When your roof starts leaking or showing signs of damage, it can feel overwhelming. You know that fixing it isn’t something you can do on your own, but you also don’t want to hire the wrong person for the job. A poorly done roof can cause even more problems down the road, costing you more money and stress than you expected. 

That’s why asking the right questions before hiring a roofer is so important. If you take the time to get clear answers, you’ll be able to avoid common mistakes and feel confident that your home is in good hands.

How Much Experience Do You Have in Roofing?

The first thing you should ask is about experience. A roofer with years of hands-on knowledge will usually have faced all kinds of challenges, from storm damage to complex installations. This kind of background can give you peace of mind that they know what they’re doing. 

Roofing is a specialized trade, and the difference between a skilled roofer and someone inexperienced can be the difference between a roof that lasts decades and one that fails in a few years. Ask how long they’ve been in the business, what types of roofs they’ve worked on, and whether they have specific expertise with the material you want for your home.

What Is Your Process for Roof Replacements?

If your home needs more than a simple patch, you’ll want to understand how the contractor handles full roof replacements. Every company has its own approach, and knowing the details can help you see if they work with professionalism and care. 

Ask them how they remove the old materials, what kind of underlayment they use, and whether they check for hidden damage before laying down new shingles or tiles. A reliable roofer should be able to walk you through the entire process step by step, making sure you understand the timeline and what to expect during the project.

Are You Licensed and Insured?

Another question that should never be skipped is about licensing and insurance. These documents protect both you and the contractor. A licensed roofer shows that they meet state or local requirements for training and quality. 

Insurance is equally critical, because it protects you from liability if an accident happens on your property. If a worker gets injured or something on your home is damaged, you don’t want to be the one paying for it. Always ask for proof and don’t be afraid to double-check that the documents are valid and up to date.

Can You Provide References from Past Clients?

Hearing directly from previous clients is one of the best ways to know if a roofer is trustworthy. Ask for references and follow up with those homeowners. Did the roofer finish the job on time? Did they stick to the agreed budget? Was the quality of the work as promised? 

Many people skip this step, but it can reveal a lot about how the roofer treats their customers. If a contractor hesitates to give you references, that might be a red flag. A good roofer should be proud of their past projects and happy to share contact details for satisfied clients.