Considering a new roof for your Sacramento area home? It’s a good idea to be proactive about your roofing here in the Northern California climate. High heat, rainstorms, and powerful winds can cause significant damage if your roof needs to be replaced. A new roof installed by experts can bring peace of mind for decades to come, no matter what Mother Nature brings.
Before you sign a contract with a roofer, though, make sure you ask them the right questions and get the right answers. Here are five questions to ask a roofing contractor in Sacramento, and why these questions can make or break the success of your roofing project.
Are you licensed with the CSLB, with a $1,000,000+ General Liability Insurance Policy?
Ask a potential roofer for their Contractor State License Board (CSLB) number, along with proof of their liability insurance and workers’ comp coverage. A license tells you the roofer meets legal and training standards, but a shocking 22% of roofers don’t have this accreditation. A roofer’s insurance protects your home and family in case of accidents or damage during the project. Don’t compromise on license and insurance to save money. It could end up costing you a lot more in the long run.
How long have they been in business?
This is more than just a passing curiosity; the answer to this question speaks volumes about a company’s stability, experience, and commitment to the local Sacramento community. A roofing company that has been in business for ten years or more has proven its ability to weather economic shifts, handle a diverse range of complex roofing challenges specific to the Northern California climate, and establish a solid reputation.
Why longevity matters:
- Financial Stability: Roofers who have been around for decades are typically more financially stable. This is important for two main reasons. First, it means they are less likely to disappear mid-project, leaving you with a half-finished roof. Second, it gives you confidence that they will be around in the future to honor their workmanship warranty should you need a repair years down the road. If a new, fly-by-night company installs your roof and goes out of business a year later, your warranty is practically worthless.
- Local Expertise: Sacramento has unique weather patterns—intense summer heat, periods of heavy rain, and sometimes high winds. An experienced, long-running local company understands which materials and installation techniques work best for the homes in this area to maximize durability and energy efficiency. They know how to properly ventilate an attic to handle the blistering summer heat, which is essential for shingle longevity and keeping your energy bills low.
- Supplier Relationships: Established companies often have strong, long-standing relationships with the major roofing material manufacturers. This can lead to them being certified as “preferred installers,” which often qualifies you, the homeowner, for the best extended manufacturer warranties, sometimes a 50-year non-prorated warranty that smaller, newer companies simply cannot offer. Always ask if they are a preferred or certified installer for the materials they recommend.
Do you use subcontractors?
This is one of the most important questions you can ask, and you need a very clear and direct answer. When a company uses subcontractors, it can potentially introduce complications in accountability, quality control, and liability.
Understanding the Difference:
- In-House Employees (Direct-Hire): When a roofer uses their own full-time employees, they have complete control over the training, supervision, and quality of the crew on your roof. These employees are covered by the company’s Workers’ Compensation insurance, and the company is directly responsible for their performance. A company that uses its own crew is making an investment in its people, which usually translates to higher quality and greater efficiency.
- Subcontractors: A subcontractor is an outside business hired by your primary roofing contractor to perform the work. While many subcontractors are skilled, the primary contractor often has less direct control over their crew’s training, safety protocols, and daily work ethic. This can lead to inconsistencies in the quality of the finished roof.
The Key Risks of Subcontracting:
- Liability and Insurance Gaps: This is the biggest risk. You need to be 100% certain that the subcontractor has their own valid Workers’ Compensation and General Liability insurance, and that the primary contractor has verified it. If an injury occurs on your property and the subcontractor’s insurance is lapsed or insufficient, a legal claim could potentially reach the primary contractor and, in the worst-case scenario, you, the homeowner. Ask the primary roofer: “Will you provide me with the insurance certificates for any and all subcontractors who will be on my property?”
- Lack of Accountability: When a problem arises a leak, a scheduling delay, or a messy job site it can become a blame game between the primary contractor and the subcontractor. This can delay repairs and make it frustrating for you to get a straight answer. With a direct-hire crew, the roofer you hired is solely accountable.
A roofing company that invests in its own trained, background-checked employees is typically a sign of a more reliable and quality-focused operation.
What warranties do you offer?
Not all warranties are the same, and you need to know what’s being promised. There are two main types of warranties to ask about:
- Manufacturer’s warranty: Covers defects in the materials
- Workmanship warranty: Covers installation and procedural issues
Look for 50-year or lifetime warranties that will protect the investment you’ve made in your new roof for as long as you live in your home. The roofing team should give you information about the warranty so you know how to make a claim or what to watch for in the future.
Can you provide local references or show me recent projects?
For ultimate peace of mind when selecting a roofing company, look for one that operates transparently. Checking their recent work in Sacramento or nearby neighborhoods is essential; ask for photos or even drive by homes where they’ve completed projects to see the quality firsthand. Be sure to check online reviews and don’t hesitate to ask for local references. This due diligence can help you avoid scams and contractors who overpromise and under-deliver. A good roofing company, such as ours, will proudly share its client feedback instead of hiding from it, which is why we’re proud to reference that we have over 750 5-star Google reviews.
Contact us at Loveland Roofing to learn more about our roofing services
The most important choice you’ll make about your roof is which roofer to use. How to choose a roofer starts with asking the right questions. It puts you in control and helps you avoid bad actors in the industry. Loveland Roofing is a family-owned, locally run company with 40+ years of experience. We’ve served over 20,000 happy customers across greater Sacramento, delivering top-tier service without charging top-tier prices.
Contact us at Loveland Roofing today for a free 50-point Roof Inspection and same-day written estimate on repairs or replacement. Let us help you protect your home with a roof that’s built to last.
Image credit: // Shutterstock // Michael Vi
