Is your roof leaking? Are you beginning the process of looking for a roofing contractor?
If so, one of the first things to know is how long a roofing company has been in business. But why should that matter to you?
The team at Bill Ragan Roofing has been providing high-quality roof repairs and replacements in the Nashville area since 1990. We know what it takes to ensure your roof stays leak-free for decades. When you work with us, you’ll never worry about your roof again.
So, why is it important to know how long your potential roofing contractor has been in business? Always eager to educate anyone on important information on roofing, I’m going to answer that question and more.
By the end of this article, you'll learn why you need to know how long a roofing company has been in business and 4 more things to know before hiring a contractor to take care of your leaky roof.
Why is it important to know how long a roofing contractor has been in business?
Anytime you invest in roof repairs or a roof replacement, you need to know how long a roofing company has been in business in your area. But why is that important to you?
The longer a roofing company has been in the business doesn’t make them any better, it just means that they'll be around if there's a problem. For example, if you choose a newer roofing company that’s only a couple of years old, chances are their prices will be a lot cheaper.
But the problem is they don’t know how to price jobs correctly to have retained earnings at the end of the year to get them through the winter months. That's when a new roofing company will shut down.
That's not to say there aren’t good young companies in your area. However, five years from now, you want to make sure the company will still be there to take care of your roof investment.
To get the best possible roofing services, it’s crucial to hire a contractor that’s established and has a strong history in your area. I recommend hiring a roofing company that has been around for at least 10 years.
4 more things to know before hiring a roofing company
You just learned why it’s important to know how long a roofing company has been in business. But is there more you need to know before hiring one?
Continue reading to learn 4 more things you need to know before hiring a roofing contractor.
1. Make sure the roofing company is local to your area
When looking at potential roofing contractors, it’s crucial that you pick one local to your area. The roofing contractor must have a physical office location in your area and a local phone number. This ensures you know where to find them if you ever have a problem with your roof.
Be aware that some out of state companies come in after a big storm, undercut local roofing company prices, get the money, and move on to the next storm-hit town. These companies don’t care about local codes or if they properly install your roof.
A quality local roofing company will know what local installation codes to follow, the paperwork required, and everything else they’ll need to ensure your roof is correctly installed and in compliance with your state’s requirements.
To learn more about why you need to hire a local company, read this article on why it’s important to hire a local roofing contractor.
2. Ask how long the roofing company will stand behind their workmanship
Roof warranties are in place to protect your roof investment. You’ll have a warranty from the manufacturer on your roofing materials and a warranty from your contractor on the workmanship.
You should always ask a roofing contractor what kind of warranty they offer on their workmanship. They could offer anywhere from one year, two years, three years, five years, 10 years, 25 years, or even a lifetime.
For example, a company that relies heavily on caulk will give a two-year workmanship warranty because the caulk will fail within a couple of years. However, if a roofing company really cares about how your roof is installed, they’ll provide you with a lifetime warranty.
Just be warned, warranties are only worth the paper they're written on. To learn more about your roof warranties, read this article on what roof warranties cover.
3. Get quotes from multiple local roofing companies
When you get a quote to take care of your roof leak, it’s important to get a second opinion. I recommend getting a maximum of three when searching around for the right roofing contractor.
When you get multiple roof quotes, you can compare the numbers and pick the one that’s right for you. Be aware, these prices could be all over the place because no two contractors are going to quote your roof the same.
Getting multiple quotes is also a chance to see if your roof actually needs a replacement. If one contractor tries to sell you a roof, but the other two only recommend repairs, then it’s a good chance you don’t need a full replacement.
To learn more about why you should get more than one quote for your roof leak, read this article on why you should get multiple quotes for your roof replacement.
4. Do your own research before hiring a roofing company
In today's digital world, there are so many ways to find a reputable roofer, plumber, carpenter, honestly anything you need. Before picking up the phone to call a roofing company, do your own research.
The main way customers do their own research is by looking at reviews. You can pull a lot of information out of reviews that'll tell you if a company does quality work.
That's not to say all the reviews you read are accurate. Some people will go to the extreme one way or the other. However, if a company stands behind their work, interacts positively with customers, and does things the right way, then more than likely it will show in their reviews.
Another great way to find a roofing contractor is looking at Nextdoor. Here, you’ll be able to ask your neighbors about roofing contractors they recommend and why. The great thing about Nextdoor is only people in your neighborhood can respond and give you recommendations.
Just make sure the people recommending the contractor’s don’t work for the potential roofing company.
How to hire a great roofing company
Now you know why you need to know how long a roofing company has been in business. Remember, the longer a roofing company has been in the business doesn’t make them any better, it just means that they'll be around if there's a problem.
Asking how long a roofing company has been in business is just one question to ask. However, there’s still more you need to ask your potential roofing contractor before signing on the dotted line of your roofing estimate.
But what are these questions? Luckily, we’ve got you covered.
The team at Bill Ragan Roofing has been providing high-quality roofing services to the residents of Nashville since 1990. Our workmanship ensures you get a roof that lasts for decades. That’s why we offer a lifetime warranty.
Check out Top 8 Questions to Ask a Roofing Contractor, so you’re asking the right questions to help you find a great roofing company.
