How To Choose The Best Residential Roofing Company
Your roof isn’t just a protective shield over your home; it’s one of the most critical components of your home. Although it can often be out of sight, out of mind, the roof plays a part in safety, overall property value, and curb appeal, making it a key part of home ownership. Choosing a residential roofing company then becomes a decision that requires diligent research and offers peace of mind with a professional job well done.
If you’re asking, “But where do I start?”, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to find out what to look for, which questions to ask, and everything in between.
Determining Your Roofing Needs
Before embarking on the sometimes tenuous journey of reaching out to multiple companies, asking for quotes, and trying to schedule appointments, it’s best to think about your roofing needs.
While this may seem like an obvious thing to consider, knowing what you need can help narrow the search from the start, saving you valuable time (not to mention potentially saving you money in the long run).
In the roofing industry, different types of roofers exist. Some companies work exclusively with commercial roofing, while others operate as a sales-only location. When searching for a quality residential roofing company, it’s recommended to look for full-service roofers who can provide all the services you may require.
- New Installation
- Roof Repairs
- Roof Replacement
- Maintenance
- Weatherproofing
Types of Roofing Materials
Now that you’ve narrowed down the list of potential roofing companies, it’s time to find out what roofing materials they work with. Commonly, roofing materials in South Florida are asphalt shingles, concrete tile, or metal.
Regardless of which material you’re looking for, the quality matters as much as the installation. You want to choose a residential roofing team that pays attention to where and how these materials are sourced. Low-quality materials may get the job done in the short term, but they won’t always provide the longevity, durability, or weather resistance necessary to withstand the weather or years of wear and tear.
5 Steps To Choosing A Residential Roofing Company
You’ve thought about what kind of roofing services you need and considered the type of roofing. So, what next?
1. Research Residential Roofing Companies
Once you’ve narrowed down the list of local roofers, it’s time to take a deep dive. In the digital landscape, there are tons of ways to research.
A good place to start is by checking for an established online presence. Look for a website and social media pages. A well-established company will invest in providing existing and potential customers access to information about their products, services, policies, and qualifications. A web page is also where you should find easy-to-locate contact information. Then, search around on Google for the most recent customer reviews and read through them. You can also ask around for recommendations and first-hand experience from friends, family, and colleagues.
2. Experience and Expertise
You can’t afford a company without the proper knowledge and experience. Because roofing is a specialized skill, you want a roofer who has many years of experience, a valid license, insurance, and one that is up to date on the latest industry standards. Licenses and insurance should be easily accessible information found through the company’s website, but if it isn’t, you can always ask directly to be sure.
3. Consultation and Planning
We mentioned two factors at the beginning of this article: figuring out your roofing needs and types of roofing material, but what if you’re not sure?
A quality, full-service residential roofing team will always offer consultation and planning services. During the consultation, your roofing needs, the material, the budget, and the cost estimate will be discussed, so you won’t be left in the dark about any detail. Personalized roofing plans are tailored to fit specific needs. If the company you’re researching can’t provide this step, you should be wary.
4. Compliance
Imagine your roof is damaged from a tropical storm or hurricane. The shingles have peeled in several places and water seeped into the upstairs guest room, ruining the drywall and the carpet. Everything’s fine though, because you have great insurance. During the insurance claims process, it’s discovered that the roof wasn’t up to code, voiding the policy and leaving the clean-up and repair costs to you.
While this is a nightmare scenario, it does and can happen. That’s why it is important to choose a residential roofing company that adheres to industry codes and standards.
Did you know that South Florida’s Building Codes are specifically written to accommodate the climate? For residential roofing, the requirements take into consideration water damage, excessive wind damage, and overall hurricane protection. All buildings and structures (including roofs) must comply with the most current code. If they don’t or were constructed without the proper permits, it will affect insurance claims, and can lead to hefty fines, or even legal action. Finding a residential roofing company that takes code compliance seriously is vital for the safety and protection of your home all the way around.
Additionally, to ensure your roof stays up to date with code compliance, a fully service residential roofer may provide roofing maintenance programs that help your roof detect and repair any issues early while also ensuring everything remains up to par.
5. Warranties, Contracts, and Costs
A quality roof and superior materials for any necessary repairs or a new installation an important investments in the safety and protection of your home and family. The roofing team you choose plays a critical role in helping you protect that investment with warranties on certain products, detailed contracts, and by-line cost estimates.
Free Residential Roofing Quote in South Florida
Whether it’s time for a roof replacement, repairs, long-term maintenance, or you’re searching for a new residential roofing installation, choosing the right company is an important decision.
STS Windows, Doors & Roofing is a veteran-owned and operated company with over twenty years of experience. We are proud to serve the residents of Broward, Palm Beach, and Martin counties. We offer:
- Flexible financing options
- Bundle discounts
- Lifetime warranty on specific items
Call us at 561-725-8354 for everything you need to protect your home – or get an online quote today.