After the storm, pounding rainfall, or heavy snowfall, neighbourhoods in Melbourne are typically flooded with roofing salespeople and flyers trying to establish their business in one of the few states with no state licensing requirements for roofing companies. 

You should know that there are good roofers, bad contractors, and roofers who fall somewhere in between in the roofing industry. Homeowners often find it daunting to research and choose roofing contractors themselves. 

You might be tempted to opt for the least expensive option. But when hiring roofers, you often get what you pay for. Instead, working with skilled and trustworthy roofing or reroofing contractors is always best for optimal results. 

So, how can you weed out good roofers from bad ones? To help, this article compiles a list of six red flags you need to be aware of when hiring roofing contractors.

Warning signs to watch for before hiring a reroofing contractor.

They are not Local

When looking for roofing contractors, you must consider whether they are local. 

Out of the town, roofers are usually storm chasers. They show up when a weather-related event, such as storms, heavy rains, hurricanes, etc, hits a particular area. 

Such roofers’ work the storm’ or other weather-related events and immediately leave the town, making them unable or unwilling to service any warranty they promised you before commencing the roofing project. 

In addition, storm chasers don’t have any proper license to work in specific areas or expertise. They jump into an opportunity to earn extra money before leaving the town. 

It will help avoid storm chasers and, instead, look for local roofing or reroofing contractors known for their work quality. Moreover, these roofers can immediately come back to fix any issue with your roof. 

Working with local contractors also ensures they know the local building codes and regulations and provide services accordingly. 

They are not Licensed or Insured

Working with a licensed and insured roofing professional is always beneficial as it protects your home and roofers working on the project from unforeseen accidents or damages. 

A good rule of thumb is to ask the shortlisted roofing contractor for proof of licensing and insurance before signing any contract. It will help you know whether the contractor is professionally trained and complies with the local building codes. 

Moreover, see to it the reroofing contractor’s license is up-to-date, and the insurance policy covers any damages to your property or home that might take place during the roofing project.

They Don’t Have Portfolio or References

When living in an area prone to hot and unpredictable weather, you might have to deal with roofing contractors trying to take advantage of many roofs that need repair or replacement. Such areas tend to see many ‘fly-by-night’ roofing contractors who try to make quick cash by hawking on vulnerable customers. 

A major red flag for such roofers is that they don’t have any past work. Shady roofing companies will not supply any portfolio or references and will simply stop responding. 

You should know that reputable roofing and reroofing contractors always have a portfolio and references from their prior jobs. The contractors who are proud of their skills and work will have no problem giving you photos and videos of completed roofing projects. 

In addition, they will non-hesitantly share a list of references for you to know more about their work. 

Roofing Contractors Asking for Money Upfront

If a roofer asks for money upfront, it could potentially be a red flag. Scammers often target older people by getting partial or full payment upfront and never completing the work or returning the money.

In such cases, demanding partial payment upfront is not the cause of concern, as roofers need some money to purchase the materials required to complete the job. 

However, if a roofing contractor asks for full payment before doing any work, it is generally a cause for alarm. In such a case, you should look for another roofer and not give full payment or insurance checks to any roofing contractor. 

They are not Transparent About Pricing

When working with roof contractors, ensure they are transparent about their pricing. A roofing contractor avoiding giving you the price estimate before working on the roofing project is a major red flag. 

You need to be able to trust that you are getting the best value for your money and that the roofer is not taking advantage of you. 

A trustworthy contractor will always provide you with an estimate for installing a new roof Melbourne, including materials, labour costs, and taxes. 

In addition, they will be ready to answer any questions you have about the cost of your roofing project. If your contractor can’t provide these details, you should look for another roofer.

In addition, before signing the contract, watch out for hidden fees or charges.

They Pressure You to Sign the Dotted Line

Most roofing contractors ask their clients to sign the contract for any roofing job. However, a reliable roofing contractor will know that making a significant repair or replacement purchase takes time. 

A homeowner will need time and space to research, create a budget, and plan for the expenses. Understandable roofing companies will always give their potential clients the room to determine whether or not you want to work with them. 

It’s why any roofing contractor vehemently pressuring you to move forward and sign on the dotted line can be a significant red flag. 

Moreover, a roofing contractor should always be willing to answer your queries honestly regarding the project. Consider it a red flag if a contractor ignores your questions or goes silent when you ask too many questions. 

Concluding Words

When you hire a roofing company to install a new roof Melbourne or repair the old one, consider the above-discussed red flags. 

Always look for local roofing contractors who can best repair or replace your roof, depending on local building codes or weather conditions. 

In addition, they will have a reputation to hold throughout the local area and, thus, provide the best possible services. You should avoid storm chasers or anyone not having a license or insurance and ask for the payment upfront.

Eleven questions worth asking before you sign

Ask every quote the same questions. The answers tell you more than the price does.

1. What kind of roofing do you specialise in? Tiled roofs behave differently to sheet roofs. A tiler and a metal roofer are not interchangeable, and the detail is in the pointing, valleys and flashings.
2. Are you licensed and insured? Ask to see it, not just be told.
3. How long have you traded under this name? Businesses that change name often are worth a second look.
4. Can I see local jobs you have done? Ideally in your suburb, on a roof like yours.
5. Which tile brand and profile, and is it still in production? This matters enormously on a repair or an extension, where matching an existing roof may not be possible.
6. Are the crew employees or subcontractors? Neither is wrong, but you should know who is on your roof and who carries the insurance.
7. Does the quote include sarking and battens, or only tiles? This is the commonest reason two quotes differ by thousands.
8. Is scaffolding included, and what safety measures are costed in? Hand-rail, scaffolding or a harness should be in every quote. If one quote is cheaper, check whether safety was simply left out.
9. What happens if you find rot once the tiles are off? You want to hear that they will photograph it and talk to you before doing extra work.
10. What guarantee do I get, in writing? Ask separately about the tile manufacturer warranty and the roofer’s own workmanship guarantee — they are different things.
11. Who removes the old tiles and rubbish? And is the site left swept, with gutters cleared and a magnet run for nails.

Two answers that should concern you

A quote given without anyone getting on the roof. What decides between a repair, a restoration and a replacement sits under the tiles. A number produced from the footpath is either padded to cover the unknowns or will be revised later.

Pressure to decide today. A roof is a considered purchase. Discounts that expire this week are a sales technique, not a price.

How we answer them

Camberwell Potteries Roofing has worked on Melbourne tiled roofs since the 1930s, when the company made the terracotta tiles rather than laying them. Terracotta and concrete only — no metal, Colorbond, polycarbonate or slate.

We are a dual supplier of CSR Monier and Bristile, so the tile suits your roof rather than whatever we stock. Our workmanship is guaranteed for 10 years on a full re-roof and 7 years on a restoration. Safety is always our first priority — hand-rail, scaffolding or a roof harness is used on every job and included in the quote.

And we inspect before we quote, because the alternative is guessing.

Free roof inspection and obligation-free quote. Call 03 9888 7088, Monday to Friday 9:00am to 4:00pm, or send us a message.

Related reading: what a re-roof involves, cost and timeline · do you need a building permit · re-roofing services · roof restoration · roofing FAQs

A roof replacement is one of the prominent undertakings for every homeowner in Melbourne. While you are excited to get a new roof, managing the entire roof replacement project can also be a bit stressful. 

During the roof replacement Melbourne project, when you pay attention to the details or factors that seem insignificant, you will realise the enormous role they could play. 

Moreover, you might have endless questions in your mind right now. How do you hire the right roofing company or choose the best materials? What precautions you should take? 

Having all these questions is normal as it implies you are concerned about your roof and your family’s health and safety. In this article, we have compiled some dos and don’ts for efficient and safe roof replacement in Melbourne.

Dos and Don’ts of Roofing Contractors

Do check roofing contractors’ reputation and license

The most effective way to know about the professionalism and reliability of roofing contractor is to check their reputation and license. You should know that reputation and experience go hand in hand. 

The more the shortlisted roofer is experienced, the more goodwill he will have in the market. So, know for how long your roofing contractor is in the business. 

In addition, they should have a license to work as professional roofers as it proves that they are trained and skilled in their job. 

Do check roofing contractor references

Another way to know more about your roofing contractor is to learn what past clients say. Consider reading online reviews and requesting customer testimonials from roofers to understand how efficiently and quickly they completed roof replacement Melbourne projects for their past clients.

Do request a detailed estimate

You should request a detailed and written estimate that includes materials, labour, and time. It will help you know what you are paying for. 

In addition, the estimate should outline the project’s start and finish date. 

Don’t hire a contractor who takes shortcuts

Some roofing contractors try to attract clients by lowering costs by cutting corners on material expenses. 

You might be tempted to save money or time installing roofing tiles, flashing, ventilation systems, or sealants. But in the long run, you might end up paying more because your home might soon require a new facia, decking, or even another roof. 

Dos and Don’ts of Roofing Materials

Do consider different roofing materials

You don’t have to opt for the same roofing material when considering replacing your roof. Instead, you can consult your roofing contractor for the best material options, depending on your region and budget.

Do check durability, lifespan, and wind and fire ratings

Before choosing any roofing material, you should always check for its durability, lifespan, wind, and fire ratings. Although not all roofing materials have ratings, you should choose the ones with wind and fire resistance ratings. 

Do select a desirable look

When opting for a new roof installation, you can expect it to last 20 to 50 years. So, picking the roofing materials is vital to maximise your home’s curb appeal for this timeframe. Consider discussing roof colour and style options with your roofing contractor.

Don’t go against the government regulations

Before purchasing any roofing material, make sure to cross-check with local regulations. Some sustainability guidelines don’t allow homeowners to use certain roofing materials, colours, or styles. 

You will not want to install an expensive new roof only to discover that it’s not allowed by the existing housing regulations.

Don’t add layers without checking structural integrity

If you want to install multi-layer roofing, consider testing your home’s and roof’s structural integrity, as added layers will add a significant load. 

Dos and Don’ts of Roofing Project Preparation

Do prepare your home

You should ensure your home is ready for the magnitude of the roof replacement project. Now that an entire team of professional roofers will be working on your roof, you should be prepared for your roof shaking or a slight vibration inside your house.

So, it’s recommended to remove the photos or décor items from your walls and secure other fragile belongings before the roof replacement project starts.

Do Protect Your Yard

Roofers might throw the old or damaged roofing tiles down from your roof to your yard. So, make sure to protect your yard from potential damage. 

Most roof replacement Melbourne professionals will protect plants and shrubberies with tarps. However, if your roofers don’t provide this service, you must take care of the same yourself. 

Don’t allow children and pets to play near the work site

You must ensure your kids and pets stay away from the work site during the roof replacement project. Roof materials thrown from your roof and loose nails in the yard can injure your children and pets. 

Dos and Don’ts of Roofing Work Inspection

Do make sure roofing materials are what you paid for

When roofing materials are delivered to the job site, inspect them to ensure that they are what you chose and are new and of high quality, as you requested. You must confirm that you are getting the roofing materials you paid for.

Do insist on safety

You must check whether the chosen roofing contractors follow the necessary safety regulations to ensure your roof, home’s, and family’s safety.

Don’t allow ventilation to be blocked

Sometimes, roofers mistakenly block the roof’s ventilation system during the roof replacement project. 

It can cause problems in the long run, such as a humid indoor environment, ice damming, or overheated tiles, which could affect your roof’s lifespan and your family’s health. 

To sum up it all!

Ensuring the safety and longevity of your home depends on your ability to recognise warning signs of damaged or falling roofs. 

If your roof has leaks and missing or damaged tiles, there are dark spots on the ceiling, or the roof is sagged, they are the signs your roof needs replacement. Understandably, roof replacement is a difficult project.

Following the above dos and don’ts can make completing the new roof installation project easier and safer. A well-executed roof replacement project will protect your home from the elements and boost its appeal.