Who Can I Hire to Fix a Roof?
Keep a roof over your head with the help of a seasoned pro
The life span of your roof directly correlates to the quality of the repairs made over its lifetime. So, who fixes roofs, and how do you know who to hire? Hiring a roofing contractor near you for repairs is almost always your best bet to secure a licensed, insured, and highly trained professional who can repair your roof with expertise.
Benefits of Hiring a Roofing Contractor for Roof Repairs
The true difference between a roofer and a roofing contractor often depends on the terminology used by the business. In most cases, a roofing contractor is a fully insured, bonded, and licensed roofing business that manages roof repairs and may have a team of experienced roofers to assist with the project.
The term “roofer” more likely refers to subcontractors or handypeople with some roofing experience but may not specialize in the area.
There are many benefits to hiring a roofing contractor to fix your roof, from the quality of work to a clear roof estimate. Here are just a few to consider:
Roofing contractors will meet your state's roofing license, certification, and insurance standards.
Reaching these state standards requires ample experience, training, and exams.
Contractors have experience pulling permits for roofing projects.
They will perform the work in accordance with up-to-date building compliance standards.
They will be able to lay out a clear timeline for repairing or replacing the roof.
They will provide a clear estimate and contract before starting work, as well as your repair options.
Workers will have experience repairing your roof safely with the proper safety equipment.
You may gain access to well-priced wholesale materials from your contractor's distributors.
Contractors are more likely to fix your roof correctly the first time, avoiding costly updates in the future.
Can I Fix a Roof Myself?
Handling the project yourself can certainly lower the cost of roof repairs, but it's not always a cost-effective or safe idea. Small DIY repairs to asphalt shingles, for example, are possible for experienced home improvement buffs if you're comfortable with heights and use the proper safety equipment, but in most cases, you should call a professional.
If you’re dealing with structural repairs or repairs covered by your homeowners insurance, you should always leave it to a licensed roofing contractor.
Can I Hire a Roofer for Roof Repairs?
The term “roofer” is not always a sign to pump the brakes. Some roofing contractors and licensed professionals use the term roofer more casually. The most important thing when choosing a roofing pro is to ensure that they have experience, positive reviews, and can provide proof that they are licensed, insured, and bonded.
Since a roofing team is responsible for fixing one of the most important areas of your home, speak with at least three contractors before hiring one to ensure you work with qualified professionals.
How Do Roofing Contractors Fix Roofs?
Roofing contractors will almost always begin by performing a roof inspection, during which they’ll analyze the state of your roofing materials, flashing, underlayment, gutters, and your roof's structural components. At this stage, they may also call in certified professionals, such as structural engineers or water damage remediators, to take a look at your roof.
Roofing contractors will then set aside one to three days, on average, to fix your roof's aesthetic and underlying issues. Some of the most common roof issues include storm damage, shingle replacement, flashing replacement, water damage, mold buildup, drainage issues, and poor ventilation.