Choosing a roofing contractor for your asphalt shingle installation

Written by No Doubt Marketing

Replacing or changing the roof on your home can be a very complicated and frustrating project when you don't know what you are doing or what to look for in a contractor.

Why Use a Professional Roofer?

Some roofing materials, like asphalt roofing shingles, may look like they are easy to install, but knowledge of building codes and requirements are things that most homeowners have little to no knowledge about and the skills of a professional roofer definitely are needed. For example, did you know that installing asphalt shingles have limits to the slope of the roof they can be installed on? Did you also know that there are specific restrictions on installing asphalt roof shingles to decks?

A professional roofing contractor with experience installing asphalt shingles should know all this information and more. They should know how to remove the existing roof shingles, what particular fasteners are allowed and be able to make recommendations about materials or additional materials that will be needed when they are installing your asphalt roof.

Qualifying a Professional Roofer

When choosing a professional roofing contractor who will be installing your asphalt roofing shingles, ask for references from friends or colleagues who have a roof similar to your house and are satisfied with the contractor's work and the installation of their roof. Drive around the neighborhood and look for houses that are having roof work done that includes asphalt shingle installation and talk to the homeowner. Ask them who they are using for their roof contractor and what problems they have encountered.

Once you have a list of names, then begin making phone calls and meeting with the potential contractors. Ask them for a resume that includes their experience with asphalt shingle installation. Request an estimate for installing an asphalt roof and the cost of materials. Also get an estimate of how long it will take and potential beginning and ending dates. Ask them about potential problems with installing asphalt roof shingles. Finally, ask the roofing contractor if they have problems with homeowners who pay for the building materials directly (this prevents liens when building materials are purchased but not paid for by the contractor).

Once you have several estimates, at least three estimates should give you a good idea of the cost, then call your state contractor's board and the Better Business Bureau to find out if there are any complaints against the contractor and determine if they have a valid contractor's license. Besides all of these things, you also want to select a contractor who has worker's comp insurance for their laborers, in case they're in an accident while they are working on your home.

Summary

For most homeowners, using the services of a professional roofing contractor when installing asphalt shingles is a much easier way of dealing with replacing the roof on their home. Look for a roofing contractor with experience with asphalt shingle installation, who is willing to give a complete estimate of costs and has a valid contractors license with no complaints against them.

Ready to find an asphalt roofing installation contractor for your home? Use BuyerZone's free request for asphalt roofing installation price quotes, and we'll match you to multiple contractors in your area.