Angie’s List: Tips on buying a roof

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Late spring storms brought hard hitting hail to the Hoosier state. Hundreds were in need of new roofs. But, buying one requires care and caution.

"With the kind of hail we had recently in the Fishers area, some of that was baseball size and not many roofs, if any, are going to be able to withstand that," said David Miller of Coomer Roofing.

Miller said it's a good idea to check your roof out every so often even if it hasn't been hit by a storm.

"You can look at the roof and give it a visual inspection. Maybe your shingles are curling, missing some shingle tabs or it just gets ugly," said Miller.

Putting on a new roof isn't for amateurs. Angie Hicks of Angie's List said homeowners should look for someone, local, licensed and insured.

"This is not a project you should give to someone going door to door suggesting they can do the work for you," said Hicks.

Hicks said make sure the contractor you hire has insurance.

"Especially in this economy. These are the types of things insurance, licensing, these are the types of things that cost money. And they can expire. So don't be afraid. Not only ask for the certificate of insurance, but call the insurance company and make sure the policy is up to date," said Hicks.

Miller said beware of contractors who move into a neighborhood right after a storm moves out.

"I would just simply ask questions of the contractor. For example, do they have a permanent address? And how long have they been in business in your local area," said Miller.

Miller said when replacing a roof you can do a layover. That is put a second level over the current roof, but he said that's not recommended especially if there's been storm damage.

"We typically recommend a tear off. Because then you can inspect the decking, the wood and all the components," said Miller.

The cost of a roof varies widely. But Miller said, with a standard 20 to 25 year shingle the average job starts at about $5,000. He said it takes about two days to finish the job weather permitting.