Many things about Arizona are unique, including its incredible climate-related conditions.
According to AZFamily.com, the Grand Canyon State experiences 11 of the 30 climate classifications.
It’s also home to some cities that experience the most sunny days in the U.S.; Phoenix, for example, gets 300 sunny days a year!
And while many people associate Phoenix with extreme heat, it also rains and, sometimes, snows here.
With such unique climate conditions, surprise roof repair is a common problem experienced by many homeowners in Phoenix (and the Greater Phoenix area).
If you’re now one of these folks, you’d want to ensure you hire only reputable residential roofing experts.
JLC Roofing’s team of professionals has put together this guide on the most crucial questions to ask roof repair contractors, so read on.
Can I Have Your Contractor License Details?
Any business offering to contract roofing work must be a licensed contractor under Arizona Statutes Title 32 (Sections 32-1101 to 32-1188).
Under the law, unlicensed individuals can’t bid for, contract, or complete paid work that a licensed contractor should otherwise perform.
For the same reason, the first question you must ask before selecting a company providing leaky roof solutions and repair services is, “Can I have your contractor license details?”
It shouldn’t be “Are you licensed,” because they must be if they offer contracting work.
And if you ask if they have a license, they can just say yes even though they don’t.
Arizona’s Registry of Contractors (ROC) issues contractor licenses.
For roofers, there are three types:
- R-42 Roofing (Specialty Residential Contracting license for roofers)
- C-42 Roofing (Specialty Commercial Contracting license for roofers)
- CR-42 Roofing (Specialty Dual License Contracting license for commercial and residential roofers)
R-42 license holders can only contract roofing work for homes.
On the other hand, C-42 license holders can only perform roofing work on commercial properties.
However, CR-42 license holders can complete work for residential and commercial customers.
JLC Roofing, Inc. is a fully licensed contractor with an active CR-42 license (ROC 122805).
Are You Insured?
Licensed roofing contractors in Arizona must have a bond and worker’s compensation insurance (ARS 32-1122).
The law doesn’t mandate any other insurance for them to acquire a license.
That doesn’t mean you should no longer ask whether a roofing contractor has insurance.
The most reputable ones are fully insured because they understand roofing work is inherently risky. Indeed, according to an article by Quartz, being a roofer is the second-most dangerous profession in the U.S.
So, even though Arizona laws don’t require roofing contractors to carry property damage and liability insurance, you should still seek one that does.
Fortunately, you don’t have to look far and wide for one; JLC Roofing, Inc. is a fully insured contractor.
Can You Still Fix My Roof?
No self-respecting roofing contractor will immediately tell you that roof repair is no longer viable and that you need a roof replacement without first seeing it in person.
For example, suppose you call a roofer serving the Greater Phoenix area and tell them your roof leaks during heavy rains.
If they’re reputable, they’ll ask for other details, such as:
- The severity of the leaks inside your home (e.g., multiple locations vs. isolated areas, how heavy the leaks are, etc.)
- How long the leaks have been going on
- The age of your roof
Let’s also say the leaks are small and have occurred recently, and your roof isn’t even ten years old.
In this case, a reputable roofer will tell you that they can still fix your roof but will need to inspect it for a more accurate analysis.
A thorough inspection is critical to determining the severity of the damage and the overall condition of your roof.
So, only after inspecting your roof can a roofing expert tell you whether they can still fix your roof or if you need a new one (except in extreme cases, such as if it caved in or got blown away).
The most dependable ones also use these inspections as opportunities to share practical roof maintenance tips with property owners.
If you meet or talk to someone over the phone and they insist you need a new roof immediately, take that as a red flag.
Do You Provide Emergency Roofing Services?
If your surprise roof repair involves severe damage (e.g., a large tree branch or hail stones fell on it), it’s in your best interest to get it done ASAP, before the next rain comes.
So, ask each prospective roofing contractor if they provide emergency repairs.
If they do, they’ll expedite your service schedule and complete the repairs immediately.
If not, you might wait for days, which isn’t ideal, especially if rains are in the weather forecast.
How Much Will My Roof Repair Cost?
Just because you need surprise roof repair doesn’t mean you should be okay with “surprise” fees, too.
So, before choosing a roofing contractor, ask them for a written project estimate.
A reputable company will provide a detailed list of the roof repair service costs, including labor and materials.
The estimate should also give you a comprehensive look into:
- The steps the contractor will take to repair the roof
- The project’s start date and estimated completion date
- Payment process
You should receive a finalized contract once you’ve decided on a contractor.
The contract’s contents should be similar to those in the written estimate.
If there’s a significant difference (e.g., the written estimate has a total cost of $1,500, but the contract says $2,500), and the contractor doesn’t explain it, don’t sign the contract.
Instead, consider it a red flag and a sign to take your business elsewhere.
Any trustworthy contractor who revises contracts explains why they made such changes.
Let JLC Roofing Handle Your Surprise Roof Repair
Now that you know more about what to ask contractors when choosing one for surprise roof repair, feel free to ask all of them when you speak with our team here at JLC Roofing, Inc.
We’ll happily give you the honest answers you’re looking for.
After all, JLC Roofing, Inc. is a well-trusted roofing contractor that has served Arizona and the Greater Phoenix area for 30+ years.
We’re a family-owned, fully licensed, insured, and bonded business ready to tackle roof repairs and replacements, emergency or not.
Contact us today to request your complimentary roof consultation!
Looking for Surprise Roof Repair?
Trust our skilled team for fast, reliable roof repair services. We ensure top-quality results to keep your home protected and secure.
Contact Us Today at (623) 878-9832 or request a free estimate online for your roof repair needs!
