Your home’s roof is the most crucial part of your home’s exterior. It is also the part that takes the most abuse from nature & can cause extensive, devastating damage if it leaks or fails. This is why homeowners need to be extremely careful when choosing a roofer. In Ohio, there are no requirements or licensing to become a roofer. All you need is a ladder and a truck.
Start by asking your family, friends, and neighbors if they have recommendations. You can also look on the internet for roofing contractors in your area. Some websites offer lists of professionals, along with reviews of their work. Personal recommendations will give you the best information. Be sure to focus on the following:
- The quality of work
- The cleanup process. You want to avoid scraps of roofing and nails left over after the contractors have gone home. Don’t hire professionals who leave debris after they are gone.
Pick someone with a long track record in your community. Some contractors travel the country looking for work. They appear after a community experiences a natural disaster or heavy storm. These contractors are making money from the insurance claims. If you hire one of them, they may need more time to provide realistic guarantees for their work. Remember, they may be on the other side of the country if your roof starts to leak again.
Once you have contact information for several roofing contractors, call them. Inquire about the company’s background and how long they have been in business. Generally, a good roofer should offer a guarantee of between 5-12 years. If the company has been in business for less than five years, it will be challenging to determine the quality of their work.
Continue to ask questions about time frames and estimates. You should always get a written estimate before proceeding with any work. Communicating with the contractor will let him know that you will take a hands-on approach to this project.
You should also ask about the warranty and whether you can have it confirmed in writing.
Why Choose Miller Custom Exteriors?
Most roofers would never talk about making mistakes, but the truth is no company is perfect. Manufacturers’ warranties seem ironclad and fabulous when a roof is brand new. Still, how a company deals with things when they go wrong tells you whether they are trustworthy or not. We’ve installed roofs in Fredericksburg, Ohio, for over 25 years and have been in the home improvement business for over 50 years. We’ve had our share of products and manufacturers that haven’t lived up to their claims, and we’ve replaced windows, siding, and roofing at our own expense. For us, it’s just living out our motto: “We do it right, or we do it over” In the tradition of our slightly obsessive Mennonite heritage, we strive to be honest, thorough, precise, and respectful when we work on your home.
Miller Custom Exteriors has over 50 years of experience serving Canton, Massilon, Stark County, Ohio, and surrounding areas. Contact us online or call us today at 800-589-4905 to discuss your next home improvement project.
