Archive for: Columbia

Homeowners need to be aware that a roof replacement project takes careful consideration and planning. One of the first decisions you need to make, and by far the most important one, is who will be replacing your home’s roofing system. There are hundreds of thousands of roofing companies in the Columbia area. Choosing just one can prove challenging, especially when you don’t understand the roofing jargon, aren’t aware of the typical roofing costs in your area, and what qualifications a good roofer should have.

At Certified Roofing, we believe that you only deserve the best for your home, which means installing a professional roofing system that will protect you for years. For the last 30 years, we have been the leading roofing company in the Columbia area. Our roofing services are offered with complete professionalism and transparency, guaranteeing an excellent rooftop for every Columbia home.

If you’re looking to hire a roofing company but not sure of the right questions to ask to find the best roofing team for you, carry on reading as we lay out 5 of the most important questions to ask roofing professionals.

1. Are You Licensed and Insured?

It’s essential to inquire about the roofing company’s licensing and insurance. These documents will protect you, and your roofer should anything go wrong with your roofing project. The roofing licenses differ in each state; in Maryland, general contractors, including roof contractors, don’t require any licensing; however, some roofing jobs are categorized as home improvement. These would require a state license from the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC).

The law requires roofing companies to provide workers’ compensation insurance to their employees. This insurance will protect you, as the homeowner, from being financially responsible for any injuries that might occur on your property.

Your contractor should also provide proof that they carry general liability insurance. General liability insurance protects you and your property from any damage that might be incurred during the roofing project. Homeowner’s insurance will sometimes cover the costs of the damages, but it’s best not to risk it and only hire a contractor that carries insurance.

2. Do You Use Subcontractors?

Make sure to find out if the roofing company you hired uses subcontractors. When you hire a roofing company, it’s essential to know who will be carrying out the installation. Homeowners need to know who’s working on their property and not be completely surprised when random strangers walk on and off your rooftop.

Be sure to ask your roofing company if they make use of subcontractors, and if they do, it’s recommended that you inquire about their insurance and licensing documents as well. Sometimes roofing companies contractors neglect to pay their subcontractors. To protect yourself from being held financially responsible if this occurs, you might want to consider getting a lien waiver for the project.

3. Do I Need a Full Roof Replacement or Just Repairs?

By understanding the extent of your roofing damage, you can make an informed decision about what the best course of action is to get it back into tip-top shape. Some roofing damages are fixable with a few simple repairs, whereas others will involve having to replace every last tile on your rooftop.

Your roof inspector should inspect every inch of your roof to ensure that all your roofing issues are addressed, and nothing goes unnoticed.

4. Will You Remove the Old Roof?

Homeowners need to be made aware of the roof installation process and whether their old rooftop will be removed or new materials will be installed on the old roof. Re-roofing on top of old materials means you won’t know the actual state of your roofing system. Your roof deck or other roofing materials might be compromised, which means that it will only shorten the lifespan of your new roofing materials. While re-roofing is cheaper, it can only be done once before the entire system has to come down.

5. Do You Have A Clean-P Process Once The Installation Is Complete?

Cleaning up after a roofing project is vital for you and your family’s safety. Installing a new roof is quite a messy project. You, therefore, need to find out if your roofing company offers this service. If they just install your roof and leave, you’ll likely spend the next couple of days trying to get your home back to its normal living conditions.

If you’re looking for highly qualified professional roofers in the Columbia area, look no further than Certified Roofing. We see to all your roofing needs, no matter the size. Give Certified Roofing a call today to start your roofing project.  Proudly serving the cities of Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Clarksville, Columbia, Elkridge, Ellicott City, Frederick, Fulton, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Green Valley, Highland, Hunt Valley, Hyattsville, Kensington, Laurel, Lutherville, Montgomery Village, North Laurel, Olney, Owings Mills, Potomac, Rockville, Silver Spring, Takoma Park, Timonium, Towson, Wheaton, Woodstock, Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, and all surrounding areas.