Homeowners consider their roofing system as one of their biggest and most important investments, and for good reason. A properly installed and maintained roof not only provides lasting weather protection to your home but also contributes greatly to its curb appeal, thermal comfort, and energy efficiency. But even a well-built roofing system is not exempt to damage. When this happens, the better and smarter idea is to work with a professional for the most effective solution. There’s just one slight problem – there are many roofers operating in the Greater Cincinnati area, and not all of them can guarantee high-quality service.
Where to Start With Choosing a Roofer
Having many choices for roofing contractors is both a good and bad thing. On one hand, there will always be one available should you need their services, but on the other hand, you’ll have a harder time finding a company who’ll be a good match for your needs. You don’t have the time and energy to consider them one by one, so here’s what you can do to narrow down your selection.
- The internet is your friend. Most roofers have an online presence and are rated by Google, which should make it easier for you to search for one in your area. Check out their website. If it’s updated, has a chock-full of content and appears to be professionally designed, it could mean the roofer is making an effort to be helpful and transparent to prospective clients. While you’re visiting their page, make sure that these details are present and visible:
- Business address, contact information and license number
- Leadership team
- Range of services offered
- Testimonials by previous customers
- Gallery of completed roofing projects
- Roofing brands they represent and any manufacturer certifications they’ve earned
- Make your search easier through referrals. If browsing through hundreds of contractor websites isn’t your thing, there’s always the simpler way – asking family and friends for local referrals. They can give you a clearer and more accurate picture of how working with a given roofer is like. One of the best things about referrals is that the feedback is coming from people you know and trust. Online reviews can help with your choice, sure, but suggestions by family and friends are always invaluable.
Why You Can’t DIY Instead
It’s admirable that you’re confident about your DIY skills, but unless you have the training and expertise necessary to perform roofing work, anything related to it is best left to a professional. Proper roof repair, installation and maintenance require precise workmanship and a deep familiarity with safety practices and local building codes. Basically, a professional roof job has less potential for costly mistakes and unnecessary delays, which means your project will stay on budget, on track and up to code. Unfortunately, the same thing can’t be said for DIY work, which should only be limited to small home upgrades that can be finished in a day or over a single weekend.
Important Questions to Ask Your Roofer
Whether you’ve found a prospective roofer online or via a referral, it’s a good idea to try and learn more about them. Most contractors offer free estimates, giving you the perfect opportunity to ask them a few essential things. The information you find, plus the way they respond to your questions, will help you decide whether they’re the right one for the job.
- “Are you a qualified roofer?” This should be the first question you ask. It’s extremely important that you hire a roofing contractor who’s licensed, bonded and insured. For your greater protection, they also carry significant liability coverage and workers’ compensation. Roofing work is not without accidents, and choosing a contractor with the necessary qualifications helps ensure you won’t be held accountable to them.
If your prospective roofer says that they do have them, your next step is to ask whether they can show you proof. The contractor themselves know just how important these credentials are, so they’ll likely keep them on hand. When they can’t provide you with proof of licensing and insurance, then you might want to reconsider your choice and talk to someone else.
- “How long have you been in business?” You’ll want to work with an established roofing contractor, one who already has a decade (at least) of experience under their belt. This way, you’re sure that your roof repair or installation can run safely and smoothly. Take Sterling Exteriors, for instance. We’re not just a fully licensed, bonded and insured roofing company; we are also an experienced one. For over 15 years, our trained and experienced team has provided homeowners and commercial property managers in Greater Cincinnati with top-tier solutions to all their roofing and exterior needs. They know that when it comes to superior roofing workmanship, we’ll always deliver.
- “Do you have a list of references?” Roofing contractors promote the quality of their roofing service, but their claims have greater weight when they’re backed by customer references. Ask your choice of roofer for an updated list of references. This way, you’ll have a better idea of how they do business and learn whether the experience of their previous customers has been satisfactory. Apart from getting references, you should also check your contractor’s page on prominent industry websites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB). This helps confirm whether your roofer has received positive ratings or has any outstanding complaints.
Sterling Exteriors is a BBB Accredited Business with an A+ Rating. We also earn five-star reviews locally and on Facebook, Google, and Yelp. Numerous homeowners in Hyde Park have trusted us to handle their residential roofing needs, and we have never let them down. After all, your complete satisfaction is one of our main priorities.
- “Which roofing manufacturer do you represent?” An excellent roofing company should aim to provide their clients with better, higher quality options, and this means earning certifications from trusted roofing manufacturers. Sterling Exteriors, for example, is a GAF Certified Weather Stopper® Roofing Contractor. This allows you access to some of the best asphalt shingle roofing systems available today. You won’t only just benefit from their exceptional weather performance and beauty but from the solid warranty coverage included with them as well. If you need a new roof for your home, just turn to us, and we’ll help you decide on the system that best suits your needs.
Schedule Your Roof Consultation
Sterling Exteriors remains the go-to company for roofing and exterior home improvement in Hamilton County. Look no further for high-quality workmanship and customer-focused that you’d be happy to refer to family and friends. Get in touch with us by calling (513) 685-8055 or filling out this contact form. We proudly serve the areas in and around Cincinnati, Loveland and Newtown, OH.
