Residential and commercial roofing projects require excellent contractors that can achieve your objectives. A good roofing contractor recognizes the expenses and resources you invest in every project. That’s why they take the extra step to ensure you’re protected against additional expenses resulting from errors or accidents on their end. This means they have the license to operate and they have liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance.
Liability insurance enables the roofer to cover added repair costs in the event they accidentally cause damage to your home. Workers’ compensation insurance, on the other hand, is meant to protect you from being held responsible for injuries that happen to workers while working on your property.
Continue reading to learn more about the benefits of working with an insured roofer.
Why You Should Work With an Insured Roofer
Liability Insurance
Reliable roofing companies will use their liability insurance if their workers cause accidental damage to any part of your property. The insurance policy covers any appliance, furniture or structural component affecting the property’s integrity and longevity.
Experienced roofers have the least likelihood of property and roof damage due to errors, given their expertise, knowledge and experience. Unfortunately, even with professionals having the right tools and proven methods, any single mistake they might commit can lead to costly damage.
A roofer’s liability insurance signifies their confidence in correctly performing the roof replacement project. This type of insurance covers anything that will require repairs in case the contractor accidentally damages your property. For example, a roof repair specialist that damages your siding can pay for the repairs needed to restore your home’s exterior. Your roofer’s liability insurance ensures you won’t pay out of pocket for any damage through no fault of your own.
A reputable roofing contractor will provide its insurer’s contact details so you can verify that its policy is active. That said, experts strongly recommend calling the insurance company and inquiring about the roofer’s liability insurance.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance
In addition to property damage, you should also be protected from liability in the event a worker suffers an injury while working on your roof. If your contractor has workers’ compensation insurance, it means they will assume responsibility for any workplace-related injuries throughout the project’s duration.
Job-related injuries are common in roofing projects because this type of work naturally comes with risks and hazards, such as slip-and-fall accidents. Roof replacement involves climbing ladders, traversing roofs and balancing on scaffolding — which put the workers at risk of injury. Even with consistent training and years-long experience, accidents can still happen. That’s why your roofer should have workers’ compensation insurance.
If your contractor doesn’t have workers’ compensation insurance, the employee or their family can hold you responsible for the injury since it happened on your property. This means you’ll have to shoulder their treatment, medical bills and emergency room visit. If your roofing contractor can’t provide you with details about their workers’ compensation insurance, consider it a red flag. A reliable roofer who has all the proper documents to operate won’t have qualms about providing the needed information, especially if it would help their clients gain peace of mind.
We recommend doing this due diligence beyond roof repair contractors. If you’re planning other home improvement projects, make sure the gutter, siding or remodeling contractors you hire are equipped with workman’s compensation insurance. Even if the company was referred to you by a friend, it’s important to check if the contractor is really insured.
If your roofing contractor refuses to acknowledge or process your request for their insurance and insurer’s name, move on and look for another roofing company.
Professionalism
Professionalism includes a mastery of roofing methods, equipment use, manufacturer certifications, and coverage through liability insurance and workman’s compensation insurance. Any licensed roof repair contractor that is transparent about their insurance, licenses and certifications is worth being trusted. You can rest assured that they will fix your roof in the best way possible and with no other hidden agenda. You can be confident that they will provide consistent care and maintenance for your roof even after the installation or repair.
Additional Tips on Hiring a Roofer
Here are other things you can do to ensure you’re working with a reliable roofer:
Obtain Multiple Quotes
Roofing companies usually offer free estimates to give clients an idea of how much a roofing project costs based on the labor and materials involved. It takes time to put together a written estimate, so be sure to send them a thank-you and acknowledge their efforts, whether you are considering hiring them or rejecting their bid.
When deciding on a contractor, don’t simply choose based on the lowest quote you received. Always consider the roofer’s experience, certifications, warranties and expertise. Some roofers give a higher quote for a project because their expertise and warranties on labor and materials are superior to others.
Lastly, evaluate the current market prices for the roofing materials. If your prospective roofer offers a price that sounds too good to be true, take a closer look at the estimate and make sure there are no hidden fees. Make sure the roofer won’t cut corners or aren’t involved in unethical practices that can be costly for you later.
Ask About Subcontractor Use and Existing Schedule
Professional roofers work best when they have all resources available for your project. Ask your roofer if they use subcontractors to handle various parts of the project. If yes, make sure the subcontractor also has workman’s compensation insurance and liability insurance. If you have the time, interview the subcontractor as well to learn more about their company.
Furthermore, ask your roofing contractor about their existing schedule. Be wary of roofing companies that seem to spread themselves too thin as they might not be able to finish your project on time.
Avoid Storm Chasers
Storm chasers go around neighborhoods that recently suffered from severe weather events, hoping to earn business by fixing storm-damaged roofs. These out-of-town roofers may have the skills to perform excellent roof work, but they may not be insured or familiar with your local building codes. Be careful who you hire after a storm. It’s best to work with a trusted local contractor to avoid problems later on.
You can always count on Summit Roofing & Restoration, Inc. to provide top-notch roofing services. Whether you need an expert to handle roof maintenance or emergency roof repair, you can have peace of mind our team is equipped to carry out such tasks. We’re a GAF Master Elite® Roofing Contractor, so we guarantee superior services and warranties.
To talk to our team, call (731) 589-7663 (Dyersburg), (901) 430-1974 (Atoka) or (870) 736-7663 (Paragould). Alternatively, you can fill out this contact form to schedule a consultation.