The roof is one of the most important aspects of a building, and it greatly affects the overall functionality and livability of a home. Roof work also happens to be one of the most dangerous projects to take place on a property.
When you’re getting ready to repair or replace your roof, it’s essential that you take necessary precautions to avoid any potential hazards and ensure roofing safety. After all, working on a roof involves plenty of risks, especially on homes with steep pitches or other dangerous areas.
That’s why it’s important to ask your roofing contractor the right questions before signing any contracts. A qualified contractor will be willing to answer these questions and provide information about their business practices and techniques.
By asking these questions beforehand, you can rest assured knowing you have chosen the right contractor for the job and that they understand your concerns and expectations.
1. What Safety Measures Will Be Taken During the Job?
When it comes to roofing, there are many hazards to keep in mind. From falling objects to slippery conditions, there are plenty of ways you or a contractor could get hurt.
Before hiring a contractor, ask them what safety measures they will take during the job. The contractor should make it clear that they provide a safe work environment for their employees and that safety is one of their top priorities.
From when they arrive on your doorstep to when they leave, the contractor should be prepared with their roofing safety equipment and ready to put their safety procedures into practice. Full-body harnesses, for instance, are especially important for fall protection. A contractor who takes safety seriously will ensure that each worker is outfitted with the correct gear, such as hard hats, sturdy shoes, and so forth to always keep them secure on the roof.
If any toxic materials will be used, they will need to be kept in a safe and secure place that is out of reach of children and pets. If the job requires power tools, the equipment must be used by trained staff and kept stowed away when not in use.
2. Can You Provide Proof of General Liability Insurance and Worker’s Compensation?
As a homeowner, you must check if the hired contractor has proper insurance to cover the job. While accidents do happen, you want to be sure that you won’t be held responsible for any accidents that damage property or injure a worker.
An insured contractor will have a copy of that insurance available for you to view, along with the necessary contact information if a claim is needed. It’s vital that you inspect their insurance closely to ensure it’s an adequate amount to cover potential damages.
Make sure to ask about their policy regarding roofing and if their insurance covers any potential damages that may occur to your roof. For example, if a worker accidentally breaks a window or a pipe, the contractor’s insurance should cover that.
3. Where Will Materials Come From and Why Those Materials?
Roofing jobs can be particularly complex, and it’s important to select and install the proper materials. You may be presented with the option of using a lower-grade material that’s more affordable. You need to know whether it’s a viable option for your roof.
Therefore, it’s crucial that you ask your contractor where they will be getting their materials and why they believe those are the best options for your home. You’ll want to be sure that the materials used in your project are authentic and reliable, as faulty or substandard materials could result in a substandard roof that doesn’t protect your home or last as long as it should.
4. Will Scaffolding or Ladders Be Used?
Depending on the state of your roof, workers might need to use scaffolding or ladders to get to the problematic areas. Scaffolding can be a great way to access high areas of your roof safely. However, you want to ensure that it is used properly and securely attached to your roof.
Ladders can also be used to access your roof, but you want to ensure that your contractor takes the necessary precautions to remain safe while using them. For example, you want to make sure that the ladder is secured to the roof and has a solid base.
Scaffolding is considered a more secure way to reach roofing areas than ladders, though they can be more expensive to obtain and set up. All in all, make sure to discuss which equipment will be used during your project, including which areas on your roof will require scaffolding.
5. What Is Your Safety Procedure if Something Goes Wrong?
Unfortunately, accidents happen and are a part of any contractor’s job. When they do, your contractor should have a well-thought-out plan in place to ensure that the problem is handled as quickly as possible and that no additional problems or injuries occur.
For example, if someone gets cut while installing shingles, the contractor should have a first aid kit ready to treat the injury and have the person taken to the hospital if necessary.
Make sure to ask your contractor what their plan is if an accident happens, including how they will report the incident to the proper authorities if required.
Roofing projects can be dangerous and result in injuries to contractors or even homeowners. Falls, being struck by falling debris, or improperly handled loads can damage the home or cause bodily injury. It’s important to work with a contractor that is open about its work approach and implements the best safety practices and procedures to ensure the job is done safely.
The roofing experts at Interstate Roofing know what it takes to complete roofing repair and replacement safely. You can rest assured knowing you have chosen the right contractor for the job who understands your concerns as well as expectations. If you are in the Pacific Northwest and looking for an experienced roofing contractor you can trust, contact Interstate Roofing for a free estimate.
