How To Choose a Quality Roofing Contractor

Trusting the Right Roofing Company

Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home, so it’s important to hire a qualified and reputable roofing contractor when it needs repairs or replacement. But with so many companies out there, how do you know which one to choose? Here are some items to consider when choosing the best roofing company for you.

Table Of Contents

• How Do You Know If A Roofer Is Qualified?
• How Do I Know If A Roofer Is Legit?
• Property Protection
• Systems + Warranties
• Key Takeaways

How Do You Know If A Roofer Is Qualified?

Look for a Class A License. When it comes to hiring a roofing contractor in Virginia, it’s important to understand the different classes of licenses that these professionals can hold. There are three classes: Class C, Class B, and Class A. Of these, the Class A license is the most difficult to obtain. Earning this license requires passing a challenging examination and demonstrating the company’s financial stability.

Why should you care about the class of license your roofing contractor holds? The unfortunate reality is that many roofing companies fail within a few years of opening their doors. If you hire one of these companies to work on your home, you could end up with a leaky roof and no one to fix it. This is where the importance of choosing a Class A contractor comes in.

By selecting a company with a Class A license, you significantly increase the likelihood that you’re hiring a reputable business that will be around to honor their warranty and stand behind their work. It’s an investment in the long-term well-being of your home.

In 2020, A+ Roofing was honored to be voted “The Best Roofer” in the Richmond Times-Dispatch’s “The Best” competition. As a Class A Contractor, we hold ourselves to the highest standards, and this recognition reflects our commitment to providing reliable, durable, and long-lasting home improvement services. Our dedication to quality craftsmanship and customer satisfaction is at the core of everything we do, and we’re proud to have earned the trust and recognition of our community.

How Do I Know If A Roofer Is Legit?

Verify Insurance Coverage. Make sure the roofing company has both general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. General liability insurance protects you from financial responsibility if the company damages your property during the roofing project. Workers’ compensation insurance covers medical bills and lost wages for workers who are injured on the job.

Don’t hesitate to ask the roofing estimator to see proof of both insurance types. When checking the license, ensure it’s a valid Class A license. For insurance, verify the validity dates and coverage amounts (at least $1 million for general liability and $500,000 for workers’ compensation).

Read Online Reviews

These days, many people turn to online reviews before making a purchase or hiring a service provider. Thankfully, there are many places to look for reviews of roofing companies, including Google, the Better Business Bureau, Angie’s List, Home Advisor, and Facebook.

Beyond Credentials: Trust Your Gut

While qualifications and insurance are essential, take into account the importance of feeling comfortable with the person who comes out to give you an estimate. You’ll likely be working closely with this person for a while, so it’s important to choose someone you trust and feel at ease with. Avoid companies that use pushy or high-pressure sales tactics.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to finding a reputable roofing contractor who can get the job done right.

Choosing a Roofing Company: Protect Your Property During Replacement

Why Protecting Your Property Matters

Roof replacement can be a messy business. Thousands of nails and tons of asphalt-based materials need to be removed from the old roof. If done carefully, this process can protect your driveway, landscaping, and other property. By being an informed consumer and choosing a roofing company that prioritizes safeguarding your property, you can avoid any headaches.

Prevention is Key

The first step is to ask the roofing company about their prevention methods. Here are some key questions to ask:

Driveway Protection

What type of dumpster will they use? Steel dumpsters can scratch or imprint your driveway, so consider requesting a pull-behind trailer or a truck with a dump bed instead.

Moving Belongings

Will the roofing company move your grills, furniture, and other belongings away from the work area, or will this be your responsibility?

Protecting Stationery Items

How will they protect your deck, rails, yard, and bushes from damage? A+ Roofing, for instance, uses tarps to cover these areas.

Safe Removal of Shingles

Another way to protect your property is to ensure the roofing company uses a safe shingle removal process. A+ Roofing uses a two-person team approach. One person loosens the shingles, while another carefully walks them to a designated area and throws them onto a tarp or directly into the dumpster. This minimizes the risk of shingles falling and damaging your property.

Thorough Cleanup

A good roofing company will leave your property clean after the job is finished. A+ Roofing’s cleaning process includes:

• Removing all shingles from the tarps
• Shaking out the tarps
• Using leaf blowers and brooms to clean sidewalks and steps
• Using magnets to pick up any stray nails
• Having the estimator double-check the property for any missed nails or damage

Choosing the Right Roofing System: Products and Warranties

Beyond Asphalt Shingles

While asphalt shingles are a popular choice, there are other options available, including designer shingles, metal roofing, cedar shakes, slate tiles, and synthetic alternatives.

Understanding the Components of a Dimensional Shingle Roof

Ice and Water Shield

This membrane is crucial to prevent water leaks from under the shingles.

Underlayment

Synthetic underlayment is preferred over traditional felt because it’s stronger and lays flatter.

Starter Shingles

These shingles are applied at the bottom edge to prevent windblown shingle loss.

Shingles

Research different manufacturers and consider using a website like Roofing Insights for comparisons.

Ventilation

Balanced ventilation is key. Look for soffit vents for intake and ridge vents or power fans for exhaust.

Ridge Caps and Hip Caps

Use these specially designed caps instead of regular shingles.

Other Components

Pipe boots, flashings, and exhaust vents are all essential for a complete roofing system. Consider using lifetime pipe boots for better longevity.

Understanding Warranties

There are two main warranties to consider:

Workmanship Warranty

This covers the installation labor. A+ Roofing offers a 5-year workmanship warranty.

Manufacturer’s Warranty

This covers defects in the shingles themselves. It’s typically a 50-year limited lifetime warranty but with a 10-year non-prorated period. During this non-prorated period, the manufacturer covers both material and labor costs to fix any issues. Some brands, like Atlas, may offer a longer non-prorated period if you use all their roofing components.

By understanding the different products and warranties involved, you can make informed decisions when choosing a company to replace your roof.

Key Takeaways

• Choose a roofing company with a Class A license to ensure they are reputable and will stand behind their work.

• Verify the company’s insurance coverage and read online reviews.

• Trust your instincts and avoid pushy salespeople.

• Ask about the company’s property protection measures during roof replacement.

• Understand the components of a dimensional shingle roof and the different warranties offered.

Our Roofing Company Reviews Are Through The Roof!