Your roof is the most critical component of your home or business property. It shields you from the elements, protects your investment, and contributes to the overall value of your home or business. No matter if you require a new roof, repair, or service, the right roofer is essential. With a plethora of local roofing contractors in Maine, selecting a talented and reputable roofer can be daunting. Here is a step-by-step guide for choosing the best roofing contractor that suits your needs.
1. Find a Licensed and Insured roofing Contractor in Maine
Before you sign a contract with a roofer, make sure they are licensed and insured. A license ensures the contractor is at the state level and follows industry codes. Insurance protects you against liability if accidents happen or your property is damaged during work. A top roofing company like Merrimack Valley Roofing is fully licensed and insured, providing expert residential and commercial roofing services in Maine.
2. Check Experience and Reputation
Experience is paramount when it comes to roofing. Roofing contractors who have been doing it for decades typically do better quality work. Merrimack Valley Roofing has been in business since 1976, serving New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts, with professional roofing services. Find a reputable company with good customer reviews and a list of satisfied customers.
3. Ask About Certifications and Training
Manufacturers will not guarantee their product if installed by poorly trained personnel. Merrimack Valley Roofing ensures that all of its roofers in southern Maine are certified, well-trained, and up to date with the newest roofing technology.
4. Get Detailed Quotes and Compare Prices
Get written estimates from at least three different contractors before making a decision. The estimate should cover:
- Materials cost
- Labor costs
- Project timeline
- Warranty details
- Cleanup and disposal costs
Watch out for extremely low prices, which are often a sign of inferior materials or work. A quality contractor will provide a reasonable and clear estimate with no hidden costs.
5. Check Past Work and References
A quality contractor will have some work they can share with you. You can also request references. If the contractor refuses to offer references, this can be a red flag. Merrimack Valley Roofing has finished projects and satisfied customers in Maine, including the towns of Portland, Lewiston, South Portland, Scarborough, etc.
6. Search for Local Know-how and Experience
Weather in Maine is often harsh, with heavy snowfall, ice dams, and powerful winds. Locals are aware of the weather conditions and which kind of material and construction will be suitable for your roof. Merrimack Valley Roofing has vast experience coping with New England weather’s roughness and constructing roofs capable of handling it. Also read: Is Spring a Good Time to Install a New Roof?
7. Ask About Warranties and Guarantees
A good roofing company will offer work and material guarantees. This protects you against installation or defects. Merrimack Valley Roofing offers homeowners and businesses a manufacturer-backed lifetime guarantee on each roof.
8. Ensure the Company Offers Emergency Services
Roofing emergencies can arise at any time, especially after a blizzard or storm. A good contractor should have emergency repair services. Merrimack Valley Roofing provides 24/7 emergency services to customers in Southern New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts, and hence help is always available when you need it the most.
9. Seek Services Beyond Roofing
A roofer who also does gutters, snow and ice removal, and maintenance will be your best bet. Maintaining your gutters and having them cleared of snow keeps ice dams and leaks away from your roof and gives your roof a longer lifespan. Merrimack Valley Roofing provides emergency roofing services when it comes to gutters, snow and ice removal, and residential and commercial roofing.
10. Choose a Safety-Conscious Contractor
Roofing is a dangerous job, and safety must therefore be a top priority. Ask about contractors’ safety protocols and whether they meet OSHA regulations. A company that cares about the safety of its workers will be more apt to complete the work without mishaps and on time.
11. Have an Adequate Customer Service Policy
A roofer must respond to your inquiries and be easy to communicate with. They communicate clearly with you from the first consultation through project completion. Merrimack Valley Roofing has a great customer service reputation.
12. Don’t Mess Around with Storm Chasers and Scams
After severe storms, sometimes roofers go door-to-door offering roofing work. Roofers like these “storm chasers” will do low-quality work and depart upon completion of the job, without warranty or recourse. Do your homework on a company prior to hiring them. Stick with good local contractors like Merrimack Valley Roofing, which has been operating in the area since 1976.
13. Be Familiar with the Project Timeline
A good roofing contractor should give you a project timeline and stick to it. Weather conditions might delay the job, but a good contractor will inform you and complete the job as quickly as possible. You should negotiate the duration of the job and the circumstances under which work will be reduced before signing the contract.
14. Read the Contract Carefully
Never enter into a contract without reading it carefully. Make certain that all the details, from timelines to costs, warranties, and materials, are well-defined. If something is not clear, clarify before going ahead. A good contractor will gladly clarify all the terms for you.
15. Hire a Contractor That Stands Behind Their Work
The top roofing contractors stand behind their work years after the job is complete. Merrimack Valley Roofing offers a manufacturer-supported lifetime warranty, so your roof will be in top shape for years to come.
Select a Roofing Contractor You Can Rely On
It does not have to be hard to find good Maine roofing contractors. With these steps, you will know that you are employing a professional, competent, and trusted company that will get the work done right. Merrimack Valley Roofing has been performing quality roofing for decades in Maine, Southern New Hampshire, and Massachusetts with honesty and superior customer service.
Ready to replace, repair, or improve your roof? Don’t wait until the problem gets out of hand. Merrimack Valley Roofing provides you with a free consultation and thorough estimate. Call (978) 866-1860 today to book your appointment. Get New England’s finest roofing professionals to safeguard your house or business!