A slate roof doesn't have a long life. On average, replacement is needed after 20 years. You search for a contractor at this point to repair or replace the roof. There are five questions to ask to find the right roofers to work with you.

1. Is The Roofing Contractor Local?

You want to hire a local roofing contractor. Their location should be within a few miles of your home or business. In addition, the organization's employees must also be locals.

Those who live in the same area they work are familiar with the area's climate. For instance, Colony Roofers and other commercial roofing companies in Atlanta know the materials that withstand the summer's heat and humidity. Their recommendations are closer to what you need as a home or business owner.

Out-of-town contractors don't know this information. Although they may say they understand your needs, they can't complete the job. Further, roofing contractors that hire outside help are in the business to save money instead of doing top-end work.

2. Are They Certified, Licensed, And Insured?

Contractors who take the business seriously are well-prepared and documented. Their licenses are available to view by the customers. Plus, the roofing firm's employees continually train for subject matter certifications.

Another thing to ask about is the company's insurance coverage. Their policies should have significant liability to cover damage to your home or business. Adequate amounts are also necessary to pay for injuries of the company's workers and customers.

A qualified roofing contractor offers licenses, certifications, and insurance documentation per the client's request. Remove from your list of considerations those firms that deny this right.

3. How Long Have You Been In Business?

Qualified roofing contractors have years of service behind them. They've spent time in the community and have worked on the same businesses and homes at several points in their careers. On top of this, they spent years as an apprentice and are eager to learn more about the industry.

Do not hire a new contractor for your roof. Although they say they have the experience, they might not have the right business acumen. The exception is a subject matter expert who continued to work for another company while forming their own roofing firm as a side hustle. Here, the contractor has enough business and industry experience to do a good job.

4. What Projects Can You See?

A roofing firm should be proud of the work it does. They should be more than willing to show you examples. The most confident contractors take you to their current and previous sites.

Conversely, a firm aware of its below-average work dissuades you from visiting their ongoing projects. At the minimum, the roofing contractor shows you images from a select group of residential and commercial installations that seem like appropriate examples. Avoid firms that aren't willing to go the extra mile for you to be their customer.

5. How Long Is The Project And Is It Guaranteed?

Depending on the project's scope, roof replacements and installations take several days or weeks to complete. A small home with slate tiles takes less time to finish than the concrete roof of a 10,000-square-foot business. Don't hesitate to ask questions about the materials used, the steps to complete the project, and what everything costs.

Also, ask about project warranties. A roofing contractor should guarantee cost and timeline estimates. Anything over the quoted price or completion date may trigger a discount for you. Generally, a roofing contractor that certifies a project has the confidence to complete the project on time and within the budget.

On the other hand, keep away from contractors that don't provide a guarantee, let alone an estimate on costs and completion time. These firms can stretch the project longer than needed. The final bill could contain additional material and labor costs without a written, guaranteed estimate.

Your roof is a critical part of your property. It keeps the elements out and maintains a comfortable indoor environment. Hence, don't work with a roofing contractor without asking the above questions. Ignore the firms not willing to answer even one of these questions. Instead, select the contractor that goes above and beyond its duties to respond to your queries.

Guest Contributor: Miranda Spears