When a roof starts to wear down, it can create a lot of uncertainty. Maybe you notice missing shingles after a storm, dark streaks along the roofline, or a leak that shows up during heavy rain. In Cincinnati, where roofs are constantly exposed to wind, ice, snow, and summer heat, those small warning signs can quickly turn into bigger concerns for homeowners.
Before hiring a Cincinnati roofing contractor, knowing what questions to ask can make the process far less stressful. The right questions help you understand what is really happening with your roof, what work is truly needed, and whether a roofing contractor is the right fit for your home and budget. Taking the time to ask them upfront can save you from costly surprises down the road.
For homeowners throughout the Greater Cincinnati area, Guaranteed Roofing is here to help make that process clearer and more straightforward, offering honest guidance and dependable asphalt shingle roofing services you can trust.
1. Are You Licensed, Insured, and Registered to Work in Cincinnati?
Before anything else, make sure the company is properly registered to do roofing work in Cincinnati. While Ohio does not require a state roofing license, Cincinnati does require contractors to register and pull permits when appropriate. If you live in a surrounding community such as Lebanon, Middletown, or Hamilton, it is still important to confirm that your roofing contractor follows any local registration or permitting requirements that may apply.
Insurance is just as important. Roofing companies should carry both general liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. This protects you if there is accidental damage to your property or if someone is injured on the job. Guaranteed Roofing is properly registered where required and carries full insurance, so homeowners across the Cincinnati area can move forward with confidence.
2. What Is Your Experience With Asphalt Shingle Roofing?
You want a contractor who has deep experience with your specific roofing material. Asphalt shingles vary from basic three-tab to architectural and designer styles, and each requires the right installation technique to perform well here in southwest Ohio’s weather.
Ask how many years they have been installing shingle roofs and whether they specialize in different shingle types and brands. Our team at Guaranteed Roofing has extensive experience with asphalt shingles built for our local climate, ensuring your roof stands up to Ohio’s freeze-thaw winters and hot, humid summers.
3. What Warranties Do You Offer on Materials and Workmanship?
A trustworthy roofing contractor should offer both manufacturer warranties on shingles and a workmanship warranty on the installation itself. Manufacturer warranties cover defects in the shingles. A workmanship warranty covers how the roof was installed, including leaks or issues that might result from poor installation.
Ask for details on how long each warranty lasts and what it actually covers. Guaranteed Roofing stands behind both the materials we install and the craftsmanship we deliver, so you have peace of mind for years to come.
4. Will You Provide a Written Estimate and Contract?
Never hire a roofing contractor based on a verbal quote. Always get a written estimate that breaks down:
- Material costs, including shingle type and underlayment
- Labor
- Permit fees
- Cleanup
- Timeline for completion
You deserve a clear, detailed contract that outlines every aspect of the roofing project. This protects both you and the company and helps prevent surprises once the work begins.
5. Do You Offer Roof Inspections Before Quoting a Project?
No two roofs are exactly alike. Factors like age, slope, ventilation, attic conditions, and past repairs all play a role in what your roof actually needs. A reliable roofing business will always take the time to inspect your roof in person before offering a quote.
During that roof inspection, pay attention to how clearly the contractor explains what they are seeing and why they are recommending certain repairs or a replacement. Straightforward explanations and zero pressure are strong signs you are working with a contractor you can trust, like Guaranteed Roofing.
6. What Shingle Brands and Grades Do You Install?
Ask which brands and product lines the contractor installs, and look for well-known manufacturers that perform well in Cincinnati’s unique climate. A quality roofing company should offer a variety of shingle options, including standard asphalt shingles; architectural shingles for added depth and durability; designer shingles for a bold, custom look; and energy-efficient shingles to help keep your home cooler in the summer.
Guaranteed Roofing installs all of these shingle types and works with trusted brands like CertainTeed and Owens Corning. Our team guides homeowners through each option so you can choose a roof that balances performance, style, and budget while protecting your home in southwest Ohio weather.
7. How Will You Protect My Property During Roofing Installation?
Roofing work can be messy. Ask how the company protects your landscaping, gutters, and outdoor spaces during installation. A professional roofing company like Guaranteed Roofing will lay down tarps, use magnetic sweepers to collect nails, and clean up thoroughly at the end of each day.
Your home deserves respect during the entire process. Attention to detail here is a sign of the quality you can expect from start to finish.
8. Can You Provide References or Reviews From Local Customers?
A strong local roofing contractor should be able to share recent reviews, testimonials, or even references from Cincinnati area homeowners. Look especially for comments about communication, timeliness, cleanup, and follow-through after the job is done.
Reviews are not just about stars; they tell the story of how a roofer treats its customers, responds to concerns, and stands behind its work long after installation or roof repair.
9. How Long Will It Take to Install a New Roof?
Installation time depends on your roof’s size, shape, shingles, condition, and the weather. For an average Cincinnati home with a standard asphalt shingle roof, most roof replacement projects take one to three days, while larger homes, steep roofs, or extra repairs may take longer.
A professional roofer provides a clear timeline, outlining daily work, prep, cleanup, and accounting for weather delays. Guaranteed Roofing carefully plans each project and brings experienced crews, ensuring your new asphalt shingle roof is installed efficiently, safely, and with lasting quality.
10. What Happens After the Job Is Done?
Great roofing companies do not disappear once the shingles are laid. Ask what kind of follow-up you can expect after the project is complete. Will they walk your property with you? Do they offer annual or seasonal maintenance checks? Are they easy to contact if questions come up?
Long-term customer care is part of true service. When you choose Guaranteed Roofing, we treat every home like our own and support you long after the last nail is set.
Choose a Roofing Contractor You Can Trust
Your roof protects your home and family every day, and it’s not a job you should trust to just anyone. Asking these 10 questions helps you separate well-intentioned, reputable roofing contractors from those who may cut corners, leave details behind, or disappear after payment.
Choosing the right roofing company means getting expert craftsmanship, honest communication, and peace of mind. If you are ready to protect your home with confidence, contact Guaranteed Roofing for a free roofing estimate today.