ServiCover📌 Key Takeaway: The best predictor of a good roof is a good installer. Verify license and insurance, compare at least three itemized bids, and get both the manufacturer warranty and the contractor's workmanship warranty in writing.
The Vetting Checklist
- License — verify with your state contractor board where roofing licenses are required.
- Insurance — ask for certificates of general liability and workers' compensation, issued directly from the insurer.
- Local address and history — a physical office and years of local references matter after the job is done.
- Manufacturer certification — GAF, Owens Corning or CertainTeed credentials unlock stronger system warranties.
- Written, itemized estimate — materials by brand and product line, tear-off, underlayment, ventilation and decking allowance.
- Workmanship warranty — look for at least 5-10 years from the contractor, separate from the shingle warranty.
Questions to Ask Every Roofer
- Who will be on my roof — your crew or subcontractors?
- How do you handle rotted decking, and what's the per-sheet price?
- What ventilation changes, if any, do you recommend and why?
- Who pulls the permit, and who schedules the final inspection?
- How will you protect landscaping, and how do you clean up nails?
Red Flags
- Door-to-door "storm chasers" right after hail or wind events, especially with out-of-state plates
- Large upfront deposits — a reasonable deposit covers materials; paying most of the job in advance is risky
- Offers to "cover your deductible" — this can amount to insurance fraud in many states
- Pressure to sign an insurance assignment before you've spoken to your insurer
- No written contract or vague line items
Understanding the Two Warranties
| Warranty Type | Who Backs It | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer material warranty | Shingle maker | Defective shingles; often prorated after an initial period |
| Enhanced system warranty | Shingle maker (certified installers only) | Full system components, sometimes workmanship |
| Workmanship warranty | Your contractor | Installation errors — the most common cause of failures |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many roofing quotes should I get?
At least three. It shows you the local price range and makes it easier to spot quotes that leave out tear-off, ventilation or decking.
Should I pay a roofer in full before the job?
No. Common structures are a modest deposit, with the balance due on completion and after you've inspected the work.