Deciding who to hire for your roof repair or roof replacement project comes down to asking the right questions when talking to your short list of potential roofing contractors. From warranty coverage to determining your estimate, here are 13 questions to ask roofing contractors that will help you make your final decision.
1. Do you have adequate insurance coverage?
Your roofer should carry insurance to help protect your home from accidental damage. Owens Corning Roofing Platinum and Preferred Contractors hold at least $1,000,000 in general liability insurance.
2. Do you offer limited warranty* and workmanship** coverage?
Your roofing contractor should be able to offer a limited warranty that may include workmanship coverage. Owens Corning Roofing Platinum and Preferred Contractors offer several different levels of Roofing System Limited Warranties that offer up to a lifetime** of material and workmanship coverage.‡
3. Will you provide an explanation of my warranty?
Your roofing contractor should explain your warranty and be clear about whom to call with a problem. Find out if defective shingles are replaced for prorated replacement cost or original cost and if labor charges are additional. Learn more about our warranties here.
4. Which roofing materials will you use on my roof?
Not all roofing products are the same, so be sure your roofer works with a name you can trust. Learn more about Owens Corning® Roofing products here.
5. Will you provide me with a written estimate?
Your roofing contractor should provide an estimate that includes an accurate description of the work to be performed, plus work that may have to be contracted out.
6. Do you comply with all local building codes?
Your roofer should know and comply with all local building codes.
7. Could you please give me a list of references?
Ask for references and call a few of them.
8. Will you perform a thorough roof inspection?
In addition to checking for storm damage, your roofing contractor should perform a thorough inspection of the entire roofing system, including the deck, attic, flashing, chimney, soil stacks and other roof penetrations.
9. Will you check for adequate ventilation?
Your roofer should check the existing attic ventilation and explain the importance of proper ventilation. This should include inspecting the roof from inside the attic to determine if the current ventilation system is working properly. Improper ventilation can damage your shingles and invalidate your manufacturer’s warranty. Learn more about ventilation or use our ventilation calculator here.
10. Will you install synthetic underlayment?
Roofers will install either a synthetic or felt underlayment as the first layer of protection on your roof deck. If you’re looking for advanced protection against leaks, water absorption, and mold then you’ll want to make sure your contractor will use a synthetic product rather than felt. Learn more about Owens Corning® synthetic underlayment products here.
11. Will you install ice and water barriers?
Depending on several conditions, additional ice and water barriers between the shingles and the wood deck may be needed to help prevent ice damming, wind driven rain, or collected water. Learn more about Owens Corning® ice and water barrier products here.
12. Will you follow the manufacturer’s specifications?
Your roofer should be familiar with and follow all manufacturer’s specifications since improper application can affect your manufacturer’s warranty. Owens Corning® Roofing product specifications are available for download on all product pages and can also be found in our Resource Library.
13. Will you explain how my roofing system works?
Your roofer should offer a thorough explanation of the entire roofing system and how all the parts work together, so you can make educated decisions. Learn more about the Owens Corning Total Protection Roofing System®^ here.
Download or print this checklist to keep on hand when talking or emailing with roofing contractors. There are a lot of contractors out there, but getting these questions answered will help you narrow down your selection and hire the right roofing contractor for your roofing project!
