What to ask before hiring a slate roofer in Boston

Most slate roofers in Greater Boston are competent. A few are exceptional. The difference between competent and exceptional shows up in the answers to specific questions before any work begins. Below are the eleven questions we recommend every Boston homeowner ask before signing a slate roof contract.

Eleven questions

• Will the owner walk the roof before you quote? If the answer is 'we send an estimator', you're hiring a sales department, not a roofer.
• Is the work being done by your in-house crew or subcontractors? Slate work subcontracted to roofers who don't specialize in slate is the most common cause of premature failure.
• What slate are you specifying? You should hear a quarry name (Vermont, Buckingham, North Country) or a synthetic brand (EcoStar, DaVinci). 'High-quality slate' is not an answer.
• What flashing material are you using? Copper or stainless. If you hear 'galvanized steel' on a slate roof, walk away.
• How are you fastening the slate? Copper or stainless nails, never through the slate face. Hot-dipped galvanized is acceptable but ages worse.
• What's the underlayment? Synthetic underlayment + ice-and-water shield at the eaves and valleys. Felt-only underlayment is a non-starter on slate.
• How long will the project take? A typical 30-square slate roof takes 4-6 weeks. If you hear 'we'll be done in a week', the crew is rushing.
• What's the warranty in writing? Manufacturer warranty on materials + at least 10-year workmanship warranty on installation. In writing in the contract, not verbal.
• Can I see three completed slate jobs in my neighborhood? Real photos, real addresses, real homeowners you can call.
• What's your insurance coverage? General liability + workers comp + roofer's bond. Ask for the certificate of insurance directly from the carrier.
• What's your payment schedule? Reasonable: 10-25% deposit, milestone payments, 10-20% holdback until final walkthrough. Unreasonable: full payment upfront, or any payment in cash.