofs they have repaired and installed in the past years. Ensure that the company you’re contracting has been in the business for at least 10 years. Take a look at their track record to determine if they are the right people for the job.

2. Do you have a license?

If your state required roofers to be licensed, it’s a clear indication that you should only work with those who are to make sure you have some recourse in case things will go wrong. A licensed roofer means they have complied with the licensing requirements set forth by the state. Also, check whether the license or certification is up-to-date.

3. Are you insured?

A roof repair or replacement can be a complicated job. Thus, it’s important to ask your potential roofer if they have insurance. While most of them skimp out on this requirement, be sure you’ll only hire those who are insured. When an employee is working on your roof but becomes injured, later on, you can rest knowing that the company you get insures the worker who will be working on your property. After all, you don’t want to find yourself shelling out thousands of dollars to pay for the medical bills.

4. How do you handle payments?

The payments depend on whether you provide the resources or not. Most companies don’t require payment prior to the completion of the project if you’re going to shoulder the materials. But when the contractor will be the one to supply the roofing materials, they will more likely demand a down payment to cover the costs.

5. What will you do in case of a bad weather during the job?

Let’s admit it – even the prettiest days can turn into a heavy rainstorm. But when this thing happens, what will your roofing company do to ensure the protection of the interior of your home? In situations like these, you need to ask the roofer whether they have alternative plans for this. They should prepare tarpaulins or plastic covers to cover the project in case a rain strikes. Also, make sure you know what the plan is in the event the rainy days will last for a while.

6. Do you provide a list of three or four references?

Before signing any contract, ask at least three or four references to verify the performance of your potential roofing company. Call the references to know if they were able to finish the work on time and without unnecessary delays. Also, ask the previous clients if they can recommend the contractor for any roofing job. Remember, if the company is hesitant to furnish you with anything about their previous jobs, it can be a red flag that will tell you to walk away and look for other options.

Conclusion

Whatever type of shingle you choose, the key is to know the roofing company better and ensure they can give you a variety of options. At the very least, find the perfect contractor like prcroofingpro.com who can recommend the best shingle that’s suitable for your home and will offer a remarkable performance for several years to come.