When your roof needs repair, it is imperative that you find a qualified roofing contractor as quickly as possible. A leaky or damaged roof can let moisture to penetrate your home, give access to pests, and cause other structural problems that are often not seen until the damage is significant.

In the Sarasota area, severe weather including high winds and heavy rains is always a possibility, making it even more important to take good care of your roof.

Given how much depends on a professional repair or replacement, this is no place to cut corners or look for bargains. Here are some questions that every homeowner should ask a prospective roofing contractor before signing a contract or allowing them to begin work.

Do you have a physical office address?

We would all like to believe that every contractor is operating honestly and in good faith. But you want to make sure that the firm you hire is established and reputable, and not a fly-by-night contractor who may disappear if things go badly.

Are you licensed and insured in the state of Florida?

A roofing professional is required to have a Florida license to work on your Sarasota area home or business. They are also required to carry insurance. You should look for both workman’s’ compensation insurance and general liability insurance.

Don’t take your roofer’s word for it though – ask to see their business license and insurance certificates. A reputable firm will have no problem providing their documentation.

Will you subcontract my job out?

Ideally, the company you hire will be the company who arrives on site. However, if subcontractors will be used to complete the job in whole or in part, ask for the same license and insurance documentation as the primary vendor.

Do you have local references?

Although the privacy of the customer should always be respected, a reputable roofing company will have reviews from residential and/or commercial clients, and will most likely provide a name of someone you can speak with personally upon request.

Do you provide a warranty for your work?

Most companies will warranty their work for a certain period of time, and the manufacturer will warranty the roofing product utilized. Ask about the details of both material and labor warranties.

Will you provide a written estimate including all aspects of the job?

Make sure that the details of the job are clearly outlined, as well as the cost in order to avoid misunderstandings or disagreements regarding the scope of work.

Will you remove the old roof?

When you are having a new roof installed, some contractors may shingle over the top of the old roof. However, by doing so they cannot establish if there is soft or rotting wood under the old shingles.

The money you save in the short term is never worth it if you have serious long-term issues that are not addressed. When installing a new roof, have your roofing contractor remove the old one whenever possible.

What can I expect during the project?

Ask your contractor how your property will be secured and protected each evening (tarps in case of rain, for instance), as well as how refuse will be collected and disposed of nightly.

Keeping your property as neat and clean as possible should be the standard operating procedure for your contractor.

Who can I call with questions during the project?

Your roofing professional should clearly identify your go-to contact for any questions or concerns. Ideally, this person should be on-site, but if that is not possible, should be readily available by a phone call during your project.

A quality roof is what keeps your family and your home protected year after year. When it comes time to repair or replace this most important component of your home or business, take the extra time to establish that you are working with a licensed and fully insured roofing company, with experience, local references, and quality assurance.

The professionals at Avery Roof Services are proud of our reputation for quality and attention to detail, and we look forward to having the opportunity to work with you on your Sarasota roofing project.