Hiring someone to work on your roof is a big deal. Your roof protects everything under it—your family, your home, and everything you care about. It’s not the kind of job you hand over to just anybody.

The truth is, there are plenty of people out there who will take your money and cut corners. We’ve seen it happen more times than we can count. And most folks don’t realize they hired the wrong person until the roof starts leaking again.

At Westbank Roofing, we always tell homeowners this: Ask questions. Ask as many as you need. The right roofer will be happy to give you straight answers.

Here’s what you should ask before you hire anyone to touch your roof.

1. Are You Licensed and Insured?

This one’s non-negotiable. Ask to see their license. Ask for proof of insurance.

Why? Because if they aren’t licensed, they aren’t held to any real standards. And if they aren’t insured, guess who’s responsible if someone gets hurt on your property? You are.

It’s not enough for them to say they’re covered. Make sure they show you the paperwork.

2. How Long Have You Been Doing Roofing?

There’s no substitute for experience. Roofing isn’t something you pick up on YouTube over a weekend.

Ask how long they’ve been in the business—and how long they’ve been working right here in Louisiana. You want someone who knows how our weather works: the heat, the humidity, and the storms.

We’ve been roofing in this area for years at Westbank Roofing. We know what it takes to build roofs that last through our kind of weather.

3. Can You Give Me a Few References?

Don’t be shy. A good roofer should be able to hand you a list of people they’ve worked for.

Call those folks. Ask how the job went:

  1. Was the work finished on time?

  2. Did the crew clean up after themselves?

  3. Would they hire the company again?

If a roofer can’t give you any names, that tells you everything you need to know.

4. What Does Your Price Cover?

Get it in writing. Make sure the estimate includes:

  1. The type of materials they’ll use

  2. Whether they’re tearing off the old roof or just layering over it (hint: layering is usually not a good plan)

  3. Underlayment, flashing, and ventilation

  4. Cleanup after the job

  5. The warranty on both the materials and the work

If the estimate is vague, ask for details. You deserve to know exactly what you’re paying for.

5. What Roofing Material Do You Recommend for My House?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to roofing materials. What works for one home might not be the best choice for yours.

A good roofer will talk with you about your options and explain why certain materials hold up better in Louisiana’s heat and humidity.

If they can’t explain why they’re recommending something, be careful.

Want to see the materials we stand behind? Visit our roof replacement page.

6. What Kind of Warranty Do You Offer?

Every roofing job should come with two kinds of warranties:

  1. The manufacturer’s warranty (covers the materials)

  2. The workmanship warranty (covers how the roof was installed)

Ask how long each warranty lasts and what it covers. A handshake and a promise aren’t enough—get it on paper.

7. How Will You Protect My Home During the Work?

Roofing gets messy. Shingles, nails, pieces of wood—they all have to come down. But that doesn’t mean your flower beds and windows should pay the price.

Ask how the crew plans to protect your property while they work. Will they cover your landscaping? How will they handle the cleanup?

At Westbank Roofing, we treat your home like it’s our own. No trash left behind. No damage to your yard.

8. Who’s Going to Be in Charge of the Job?

This one’s important. A lot of companies will send out a salesperson to talk to you—but that person may not be anywhere near your house once the work starts.

Ask who’s actually in charge on site. Get their name. Get their phone number. You should know who to call if you have a question while the crew is working.

9. What Happens If You Find Rotten Wood or Damage Under My Old Roof?

Sometimes what’s under your shingles is worse than what you can see from the outside—rotten decking, damaged flashing, bad vents.

Ask what happens if the roofer finds problems once the old roof comes off:

  1. Will they talk to you before doing extra work?

  2. How much will those repairs cost?

Good roofers will be upfront about this—not hit you with a surprise bill when the job’s halfway done.

10. What If It Rains While You’re Working?

We live in Louisiana. Rain happens—even when the forecast says it won’t.

Ask how they handle weather delays. Will your roof be protected if the job has to stop halfway through?

A trustworthy contractor will have a plan to keep your home safe if the weather turns bad.

Don’t Be Afraid to Speak Up

This is your home. Your money. Your roof. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. The right roofer will appreciate that you care enough to make sure the job gets done right.

At Westbank Roofing, we believe good work starts with good communication. We’re always happy to answer your questions—before, during, and after the job.

No pressure. No fast-talking sales pitch. Just honest advice from people who’ve been doing this for a long time.

Let’s Talk About Your Roof

Thinking about a new roof? Dealing with leaks or storm damage? We’re here to help.

Call us. Send us an email. Or stop by and talk with us. We’ll give you a clear, honest quote—and help you figure out the best plan for your home.

📞 Contact Westbank Roofing

📞 504-340-4977
🌐 www.westbankroofing.com
📧 [email protected]
📍 Proudly serving Westbank, Gretna, Harvey, Marrero & surrounding areas