The roofer you choose will have a big impact on the longevity, durability, and energy efficiency of your roof, especially when it comes to installation. You need someone with the expertise, materials, and safety to get your roof done properly. This article will take a look at a few of the things you should look for in a roofer.

License, Insurance, and Bonds

A good roofing contractor will put "Licensed, Insured, and Bonded" right where new clients can see it. But what do these three things mean? Why are they important? A licensed roofer is authorized by state and local authorities to conduct their trade. Essentially, it's the government saying that the roofing contractor is legit.

Insurance protects you, your property, and the roofers in the event of any accidents. Working several stories off the ground can be dangerous, so don't hire a roofer who isn't insured. If a roofer is "bonded", that means their work is guaranteed by surety bonds. If something goes wrong while the work is being done, the surety bond will kick in to cover the costs.

Manufacturer Certifications

If a roofer you're considering has a certificate from a manufacturer, that means they're experts with their materials. It's an add-on to a general roofing license, but it shows that the roofer has a specialty with a specific brand. They'll get you top-of-the-line products from the brand, and they know just how to install them. Check with potential roofers to see which manufacturer they're associated with. Otherwise, you may be dealing with someone who gets all the supplies from the local hardware store.

Referrals

Ask your family and friends for referrals. They're the most trustworthy source you have, and you're likely to listen to those closest to you. Ask them if they're happy with their roof, and who they've used. Even if they aren't happy with their roof, at least you know who you can avoid. Ask them about the price, the length of the project, and what they liked most about working with the roofer. Even if you don't end up following their recommendation, you'll get an idea of the traits you want in a roofer.

Online Reviews

Look online to compare roofers. Almost every business has an online presence these days. Roofing companies are no exception. Take a look at online reviews from other customers and be mindful of a few things:

• Number of Reviews: Pay attention to the number of reviews a company has. A roofing contractor with one five-star review is good, but a roofer with multiple four, five, and even three-star reviews means they're engaging more with their clients.
• Bad Reviews: Everybody has off-days, including roofers. People make mistakes, and according to Online Reputation Manager, upset clients are much more likely to leave reviews. Take bad reviews with a grain of salt. However, if there are a lot of bad reviews all complaining about the same thing, that's a sign to move on.
• Response: Reviews are not a one-way street. The company can usually respond to the reviews customer leaves. Look for a roofer who takes the time to answer customer feedback. Do they thank customers who leave flattering testimonials? Do they try to help people who had a bad experience? If they do, that means they're accountable to their clientele.

Warranties

Like bonds, warranties can tell you something about the roofer's reliability. If the roofer cuts corners, they may only offer short-term warranties on their work. They know you'll have problems, and they don't want to be on the hook for them. Reputable roofers will give long-term warranties, and possibly even lifetime guarantees. They believe in their work and will put their money where their mouth is. That's a roofer you can trust.

According to the Dayton Daily News, almost a quarter of homeowners have never even had their roofs inspected. If you're a part of that number, it's time to find a quality roofing company. Whether you need a new roof installed, an older roof inspected, or a damaged roof repaired, make sure you hire a great roofing contractor. For great roofing services in Shelton, WA, turn to Evergreen State Roofing. We provide comprehensive roofing services and specialize in TPO/PVC, composition, and metal roofing. Call us today for more information!