We know that initiating a roofing project is a big deal. Not only are you protecting your home or business, but the costs of a new or repaired roof can be substantial. You want your new roof to last. Starting with the right choice in roofing materials and correct installation, your new roof should last for years and give you worry free pride of ownership. Following, are suggestions on how to choose your roofing contractor wisely.

Get Local Referrals and Hire Local

If your contractor is legitimate, they won’t hesitate to give you referrals. Customers are all too happy to oblige other members of the community with a quick phone call and often leave reviews that give you eye-opening facts on their particular experience. Google’s search engine will give you a quick list of reviews straight from the company’s business listing, and we invite you to read ours. When you hire a local roofing team, you know they are available for call backs or any questions you have. Beware of hiring an out-of-town team that can leave suddenly with your roof half finished or incorrectly installed as a rush job.

Research Roofing Material

The material you choose for your roof is determined largely by roof pitch or style (commercial, residential, flat or high-pitched roof) and your budget. There’s a huge variety of material to choose from, including metal, asphalt/fiberglass composition shingles, concrete and clay roof tiles, solar shingles and flat roof options. Some of the largest manufacturers are IKO, Tri-Built, and Certainteed for residential roofs, and Posi-Slope for commercial. These products are available in every colour palette imaginable, so your architectural style is consistently handled. If you’re not sure where to start, we can recommend a product ideal for your roof and budget. Call us for information and we will help you through this initial stage of your project.

Get an Extensive Warranty

Make sure your contract covers warranty specifics, especially for custom roofing solutions. Custom solutions require custom warranties for both the roofing material and installation. You’ve already researched roofing materials and understand brand warranties. For example, IKO warrants its Cambridge shingles for five years after the installation date against wind damage. Ask your contractor for guarantees on workmanship so you can be certain you are covered for repairs caused by faulty installations. You will want to hire a roofing company that checks your satisfaction before leaving the site.

Look at Their Professional Affiliations

Have a look at the contractor’s website. Check out any certifications and professional affiliations they have listed, such as the Roofing Contractors Association of British Columbia, and the BC Construction Safety Alliance. Professional associations add legitimacy to a company as they align with strict member policies.

Can we help?

When you need to hire a reliable roofing contractor, call the team at Nielsen Roofing & Sheet Metal Ltd. We serve the South Okanagan with the highest standard roofing installations in the industry and continue to give back to the community by supporting local children’s programs, charities and the Community Safety Net.