A new roof costs thousands of dollars, so picking the right roofing company is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a homeowner. Choose a roofing contractor who is licensed, insured, and has at least 5 years of experience installing the specific type of roof you need.
Getting multiple quotes helps you compare prices and services, but cost shouldn't be the only factor. Look at a company's reputation, warranties, and past work examples. Meeting face-to-face with potential contractors also lets you assess their professionalism and communication style.
A skilled contractor uses proper installation techniques and high-quality materials that protect your home for decades. Taking time to research and vet roofing companies now saves stress and money on repairs later.
Evaluating Roofing Contractors
A thorough evaluation of potential roofing contractors protects your investment and ensures quality work. We recommend focusing on three key areas: proper licensing and insurance coverage, proven experience, and commitment to safety standards.
Checking Licenses and Insurance
Every roofing contractor needs a valid state license to operate legally, so ask to see their current roofing license and verify it through your state's licensing board.
General liability insurance protects your property from potential damage during the project, and we suggest requesting proof of at least $1 million in coverage. Workers' compensation insurance is essential to protect you from liability if workers get injured on your property. Request current certificates for both insurance types and call the insurance companies to verify coverage.
Experience and Reputation
Look for contractors with at least 5 years of experience in your specific type of roofing project. You can check their Better Business Bureau rating and read recent customer reviews. Additionally, ask for references from similar projects completed in the last year, and call these references to learn about their experience with the contractor.
Check the company's online presence, including its website and social media. Professional photos of completed work and detailed testimonials indicate a well-established business.
Safety and Compliance
Review the contractor's safety procedures and training programs. Professional companies maintain written safety protocols and regular training sessions. Also, ask about their compliance with OSHA regulations and local building codes. They should handle all necessary permits and inspections.
Look for membership in professional organizations like the National Roofing Contractors Association. This shows commitment to industry standards. Additionally, the company should provide a detailed safety plan specific to your project, including fall protection measures and cleanup procedures.
Planning Your Roofing Project
Proper planning helps create a smooth roofing project with clear expectations and minimal surprises. Taking time to research materials, get detailed quotes, and review contracts protects your investment.
Understanding Roofing Materials
Common roofing materials include asphalt shingles, metal, slate, and tile. Asphalt shingles remain popular due to their 20-30-year lifespan and moderate cost, while metal roofs can last 50+ years but cost more upfront.
Each material offers different benefits:
- Asphalt: Affordable, easy to install, many color options
- Metal: Extremely durable, energy efficient, fire resistant
- Slate: Natural look, can last 100+ years, adds home value
- Tile: Great for hot climates, very durable, distinctive style
Getting and Comparing Quotes
Request quotes from at least three roofing companies, ensuring each quote includes:
- Material costs and quantities
- Labor charges
- Timeline for completion
- Cleanup and disposal fees
- Permit costs
Ask companies to break down major cost items in their estimates, as this makes comparing quotes easier and helps spot missing items. Good quotes should be detailed and specific, so watch for vague language or unclear terms that could lead to extra charges later.
Finalizing the Contract Details
Read the contract carefully before signing. Key items to verify include:
- Start and completion dates
- Payment schedule
- Material specifications
- Workmanship warranty length
- Clean-up requirements
- Lien waiver provisions
Get all promised items in writing as verbal agreements won't protect you if issues come up later. Ensure the contract explains how changes or unexpected problems will be handled. A clear change order process helps prevent misunderstandings.
Assessing Workmanship and Reliability
A roofing company's track record and stability are essential indicators of its ability to deliver quality work and stand behind its services.
Workmanship Quality and Warranty
Research previous projects and ask for references from previous customers, looking for clean, straight lines on shingle installation and proper flashing around vents and chimneys.
Check these key quality indicators:
- Even spacing between shingles
- Proper nail placement and quantity
- Clean gutters and work area after completion
- Neat trim work around edges and valleys
The warranty terms tell you a lot about a company's confidence in their work. A strong workmanship warranty should cover at least 5-10 years of protection against installation defects.
Company Stability and Location
A local company with a permanent physical address offers better accountability and faster response times for warranty claims. We suggest choosing contractors who have operated in your area for 5+ years, as this shows financial stability and proven reliability.
Key stability factors to verify:
- Physical office within 30 miles
- Business license in your state
- Current insurance certificates
- Phone number with local area code
Companies that invest in proper equipment and trained staff typically deliver more consistent results.
Post-Project Considerations
A quality roofing job goes beyond just installing new shingles. The contractor's actions after completing the work can affect your home's value and your peace of mind.
Cleanup and Property Protection
The cleanup process must be thorough and systematic, and a good roofing crew will use magnetic sweepers to collect stray nails and metal debris from your lawn and driveway. They should place protective barriers around your landscaping and remove all old materials from your property. This includes torn-off shingles, packaging, and any leftover supplies.
Following the work, inspect the areas around your home's foundation for debris, and ask the crew to check your gutters too - loose granules from new shingles can clog them.
Long-Term Value and Follow-Up
A well-installed roof can boost your home's resale value by 60-70% of the project cost, but upkeep is essential to preserve this value. Regular maintenance checks every 2-3 years will extend your roof's lifespan and protect your investment. You should also occasionally look for signs of wear like curled shingles or damaged flashing to spot potential issues early.
Keep all warranty paperwork, permits, and maintenance records in a safe place and schedule a follow-up inspection 6 months after the installation. Most reputable companies offer warranty-backed repair services. Ask about their response time for emergency repairs and get their after-hours contact information.
Get in touch to arrange an inspection of your current roof or to arrange emergency repair or replacement.
