Putting a new roof on your home is a significant investment. Even if your insurance company is paying for most of the cost, you’ll still likely have to pay a deductible and invest the time and effort to go through the process. Most roofs should last eight to ten years (or more), so you want to be sure it gets done right.

When severe storms and hail damage occur in Oklahoma, it’s pretty common to see roofing companies come from surrounding states and set up a temporary office in the area. Some of them are reputable companies who simply travel to different states for work, while others are less reputable overall. Some do quality work, while others don’t.

When it comes to choosing a roofing company, it’s important to do some research and ask the right questions.

Find out what’s really included in the price

We’ve seen situations where a roofing company will offer a post-storm special that undercuts the price of every other roofer in town. But when people start asking questions about the price, it’s often not as great of a deal as it originally appeared because it doesn’t include the same materials.
For example, we install an ice and water shield with every roof because it’s an important part of keeping your roof safe in an Oklahoma winter. But many other companies will skip that step to lower the price. If you’re getting estimates from multiple companies, be sure you ask for an itemized estimate that shows everything included in the cost.

Take your time making a decision

After a hailstorm, people see their neighbors getting new roofs and are anxious to get their new roof as well. While it’s helpful to have a qualified roofer come inspect your roof relatively quickly if you suspect damage, in most cases you don’t have to rush to replace it. If there’s significant damage or visible leaks inside your home, you certainly want to take care of it quickly before damage spreads. But otherwise, take your time making a decision.

Whether you’re making a quick decision due to significant damage or have a little more time, be sure to ask plenty of questions about the process, what’s included in the estimate, and any other questions you have. A good salesperson will be forthcoming with information and answer all of your questions. If they dodge your questions, they may not be the right roofer for you.

Ask about the process for warranty issues

One of the biggest challenges that can occur with using an out-of-town company for your roof happens a couple years down the road when a problem occurs. Maybe it’s a shingle defect or an issue with how the roof was installed. Whatever it may be, you’ll want to get in touch with the company who installed the roof to process a warranty claim. But sometimes that’s hard to do if the company is no longer in your area. The local phone number they provided at time of install is out of service, and they may not have anyone in the area to come inspect your roof even if you do get in touch with their main office.

Before you sign a contract with any roofing company, whether local or from surrounding states, be sure to do your research and ask the right questions so you know what you’re getting and what will happen if a problem occurs in the future.