Overview
One important thing to remember before you schedule a roofing estimate — always make sure your roofing contractor is certified by the shingle manufacturer. Every manufacturer has different levels, or tiers, of certification. The higher the tier, the better it is for you as the homeowner.
Always double-check and ask your contractor what their certification level is. If they’re not certified through the shingle manufacturer, all you’ll usually get is the basic warranty, which is often around 10 or 15 years. That base warranty doesn’t always include workmanship or extra protection from the manufacturer.
The reason this matters came up just a few days ago. We had a gentleman call the office asking for a roofing inspection. I went out to take a look, and he told me he’d just had his roof replaced earlier this year by a local company. When we got up there, we found holes in the decking, parts of the ridge cap missing, and none of the pipe boots were installed properly. All of that can lead to leaks and damage inside the home.
That’s why it’s so important to check your contractor’s certification before you hire anyone. It gives you peace of mind knowing the job will be done right and that you’ll have manufacturer support if something goes wrong.
Quick Checklist Before You Hire a Roofer
- Ask what shingle brand they plan to use.
- Ask if they’re certified by that manufacturer — and what certification level they have.
- Request proof — most manufacturers list certified contractors on their website.
- Confirm what warranty you’ll receive: basic or enhanced.
- Get a written estimate showing materials, certification, and warranty details.
If you ever want a second opinion or just want to make sure your roof was installed correctly, we offer free estimates and inspections. Just give us a call at (304) 894-4642!