Questions to ask metal roofing companies
After you’ve decided to install a metal roof and picked out your colour and panel style, the next step is finding a quality roofing company to perform the installation. Below are 9 things you should ask or consider before going with a roofing company.
#1 – Are you licensed and insured?
This may seem like a simple question, but it is one of the most important. To your surprise, many businesses today are not licensed or insured so it’s a good idea to ask beforehand. Before hiring a company, make sure you have confirmation (and possibly proof of documentation).
#2 – How long have you been in the business?
It’s imperative to make sure the roofing company your hire has years of hands-on experience. The last thing you want is for your new metal roof to be installed incorrectly and cause your costly problems in the future, especially if this could have been avoided with a simple question. Plus, it will give you peace of mind knowing the company knows what they’re doing.
#3 – What warranties do you provide?
This can be tricky. Warranty information can be different for different metal panels, especially if you purchased your materials from a different company that you choose for installation. If your contracting company offers warranties on their workmanship, be sure to inquire about them so you can take advantage of them if necessary.
#4 – Do you have references and examples of previous work?
Since metal roof installation is an expensive investment, it’s crucial that you ask for references and photos of completed jobs. This will allow you to confirm that the contractors have experience with metal roofing and will give you an idea of how other customers rate them.
#5 – How will you protect my eavestrough, landscaping, etc?
Before a beautiful end result, metal roof installation is a messy process. You should check with the contractor to see how their set-up and clean-up procedures work. A quality roofing company will make sure your driveway, landscaping, eavestroughs, and any other elements on or below the roof are well protected during the entire installation.
#6 – What will be my project timeline?
Before beginning, it’s important to establish an estimated completion date. Nothing would be more frustrating than a metal roofing project that takes longer than expected. To avoid confusion or miscommunication, get a confirmation of how long your metal roofing installation will take.
#7 – How will you install my new roof?
The answer to this question will affect the longevity and performance of your metal roof. It’s good practice to also look into metal roof installation on your own and ask questions to ensure the roofing company covers everything. Make sure you confirm with your contractor that your old roofing materials will be removed and safely disposed of before your new metal panels are installed.
You’ll also want to talk about getting permits for your new roof. Will your roofing company get them for you or will you have to do it yourself? Obtaining building permits differs from place to place. Here is St. Catharines Building Services and Permits information.
#8 – What are my payment and financing options?
A new metal roof is expensive. Before beginning, you want to have a written estimate and discuss financing options and payment terms. Having a set schedule is also ideal. Make sure there are no hidden costs or fees. This helps you avoid headaches and unexpected costs down the road.
#9 – What happens if a problem occurs?
If a problem does happen, you’ll want to be prepared. From bad weather on the planned installation day to an issue post-install, you should talk about potential problems and solutions with your roofing company before the project begins. Establishing firm contact about any problems will prevent you from being blindsided in the future.