Choosing a roofing contractor is a major decision for any homeowner. A complete roof replacement involves significant materials, labor, installation details, warranties, and long-term protection for your home.
Before signing a roofing contract, homeowners should ask specific questions about the contractor, the roofing system being installed, the project process, warranties, and what is included in the written estimate.
Xterior LLC provides complete residential roof replacement for homeowners in High Point and throughout the Piedmont Triad.
Questions to Ask a Roofing Contractor Before Hiring Them
A professional roofing estimate should involve more than choosing a shingle color and comparing the bottom-line price.
The questions below can help homeowners understand exactly what they are buying and make better comparisons between roofing proposals.
1. Are You Properly Insured?
Ask the roofing contractor about the insurance coverage they maintain for their business and roofing crews.
Homeowners should understand who is performing the work and whether appropriate insurance protections are in place before the project begins.
Do not be afraid to ask questions about documentation. A roof replacement is too significant a project to make assumptions about who will be working on your property.
2. How Much Residential Roofing Experience Do You Have?
Experience matters because roofing installation involves much more than attaching shingles or metal panels to a roof.
Ask how long the company has worked on residential roofing projects and whether the contractor regularly installs the type of roofing system you are considering.
Homeowners can also review:
- Completed project photos
- Customer reviews
- Manufacturer relationships
- Local reputation
- Examples of similar homes and roofing systems
For homeowners in High Point, local experience can also be valuable because contractors familiar with the Piedmont Triad regularly work with the weather conditions and housing styles found throughout this part of North Carolina.
Learn more about Xterior LLC’s High Point residential roofing services.
3. What Roofing System Are You Installing?
A roof is a system, not just the visible shingles.
Ask the contractor to explain the components included in the proposal and how those components work together.
Depending on the roof and selected system, important components may include:
- Roofing shingles or metal roofing panels
- Synthetic underlayment
- Starter shingles
- Hip and ridge shingles
- Ice and water protection where appropriate
- Drip edge
- Flashing
- Ventilation components
- Fasteners
Using compatible roofing components and following manufacturer installation requirements can be important for both performance and applicable warranty coverage.
Xterior LLC takes a complete roof-system approach rather than treating the visible roofing material as the only important part of the project.
4. Will You Remove the Existing Roof?
Ask whether the existing roofing materials will be removed before the new roofing system is installed.
Removing the existing roof covering exposes the roof deck and allows visible wood deterioration or other deck conditions to be identified during the replacement process.
Xterior LLC does not recommend simply installing a new metal roof over an existing shingle roof.
For metal roofing projects, the existing roof covering should be removed so the roof deck can be exposed and evaluated before the new system is installed.
Homeowners considering metal roofing can learn more about our residential metal roofing services.
5. What Happens if Damaged Roof Decking Is Found?
No contractor can see every portion of the roof deck while the existing roofing materials are still covering it.
Ask how damaged or deteriorated wood will be handled if it is discovered during tear-off.
The written agreement should explain how additional decking work is handled and how any additional cost will be communicated.
Xterior LLC’s roof replacement process includes addressing bad wood discovered during tear-off according to the project process.
6. What Type of Underlayment Will You Use?
Underlayment is installed between the roof deck and the primary roof covering.
Ask the contractor exactly what underlayment is included in the proposal rather than accepting a vague description such as “standard roofing materials.”
Xterior LLC uses Owens Corning synthetic underlayment as part of applicable asphalt shingle roofing systems.
7. Will You Install Starter Shingles and Proper Hip and Ridge Shingles?
Starter shingles and hip and ridge shingles are important components of an asphalt shingle roofing system.
Ask whether purpose-made components are being used or whether field shingles are simply being substituted in locations where dedicated roofing components should be installed.
Xterior LLC uses appropriate starter shingles and hip and ridge shingles as part of its complete roofing-system approach.
8. How Will Roof Ventilation Be Handled?
Attic ventilation should be considered as part of the complete roofing system.
Ask the contractor what type of ventilation the home currently has and whether any changes are recommended as part of the replacement.
Depending on the roof design and project, ventilation solutions may include ridge ventilation or other appropriate roof-vent configurations.
9. Is Drip Edge Included?
Drip edge is installed along roof edges to help manage water at the perimeter of the roof.
Ask whether new drip edge is included in the proposal and how roof-edge details will be completed.
Xterior LLC includes proper edge protection as part of applicable roofing installations rather than simply skipping this component.
10. What Roofing Materials Do You Recommend for My Home?
The best roofing material depends on the home, roof design, homeowner goals, appearance preferences, budget, and project requirements.
For many homeowners, the primary choices are asphalt shingles and residential metal roofing.
Asphalt Shingle Roofing
Asphalt shingles remain a popular residential roofing choice because they are available in numerous colors and styles and can work with many home designs.
Learn more about Xterior LLC’s asphalt shingle roofing services.
Residential Metal Roofing
Metal roofing can provide a different appearance and roofing-system configuration for homeowners interested in a residential metal roof.
The installation details matter. Proper trim, fasteners, sealing components, and manufacturer requirements should all be part of the conversation.
Visit our roofing materials page for additional information about roofing and exterior product options.
11. What Warranties Come With the Roof?
Ask the contractor to clearly explain both manufacturer warranty coverage and any workmanship warranty associated with the installation.
Homeowners should understand:
- Who provides each warranty
- What the warranty covers
- How long the coverage lasts
- Whether registration is required
- What conditions or exclusions apply
- Who should be contacted if a warranty issue occurs
Do not assume every roofing warranty is the same. Ask for the applicable warranty information for the specific products and roofing system being proposed.
12. Are You a Manufacturer-Recognized Roofing Contractor?
Manufacturer relationships can provide additional information about a roofing contractor’s familiarity with particular roofing systems and installation requirements.
Xterior LLC is an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor.
When comparing contractors, ask whether they have manufacturer affiliations related to the roofing products they are proposing for your home.
13. Will I Receive a Detailed Written Estimate?
A roofing proposal should clearly explain what is included in the project.
A detailed estimate may include:
- Roofing material
- Tear-off of existing roofing
- Underlayment
- Starter shingles
- Hip and ridge materials
- Flashing and roof-edge components
- Ventilation work where applicable
- Cleanup
- Handling of damaged roof decking
- Warranty information
- Project pricing
Comparing written scopes is important because two roofing estimates with different prices may also include very different materials and installation details.
14. How Will the Property Be Protected During the Project?
Roof replacement involves removing old materials and moving new roofing materials around the property.
Ask the contractor how they plan to manage:
- Debris
- Landscaping
- Driveways and walkways
- Material delivery
- Job-site cleanup
- Access around the home
Understanding the process before work begins can help homeowners know what to expect during the project.
15. What Is the Expected Project Timeline?
Ask when the contractor expects the project to begin and how weather, material availability, unexpected decking conditions, or other factors could affect the schedule.
A contractor should also explain how homeowners will receive updates if project conditions change.
Roofing projects are affected by weather, so exact completion dates cannot always be guaranteed in advance.
16. Who Will Be My Point of Contact?
Clear communication is important throughout a roof replacement.
Before signing the agreement, ask:
- Who will answer project questions?
- Who will communicate schedule changes?
- Who should be contacted during installation?
- How will unexpected conditions be communicated?
Knowing who is responsible for communication can make a major project easier to manage.
17. Do You Offer Financing for Roof Replacement?
A complete roof replacement can represent a significant home-improvement investment.
If financing is important to you, ask what options are available and review the applicable financing terms before making a decision.
Xterior LLC offers financing and payment options for qualifying exterior replacement projects.
Approval, terms, rates, and available programs depend on the financing option and homeowner qualifications.
18. What Should I Be Comparing Between Roofing Estimates?
Price matters, but homeowners should avoid comparing roofing proposals based only on the total dollar amount.
Also compare:
- Roofing materials
- Complete system components
- Tear-off process
- Roof-deck procedures
- Ventilation
- Flashing and edge protection
- Manufacturer relationships
- Warranty coverage
- Insurance
- Project communication
- Cleanup procedures
A lower-priced estimate is not necessarily a better value if important roofing components or installation steps are missing from the scope.
Why Homeowners Choose Xterior LLC for Roof Replacement
Xterior LLC focuses on complete residential exterior replacement projects throughout High Point and the Piedmont Triad.
For residential roofing projects, our approach emphasizes a complete roofing system rather than simply replacing the visible shingles.
Depending on the roofing system and project requirements, that can include:
- Owens Corning roofing products
- Synthetic underlayment
- Starter shingles
- Proper hip and ridge shingles
- Ice and water protection where appropriate
- Drip edge
- Roof ventilation where appropriate
- Replacement of bad wood found during tear-off according to the project process
- Experienced residential roofing crews
In addition to roofing, Xterior LLC provides residential vinyl siding replacement, replacement windows, and seamless gutter systems.
We do not focus on commercial roofing or repair-only roofing projects.
Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing a Roofing Contractor
What is the most important question to ask a roofing contractor?
There is no single question that replaces a complete evaluation. Homeowners should ask about insurance, experience, materials, installation procedures, roof-deck handling, warranties, project scope, communication, and total cost.
Should I choose the cheapest roofing estimate?
Not necessarily. Compare the complete scope of work, materials, installation components, warranties, and contractor qualifications in addition to the total price.
Should an old roof be removed before replacement?
Removing the existing roofing allows the roof deck to be exposed so visible deck conditions can be evaluated before the new roofing system is installed. Xterior LLC follows this approach rather than recommending that a new metal roof simply be installed over existing shingles.
Does Xterior LLC provide roof repairs?
Xterior LLC focuses on complete residential roof replacement rather than repair-only roofing projects.
Does Xterior LLC provide commercial roofing?
No. Xterior LLC focuses on residential roofing and exterior improvement projects.
Does Xterior LLC offer roof financing?
Financing options are available for qualifying exterior replacement projects. Visit our financing page for more information.
Does Xterior LLC offer Free Estimates?
Yes. Homeowners considering a qualifying residential replacement project can request a Free Estimate.
Looking for a Roofing Contractor in High Point, NC?
If you are planning a complete residential roof replacement, ask questions, compare the complete project scope, and make sure you understand the roofing system being proposed before signing an agreement.
Xterior LLC serves homeowners throughout High Point, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Kernersville, and surrounding Piedmont Triad communities.
Request a Free Estimate from Xterior LLC to discuss your residential roof replacement project.
You can also call Xterior LLC at 336-905-6835.
Disclaimer
This article is provided for general homeowner education. Roofing products, installation requirements, warranties, building requirements, and project conditions vary by manufacturer, property, location, and roofing system. Homeowners should review the specific written proposal, manufacturer documentation, and applicable project requirements before making a roofing decision.
