Roofers are a crucial part of the home improvement process. If a roofer doesn’t get the job done right, it can lead to damage and long term damage. There are a few different things that we should look for when choosing a roofer in Toronto. It pays to do some research ahead of time and make a list of the roofers near me in Toronto that you are interested in hiring. This will help you tremendously when it comes time to interview the roofers.
One of the first things you need to find out is what kind of experience each roofers have with the different types of roofs that you might need. Do they have extensive experience with residential roofs? Are they familiar with commercial roofs? Do they have experience with repairing roof problems, which can be an important concern if you are having a roof replacement or roof repair due to ice and weather damage? Most roofers have at least some experience with one form of roofing material, whether it be asphalt shingles slate tiles, or any other type. If you are in need of roofing material, consider asking the roofers about their experience with a particular kind so that you don’t end up hiring someone who doesn’t know much about the roof you want to be installed on your home.
Make sure you ask the roofers you are interested in hiring whether they are certified by the NRC (National Roofer Contractors). They are also required to be licensed in most regions, depending on the state where you live. The National Roofer Contractors Association is the largest non-profit professional association of roofing contractors in North America. By becoming a member of the association, you can benefit from being able to contact the best roofing companies near you. Once you become a member, you can search online to find the names of all the members in your area. If you aren’t a member yet, you can still take advantage of the benefits of becoming a member – many local NRC members will be able to help you locate good roofing companies near you, give you a quote, and even help you decide what roofing style(s) you should go with.
You may also want to do some research on your own to find out which roofers near me have experience with your type of roofing material, such as metal roofing, metal girders, ceramic tiles, etc. Keep in mind that different roofing materials require different amounts of time to install them, and some require extra equipment. Find out how long a certain roof installation usually takes, and ask the roofer you are interested in working with if they have any special recommendations for extra time or equipment. If you know someone who has recently had roof work done, talk to them about the experience they had, and ask them if they would recommend the company they worked with. Sometimes it’s just better to choose a roofing company based on referrals from someone who has had similar experience.
Another important thing to consider is whether you prefer asphalt, slate, cedar, or wood shingles. All of these are common materials in North America, although wood shingles tend to be more expensive and therefore less popular than asphalt shingles. Wood shingles can be installed with a contractor hat, which makes for a professional look, but can also make the process a little bit more complicated. Some roofing companies near me offer a built-in hatcher to catch falling shingles, which can be a very helpful feature. Ask the roofers near you which types of shingles are most commonly used in your area to get an idea of what type of experience they have.
Other roofing materials to consider include metal roofing, which is available in a wide range of colors and styles, including classic matte or glossy finishes, as well as custom colors. You may also want to consider concrete tiles, which are relatively inexpensive and durable. Concrete tiles are typically made of recycled materials like cardboard, tile stones, and metal. They are suitable for both flat and pitched roofs, and because they are waterproof, they make great roofing materials for both industrial and residential applications. Metal roofing is another option, and metal roofing materials come in a variety of shapes and styles. The downside of metal roofing is that it does require special care and maintenance, so if you are considering this option, be prepared to do a little extra work.
If you need roofing done on an existing building, ask the roofer to use high quality materials and to cover the roof in order to prevent water damage. Most roofers in my area are able to perform both tasks admirably, although you should call the roofer ahead if you have any special needs. For example, if there are large wooden structures like gables or columns on your home, you’ll probably need to have them removed prior to having the roofer take down your roof. Many roofers near me will do a thorough inspection of the structure prior to taking down your roof, and they can even inspect your home beforehand and discuss how best to customize your roof with your roofing materials. In most cases, you can get a custom quote from a roofer for removing your roof, installing a new roof, or repairing your existing roof.
If your roof needs to be replaced, the same basic criteria still apply. Make sure the roofer uses high quality roofing materials, including durable asphalt shingles. If your roofing material is damaged or you notice leaks, call the roofer right away. The sooner you address problems with your roof, the less expensive and time-consuming it will be.
