Choosing Your Roofing Contractor

Purchasing a new roof is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make for your home, so it’s important that it’s done right and that you have someone standing behind the work for years to come. In order to ensure your roof is in good hands we recommend hiring a Platinum Preferred Roofing Contractor. They are required to meet high standards and satisfy strict requirements, including:

• Pre-selected for their commitment to customer service, business stability and quality
• Carry all required state and local licenses
• Hold at least $1,000,000 in general liability insurance
• In good standing with the Better Business Bureau
• Up to date latest industry standards and technology
• Certified to offer our extended Roofing System Limited Warranties† that provide up to a lifetime* of workmanship coverage.

Have a Conversation with your Contractor

Once you have decided on a roofing contractor the next step is to talk with them. You should prepare some questions to make sure they are up to the job at hand. Choosing the right contractor is as important as choosing the right shingles.

Below is a list recommended by Owens Corning of things what you should discuss at your consultation.

What you should expect

Adequate insurance coverage.

Your contractor should carry insurance to protect your home from accidental damage. Owens Corning™ Roofing Preferred and Platinum Preferred Contractors hold at least $1,000,000 in general liability insurance. Additional warranty and workmanship coverage.

Your contractor should be able to offer an extended warranty that may include workmanship coverage. Owens Corning™ Roofing Preferred and Platinum Preferred Contractors offer several different levels of Roofing System Limited Warranties that offer up to a lifetime* of material and workmanship coverage.† Quality materials. Not all roofing products are the same, so be sure your contractor works with a name you can trust.

Written estimate.

Your contractor should provide an estimate that includes an accurate description of the work to be performed, plus work that may have to be contracted out.

Code compliance. Your contractor should know and be in compliance with all local building codes.

References. Ask for references and call a few of them.

What you should ask

Will they perform a thorough inspection? In addition to checking for storm damage, your contractor should perform a thorough inspection of the entire roofing system, including the deck, attic, flashing, chimney, soil stacks and other roof penetrations. Will they install underlayment? Depending on several conditions, additional ice and water underlayment between the shingles and the wood deck may be needed to help prevent ice damming, wind driven rain or collected water.

Will they follow the manufacturer’s specifications? Your contractor should be familiar with and follow all manufacturer’s specifications since improper application can affect your manufacturer’s warranty.

Will they provide an explanation of your warranty? Your contractor should explain your warranty and be clear about whom to call with a problem. Find out if defective shingles are replaced for prorated replacement cost or original cost and if labor charges are additional.

Will they check for adequate ventilation? Your contractor should check the existing attic ventilation and explain the importance of proper ventilation. Improper ventilation can damage your shingles and invalidate your manufacturer’s warranty.

Will they explain how your roofing system works? Your contractor should offer a thorough explanation of the entire roofing system and how all the parts work together so you can make educated decisions.