By Mi-Ling Stone Poole –
DEAR MI-LING: A few months back a hailstorm damaged most of the roofs in my neighborhood. Most of my neighbors have signs in their yards promoting the roofing company that replaced their roof. It’s mind boggling just trying to make a choice between the different companies, but I know I need to do something real soon before the weather gets cold.

Is there a rule as to what color shingles to select for my new roof? Do you have any advice on how to select a roofing company that will do a good job with no leaks?

J.J.

DEAR J.J. The first thing you should do is call your insurance company and have the adjuster come out and take a look at your roof.

Call some of your neighbors and find out if the company they used did a good job. Find out if they had any leaks after a hard rain.

Next, check out these companies with your local Better Business Bureau.

Select at least three companies to stop by and give you an estimate. Don’t forget to check the gutters, garage doors and exterior vents. After you make a decision, ask for references and then call a few more people to find out if they were satisfied.

Make sure the company has a local office and is not a fly-by-night roofer. Make sure it is bonded and insured.

When it comes to selecting the right color for your roof, try to pick something that will complement the color of your home, not a color or style that will be overbearing and stick out like a sore thumb. Pull the roof colors down to the concrete, door and trim if possible. This will allow you to blend the colors seamlessly into the exterior.

Work directly with your insurance company and don’t sign over your check to the roofing company. Don’t give them a payment until the work is done. Most companies won’t require payment until the job is complete and hopefully you will get a heavy rain to test it out.

MORE INFO TIPS
How to pick a roofer

• BBB credentials.

• Extended warranties on materials and labor up to 15 years.

• Insured and bonded.

• References from old and new customers.

• No money down required.

Things to avoid

• Never pay up front!

• Never have the check sent directly to the roofing company.

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