The Best Roofer Near Me: How to Hire the Best Roofer Near Me Based on Cost, Issue, and Other Considerations

Need to repair or replace a roof? Learn more about what a roofer does, how to find a reputable professional, and what to know before hiring a roofer near you.

By Danielle Fallon | Updated Apr 6, 2022 3:01 PM

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The Best Roofer Near Me

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Hiring the Best Roofer Near Me

Roofing is more than just an aesthetic factor of a property. An intact roof is essential to keeping a home comfortable and structurally sound, and its care and maintenance often require professional expertise.

A roofer can help address any issues that may arise with the roof of a residential or commercial property, including shingle damage, localized leaks, full roof replacements, and new construction. Whether it’s an individual contractor or a team of roofers, a roofing firm will assess the job that needs to be done, calculate the materials and labor involved, and provide the property owner with a quote for the project. Once hired, a roofing professional will manage the entire process, from the initial planning stages to the final inspection, which ensures that the work is up to local codes.

When homeowners need a roofing repair or replacement, they may ask themselves, “How can I find a trusted roofer near me?” Here’s what a roofer can do, how much roofing costs, how to find a reputable local professional, and ultimately, how to hire a roofer near you.

Cost of a Roofer Near Me

Cost of a Roofer Near Me

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The cost of a roofer will depend largely on the scale and scope of the project, as well as the material of the roof itself. A full roof replacement or installation can cost anywhere between $5,200 to $10,100. Smaller-scale repairs, such as replacing individual shingles, ranges from $350 to $1,300.

On average, routine maintenance and inspection services cost $200. Hiring a professional for regular inspections can help identify any roofing issues, potentially saving money on future repairs in the long run.

Common Issues a Roofer Can Fix

Roofs are susceptible to various types of damage, all of which can be repaired by a roofing professional. Some common issues include:

  • Structural damage. Like any part of a home, roofs can become damaged over time and need repairs. Structural issues a roofer can fix may include shrinkage of the roof material, holes, and missing shingles.
  • Leaks. No homeowner wants to look up at their ceiling and find water leaking in from the roof, but once spotted, it’s important to address the problem right away to avoid structural damage or mold inside the home. Leaks most commonly occur in areas with seams and material changes, such as near the chimney, flashing points, gutters, skylights, vents, and pipes. A roofer will go up on the roof to determine the source of a leak and provide a repair estimate.
  • Water damage. If left unchecked, water can cause some serious damage to a roof. Pooled water and clogged gutters should be checked out by a professional roofer.
  • Weather-based damage. Heavy precipitation, ice, and fallen trees can all take a toll on a home’s roof. A local roofer can inspect the damage and determine how quickly and effectively it can be repaired. The roofer may also provide a temporary solution, such as tarping to cover any open holes in the roof.

In addition to repairing damage, roofers also commonly replace older roofs (professionals recommend this for roofs over 20 years old) as well as install roofs for new homes or remodeling projects.

Do I Need a Roofer

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Do I Need a Roofer?

To prevent damage (or further damage) to the home and its structure, any and all roofing issues should be addressed in a timely fashion by a professional roofer. However, certain situations will necessitate same-day repairs, while others can wait for an appointment to be scheduled.

Emergencies

Generally, any issue causing major structural damage to the roof or home would constitute a roofing emergency. Some of these include:

  • Major leakage points in the roof that would cause water to come quickly into the home whenever it rains
  • Large holes or other significant damage to the roof that would cause the elements (or animals) to enter the home
  • Fire damage to any section of your roof, even if shingles appear to be intact

For scenarios such as these, it’s best to call in a roofing professional immediately to assess the damage and make any necessary repairs.

Non-Emergencies

Even non-emergency situations should be addressed quickly to prevent them from becoming larger issues. These roofing scenarios typically call for an appointment with a roofer, but do not require immediate repair:

  • Signs of leaks, such as stained walls, or minor leaks that can be contained by a bucket
  • Damage to individual shingles
  • Replacement of roofs that are over 20 years of age
  • Regular inspection and maintenance tasks (professionals recommend having this done at least annually, if not twice a year)

Other Considerations

When calling a professional roofer, keep in mind that roofers can only go up on the roof and make repairs when conditions are safe. Rain, high winds, or a storm all pose significant danger; therefore, a roofer will need to wait to assess the damage until the weather has passed. However, you can still contact a professional immediately to set up a later appointment.

DIY vs. Hiring a Professional Roofer

Roofing ranks among the most costly home repairs, so thrifty homeowners may consider tackling the job themselves. However, attempting to repair a roof without the necessary experience and equipment can wind up costing more time and money in the long run.

Not only is it dangerous to walk on the roof (especially if it needs to be repaired), but homeowners may underestimate the time and cost of roofing jobs. Additionally, opting for the DIY approach can negate any protection from insurance, as companies may deny claims when the repairs were not done by a professional.

Handy homeowners can safely tackle temporary fixes, including patching leaks from the inside and placing tarps over leaks or holes. If they are comfortable doing so, they can also remove old shingles prior to a roof replacement. However, more extensive and long-term repairs are generally best left to a professional to minimize personal and financial risk.

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How to Find a Reputable Roofer Near Me

Once you’ve identified the need for a roofer, the next step is to hire a reputable local professional. To help, here are some tips for finding a qualified roofer in your area:

  • Get referrals: Referrals are a great starting point for finding roofing professionals. Friends and neighbors who have had roofing work done recently can provide honest feedback on their experiences. Lumber yards and hardware stores can also provide names of local professionals.
  • Do your research: After finding at least three qualified pros, verify the business’ contact information, licensure and insurance, and information from a local Chamber of Commerce and/or Better Business Bureau. Contractor review sites can also provide additional testimonials.
  • Speak with the contractor directly: Meet any prospective roofers virtually or in person, and get any contracts or agreements in writing before beginning work.

Questions to Ask Your Local Roofer

Asking the right questions before, during, and after the roofing job can increase the likelihood that you get the results you want. Here are some questions to ask a local roofer:

Before:

  • What is the estimated time and cost for the job? Can you provide a written estimate for it?
  • What will be the warranty on the new roof?
  • Can you provide professional references?

During:

  • How will you fix any mistakes or unexpected issues?
  • What additional time or cost will this incur?
  • Is there anything you need from me to expedite the process?

After:

  • What steps should I take to maintain my new roof or prevent or minimize any future damage?
  • To whom should I write out the check?
  • Where can I leave a review?

FAQ

Still looking for more information on the roofing process? Here are some frequently asked questions from homeowners:

Q. Why is roofing so expensive?

There are several factors that contribute to the high cost of roofing, including materials, labor, and insurance. Not only are the prices of roofing materials such as tiles and shingles on the rise, but there is also a huge demand for quality roofing labor. Additionally, as insurance rates increase, roofing pros also have to pay more to cover those rates.

Q. Should I call insurance or roofer first?

It’s often in the best interest of the homeowner to call a roofing professional before contacting their insurance company. A roofer can provide a thorough and accurate inspection to ensure every issue is addressed, and can also help homeowners navigate the insurance process.

Q. Should I tip the roofers?

Roofers will likely appreciate a small cash tip ($10 to $20 per worker), though it is not expected. Another option is to offer prepackaged snacks and beverages that team members can quickly grab. They will likely be grateful for this small gesture of hospitality, which can go a long way in keeping the roofing professionals comfortable.

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