The Truth About Roofers: What You Should Look For In A Roofing Company

What does a roofer do? Which roofer should I choose? Do I use a roofer near me, or ask friends for a referral? What’s the difference between a roofer and a roofing contractor?

These are just a handful of common questions homeowners have about roofers, roofing, and roofing contractors. Many homeowners – especially first-time buyers – have no clue how to navigate roofing issues until a leak appears. When independently researching roofing companies near you, it can be overwhelming to wade through reviews, figure out what type of repair your roof needs, or simply trying to learn general roofing terms. We’ll run through the basics of what to look for in a roofing company (and what to avoid).

1. WHAT IS A ROOFER? ‘Roofer’ is a casual name for a general roof worker. This generic term, though common among homeowners searching for roof repairs, can denote a less reputable, lower-quality roofing service provider. A reputable roofing contractor will refer to themselves as just that – a roofing contractor. Roofing contractors are licensed professionals; they have a state-issued contractor’s license, and are typically established companies with a solid reputation.

GUY ROOFING TIP: Ask for references! Any reputable contractor will have a defined list of recently completed jobs. To get a better feel for a roofing contractor’s services, hearing someone’s experience directly can help inform your decision-making.

2. WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN A ROOFING CONTRACTOR? A quick search should turn up a professional website, customer reviews, and (hopefully!) photos of recent work. In the information age, a digital presence is a must for any business owner, and scoping out a contractor’s website, reviews, and photos can be a great source of information, and will immediately tell you whether they’re an established company.

GUY ROOFING TIP: Look up any recent news! Check their website – or Google News – for any recent company updates, press releases, or interviews. A company that regularly updates their community demonstrates their stability.

3. TRUST YOUR GUT. References, reviews, and photos will help you assess quality of service, attentiveness, and overall customer experience. Ultimately, trusting a roofing contractor comes down to feeling comfortable, informed, and secure throughout the process. The right fit for you will ensure you feel confident, answer all your questions, and walk you through the process step-by-step. If a roofer pressures you to make a quick decision, has unreliable communication, or becomes impatient, definitely use caution.

GUY ROOFING TIP: Make sure your roofing contractor explains the full scope of work to be done. Read your contract in full, and make sure to save copies of all paperwork!

With over 50 years of roofing under our belt, Guy Roofing is a leading commercial, industrial, and residential roofing contractor. Check out our galleries to see recent work, visit our social media channels, or check out our reviews! No matter what your roof needs, we’ve got you covered.