Why Roofing Requires Careful Vetting
Roofing is one of the most common targets for home improvement fraud. Storm chasers, fly-by-night operators, and unlicensed contractors flood the market after weather events. A roof replacement is also one of the largest home improvement expenses, making the stakes particularly high.
Roofing-Specific Evaluation Criteria
Beyond our standard documented editorial checks, we evaluate roofing contractors on 16 category-specific criteria:
Business Stability
- Years in business (weighted heavily)
- Local presence verification
- Physical office location
- Fleet and equipment ownership
- Employee vs. subcontractor workforce
Technical Credentials
- Manufacturer certifications (GAF, CertainTeed, Owens Corning)
- Material warranty eligibility
- Workmanship warranty terms
- Specialty expertise (metal, tile, flat roofs)
Insurance Requirements
- General liability ($1M+ minimum recommended)
- Workers' compensation (critical for roofing)
- Completed operations coverage
Storm Damage Warning
Beware of Storm Chasers
After major storms, out-of-town contractors often target affected neighborhoods with door-to-door sales. Verify local presence, license status where required, insurance, written scope, payment terms, and warranty support before hiring.
Common Roofing Services
Roofing Services
- Full roof replacement
- Roof repair
- Leak detection
- Shingle replacement
- Flashing repair
Related Exteriors
- Gutter installation
- Siding replacement
- Soffit and fascia
- Skylight installation
- Attic ventilation
Regional Pricing Insights
2024 Average Roofing Costs
| Roof Type | Per Square* | Typical Home |
|---|---|---|
| Asphalt Shingles (3-tab) | $350–450 | $7,000–9,000 |
| Architectural Shingles | $400–550 | $8,000–11,000 |
| Metal Roofing | $700–1,200 | $14,000–24,000 |
| Tile/Slate | $1,000–2,000 | $20,000–40,000 |
*One roofing "square" = 100 sq ft. Typical home = 20 squares. Prices include labor and materials.
Warranty Comparison
Understanding roofing warranties is critical. There are two types:
- Manufacturer Warranty: Covers material defects (typically 25-50 years for shingles)
- Workmanship Warranty: Covers installation defects (varies widely, 1-25 years)
Our research shows that 78% of roof failures within the first 10 years are due to installation issues, not material defects. Always prioritize strong workmanship warranties.