15 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Roofer

When it comes to getting a new roof, Frontline has you covered. Need a roof repair? No problem, our new roof installations come with a craftsmanship warranty. It’s important to find the right roofing contractor for the job. We have heard so many horror stories of Arizona homeowners trusting bad roofers who stuff their profiles with fake online reviews and a “successful salesmanship” image… Do not get fooled! It is important to carefully evaluate the roofing company you are entrusting with your home.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT: Unethical roofing companies practicing fraudulent business practices have surged in Arizona in the last decade. Make sure to thoroughly question and research your roofer before you hire them.

We are an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor

Why Hire a Professional Roofer?

Your home is an important investment. Installing or repairing a roof is a big decision and it’s a job that requires expertise. Get to the Frontline and work with a qualified and trusted roofer that ensures the job is done right, the first time. You also get a craftsmanship warranty and manufacturer’s warranty for peace of mind.

While DIY roofing may be an option, we highly recommend contacting Frontline either online or call 928.252.6055 to get a free roof inspection. We have insurance claim and storm damage roof mitigation specialists standing by.

Choosing a Roofing Contractor Checklist

Doing your research is vitally important. Hiring a roofing contractor is more than just a quick “service job”. There are plenty of bad roofing companies out there looking to take advantage of you, your insurance and home.

1. Can the owner provide an in-depth understanding of their experience in the roofing business?

When you talk to a contractor, it’s like having a job interview. You want to know how much experience they have. It’s not just about how long they’ve been in business, because some contractors used to work for other companies. You want to understand how much experience they have overall.

2. Does the contractor have insurance coverage?

It’s important for the person who is fixing or building things in your home to have insurance. This insurance helps protect your home in case something accidentally gets damaged. Owens Corning Roofing Platinum and Preferred Contractors have a special kind of insurance called general liability insurance. This insurance is worth at least $1 million. Good contractors will show you a special paper called a certificate of insurance coverage to prove they have this insurance.

3. Do they have the necessary licenses and credentials required by local/state/registrar of contractors?

If you need to know what you have to do to get something done in your city, you can call the city administrative offices and they will tell you. When you hire someone to do a job for you, like fixing something in your house, local and state authorities require permits. There is also a licensing procedure to follow.

4. Will the contractor provide your with a written estimate?

Frontline will give you an estimate on how much the roof work will cost and what we will do regarding installing a new roofing system/repair. We will also outline what materials will be used.

5. Will the contractor perform a thorough roof inspection with you and explain all the problem areas?

Your roofing contractor needs to do more than just check for storm damage. They should also look at your whole roof to see if anything else needs fixing. This includes the deck, attic, flashing, chimney, soil stacks, valleys, and other parts of the roof.

6. Does the roof have adequate ventilation?

Have them explain its’ importance. Your roofing contractor needs to make sure that the air in your attic can flow properly. They will check if the ventilation system is working well by looking at the roof from inside the attic. If the ventilation is not good, it can hurt your roof and even make mold grow.

7. Will they explain how a proper roofing system works?

At Frontline we use The Owens Corning® Total Protection Roofing System® which is a special system that helps roofs work their best. It has different parts that all work together to make sure the roof is strong and keeps the house safe.

One important part of the system is the underlayment. This is like a big blanket that goes under the shingles on the roof. It helps keep water out and makes the roof stronger. The underlayment is made of special materials that are tough and can last a long time.

Another part of the system is shingles. These are the pieces that cover the roof and protect it from things like rain, snow, and sun. The Owens Corning® shingles are made to be strong and durable. They come in different colors and styles, so you can choose the ones that look best on your house.

The third part of the system is the ventilation. This is like the roof’s way of breathing. It helps air flow through the attic and keeps it from getting too hot or too cold. The Owens Corning® ventilation system is designed to work well and keep the house comfortable.

The last part of the system is the accessories. These are like the little extras that make the roof even better. They include things like flashing, which helps keep water out around chimneys and other openings. There are also special sealants and adhesives that make sure everything stays in place and doesn’t leak.

All of these parts work together to make the Owens Corning® Total Protection Roofing System® the best. When they are all installed correctly, the roof is strong and can last a long time. It can keep the house safe from things like rain, wind, and even hail.

8. Can they explain the differences in ice and water barrier needed for your roof deck?

Depending on where you live, your roof deck might need special things called ice and water barriers. These barriers help keep your home safe from things like ice, snow, and rain. It’s important to have a good contractor who can explain what these barriers are and which ones are best for your roof. They will make sure your roof is sealed up tight to protect your home.

9. Do they adequately explain your shingle style and color choices?

There are lots of different types of shingles to choose from for your roof. Some shingles have special features that might be needed where you live, like reflecting sunlight or being strong against things hitting them. It’s important to always have options when picking shingles.

10. Do they explain the difference between their workmanship warranty and the product manufacturer’s warranty?

Sometimes, when you have a problem with something in your house, you need to call someone to help fix it. But it’s important to know who to call. The person who built or fixed your roof/home, called a contractor, should be able to tell you who to call if you have a problem.

11. Can they provide references for their work?

Professional contractors are people who are experts in building and fixing things. They are very helpful and want to show you how good they are at their job. One way they do this is by giving you a list of people who can tell you about their work. This list is called a reference list. It’s like a list of friends who can vouch for them. It’s a good idea to call a few of these people and ask them questions about the contractor. This will help you decide if the contractor is the right person for the job.

12. Are they clear about when they can start your project?

Sometimes, things can happen that make it take longer to start a project, like bad weather. But it’s important to know when you can fit into the contractor’s schedule.

13. Do you feel comfortable with their communication style?

It’s important to trust your feelings about the person you choose. That is why at Frontline Consultants & Contracting LLC customer service is a top priority. Even if some roofing contractors charge more money than others, it’s more important to pick someone who you think will do a good job and understand what you want. If you have trouble talking to a roofing contractor before you hire them, it’s likely that things won’t get better after you sign a contract.

14. Can they provide clear payment terms in writing?

You should never pay for the roof before it is finished. Usually, the person fixing your roof will not ask for money upfront, but they will want to be paid in full when they are done. Sometimes, for big and complicated projects, there might be a different payment plan. It’s important to feel good about how you will pay for the roof.

15. Do they offer financing options?

At Frontline Consultants & Contracting LLC we can help you get a loan from a bank or another place that lends money. A roofing contractor who can help you with financing shows they are good with money and can be trusted. The bank or lending place usually checks to make sure the contractor is responsible before they offer financing. So, if a contractor can offer financing, it’s a good sign that they are reliable and can do a good job on your project.