Finding a reliable roofing contractor in Asheville isn’t just about getting the job done—it’s about securing your home’s protection for years to come. With Western North Carolina’s unique climate challenges—from summer thunderstorms to occasional winter ice—choosing the right professional becomes even more critical.
Here in the Blue Ridge Mountains, your roof faces specific challenges that many other regions don’t encounter. The frequent rainfall, humidity, and temperature fluctuations of our Asheville climate demand specialized knowledge and quality craftsmanship. As a local roofing company serving Asheville and surrounding communities since 2021, we’ve seen firsthand how the right contractor makes all the difference in a roof’s performance and longevity.
But how do you separate the truly qualified professionals from those who might cut corners? Let’s explore the essential questions every Asheville homeowner should ask before hiring a roofing contractor.
Are You Properly Licensed and Insured?
This question should top your list. In North Carolina, roofing contractors must hold a valid license from the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors when the project exceeds $30,000. Even for smaller projects, working with a licensed contractor provides important protections.
Ask to see proof of both liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. Liability insurance protects your property if damage occurs during the project, while workers’ compensation covers injuries to workers on your property—potentially protecting you from liability.
A reputable Asheville contractor will readily provide this documentation without hesitation. If they seem reluctant or make excuses, consider it a serious red flag.
Are You Local to Asheville and Western North Carolina?
Local knowledge matters tremendously in roofing. A contractor based in Asheville understands our regional weather patterns, building codes, and material performance in our specific climate.
Local companies also have established relationships with suppliers and a reputation to maintain within the community. They’re less likely to disappear after completing your project and more likely to honor warranties or address future concerns.
Be particularly cautious of “storm chasers”—contractors who appear after severe weather events, promising quick repairs. These operators often move from one storm-damaged area to another, potentially leaving homeowners with subpar work and no recourse when problems develop later.
What Roofing Materials Do You Recommend for Asheville Homes?
The right materials for an Asheville roof might differ from those ideal for homes in Charlotte or Raleigh. Our mountain elevation, rainfall patterns, and temperature fluctuations create specific demands.
A knowledgeable contractor should discuss multiple material options tailored to your home’s needs. They should explain the pros and cons of different shingles, metals, or other roofing systems specifically in the context of Western North Carolina’s climate.
For instance, architectural shingles with enhanced wind ratings perform well in our occasional high winds, while certain metal roofing systems excel at shedding our frequent mountain rainfall. The contractor should never push a one-size-fits-all solution.
Can You Provide Local References and Examples of Your Work?
Any contractor worth hiring should have a portfolio of completed projects in the Asheville area and be willing to connect you with previous customers. Ask for references from projects similar to yours and, ideally, from your neighborhood or nearby areas.
When speaking with references, ask specific questions: Was the project completed on time and within budget? Were there unexpected costs? How did the contractor handle any challenges? Has the roof performed well since installation?
Additionally, check online reviews and the company’s standing with the Better Business Bureau. A pattern of complaints about similar issues should raise concerns, while a strong local reputation with consistently positive feedback suggests reliability.
What’s Included in Your Written Estimate?
Never proceed with a roofing project based on a verbal estimate. A professional Asheville roofing contractor will provide a detailed written proposal that clearly specifies:
– Exact materials to be used (including brands, models, colors, and quantities)
– Scope of work (tear-off vs. overlay, ventilation improvements, flashing details)
– Timeline for both starting and completing the project
– Payment schedule and accepted payment methods
– Cleanup procedures and property protection measures
– Warranty information for both materials and workmanship
Watch out for vague language or significant exclusions. The more detailed the proposal, the less likely you’ll face unexpected costs or misunderstandings later.
How Will You Protect My Property During the Project?
Roofing is inherently messy work. Professional contractors implement specific measures to protect your home, landscaping, and belongings throughout the process.
Ask how they’ll shield gardens, outdoor furniture, and other exterior features. Discuss their plan for managing debris and nails that inevitably fall during tear-off. Inquire about tarping procedures if unexpected weather arrives mid-project.
In Asheville’s densely wooded neighborhoods, protection extends beyond your immediate property—contractors should also have plans to prevent damage to surrounding trees and neighboring properties.
How Do You Handle Unexpected Issues?
Roofing projects, especially on older Asheville homes, sometimes reveal hidden problems once work begins. Damaged decking, rotted fascia, or inadequate previous flashing may only become apparent after the old roofing material is removed.
A trustworthy contractor will explain their process for addressing such discoveries. Will they document the issue with photos? How will additional costs be calculated and approved? Will work stop until you’ve authorized the extra repairs?
Clear communication protocols for handling surprises prevent disputes and ensure you maintain control over project costs.
What Warranty Coverage Do You Offer?
Roofing warranties typically come in two parts: the manufacturer’s warranty on materials and the contractor’s warranty on workmanship. Both are essential protections for your investment.
Material warranties may range from 20-50 years depending on the products selected. However, these warranties often require proper installation according to the manufacturer’s specifications to remain valid.
Workmanship warranties vary widely between contractors. Ask specifically: How many years does the workmanship warranty cover? What specific issues does it include? Is the warranty transferable if you sell your home? Most importantly—how long has the company been in business, and are they likely to be around to honor that warranty?
How Do You Ensure Proper Ventilation and Insulation?
In Asheville’s climate, proper attic ventilation and insulation significantly impact both roof performance and energy efficiency. Without adequate ventilation, summer heat and winter moisture can deteriorate roofing materials prematurely.
A qualified contractor should evaluate your current ventilation system as part of their inspection and recommend improvements if needed. They should explain the specific ventilation strategy they’ll implement—whether it’s ridge vents, soffit vents, gable vents, or a combination approach.
This question helps distinguish contractors who understand roofing as an integrated system from those who simply replace what’s visible from the outside.
What Steps Do You Take for Quality Control?
Professional roofing installation involves numerous critical details that affect performance. Ask about the contractor’s quality control processes throughout the project.
Will a supervisor or project manager regularly inspect the work? Will the owner of the company be involved? How do they ensure proper nail placement, flashing installation, and other technical aspects? What final inspection procedures do they follow before considering the job complete?
Quality contractors typically have systematic approaches to verification at key stages of the project rather than simply trusting that every crew member will automatically do perfect work.
How Will You Communicate Throughout the Project?
Clear, consistent communication prevents most common roofing project frustrations. Discuss expectations about project updates and your primary point of contact.
Will you receive daily progress reports? Who should you contact with questions or concerns? How quickly can you expect responses? Will communication happen via phone, text, email, or in-person visits?
The best Asheville contractors maintain open lines of communication from the initial consultation through project completion and beyond.
Trust Your Instincts When Choosing an Asheville Roofing Contractor
Beyond the specific answers you receive, pay attention to how potential contractors interact with you. Do they listen carefully to your concerns? Do they explain concepts clearly without talking down to you? Do they seem rushed or pressuring, or do they take time to ensure you’re comfortable with all aspects of the project?
Your roof represents one of your home’s most significant investments and its primary defense against Western North Carolina’s weather. The right contractor approaches this responsibility with the seriousness it deserves.
By asking these essential questions and carefully evaluating the responses, you’ll be well-positioned to select a roofing contractor who will provide quality craftsmanship, honest communication, and lasting results for your Asheville home.
Remember that the lowest bid rarely equals the best value. When considering cost, balance the immediate price against the contractor’s reputation, warranty protection, and commitment to quality. Your roof is too important to entrust to anyone but the most qualified professionals serving our Asheville community.