When it comes to hiring a roofing contractor, homeowners want to ensure that they are getting a reputable and reliable professional. One way to determine this is by looking for a certified roofing contractor. A certified roofing contractor is one who has undergone specific training and has met certain requirements set forth by industry organizations. But is certification really important? In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of hiring a certified roofing contractor and why All Star Roofing in Florida is a great choice for all your roofing needs.
How to Hire Certified Roofing Contractors
Although it might be tempting to contact a company that leaves a flier on your front door, or appears in the top Google search result, we recommend that you be more careful in your selection process. Keep in mind, however, that not all “recommendations”, whether they come from customers or next door, may be genuine.
It is common knowledge that you should get quotes from multiple roofing companies before hiring a roofer. We recommend that you only request quotes from licensed roofing companies. These are the minimum requirements to determine if a company is qualified.
Choose a Licensed Roofing Contractors
There are agencies in most states that license roofing contractors. Although the licensing process is different from one state to the next, some states require proof of insurance and/or experience in the trade. Some states also require the roofer to pass an exam.
Check the website of the appropriate roofing licensing board to determine if a contractor is licensed in your state.
Certain states have different licensing standards for roofing companies. You should also ensure that the roofing companies that give you a quote are licensed.
What Does It Mean to Be a Certified Roofing Contractor?
Although most roofers are licensed, a certified roofer is not the same as a licensed one. Is that clear as mud? Here’s another explanation.
Advanced training is provided to roofing contractors by the manufacturers of roofing materials. This training does not take place over the weekend or in the afternoon. Most roofers require months to years of training to be certified. The training is not a one-and-done experience. Roofers must continue to be trained to keep up with the latest practices and techniques.
Before approving the company’s service, the manufacturing company inspects the roof installations and roof repairs. Before recommending a company to the public, the manufacturing company wants to ensure that they have followed their installation instructions to a T.
Types of Certifications and Licenses Roofers Should Have
Roofers should have certifications and licenses to ensure their skills and knowledge are up-to-date and comply with safety regulations. Some of the most common certifications and licenses include OSHA certification, roofing manufacturer certifications, and state contractor licenses.
Insurance Coverage
Two types of insurance should be carried by residential roofing companies: Workers’ Compensation insurance and Liability insurance.
While the roofing project is in progress, liability insurance covers damage to your property. You are exempted from all responsibility and you don’t have to pay any personal money if something goes wrong during the construction. Ask to see proof of liability insurance if your roofer claims they have it.
Workers’ compensation insurance protects roofers from any injuries that may arise during the construction process. If a worker is injured while on your property, you will be protected against lawsuits.
Manufacturer Certifications
Although roofers don’t need to be manufacturer-certified to execute roofing work, finding a roofing contractor who is certified by the leading brands is certainly a big plus. Certified roofers have often received advanced training from the manufacturer. This allows them to be more familiar with the process of installing and repairing your particular roofing system.
A roofing company that is certified by Owens Corning, GAF, or CertainTeed can provide superior product quality and top-notch workmanship.
The Benefits of Hiring a Licensed and Certified Roofing Contractor
There are many benefits to hiring a certified and licensed roofing company, such as:
Licensed Roofers Are Experts in the Industry
A licensed roofer has gone through the necessary training and certification process to ensure that they have the necessary knowledge and skills to perform roofing services. This includes understanding the various roofing materials and techniques, as well as safety regulations and best practices. By hiring a licensed roofer, you can be confident that your roofing project will be completed correctly and to industry standards.
Licensed Roofers Won’t Ask for Illegal Payments
Once you have paid about 10% of the project costs, licensed roofers will begin roofing work. The state licensing boards usually establish this requirement and licensed roofers agree to follow it. A licensed roofer won’t ask for money upfront, then later fail to finish the job or do a poor job as unlicensed people often do.
Official Contracts Are Offered by Licensed Roofers
A written contract is a good way to protect yourself as a consumer. A written contract is provided by licensed roofers that outlines the scope of work, materials required, and the time frame for the work. It is easy to hold contractors responsible for delivering on their promises.
A clause known as a mechanic’s lien may be included in the contract to protect you against being held responsible for unpaid bills that are owed to subcontractors or suppliers by contractors.
Insurance Is Available for Licensed Roofers
Licensed roofers are required to carry insurance coverage such as workers’ compensation and liability insurance. This is to protect both the roofer and the homeowner in case of any accidents or damages that may occur during the roofing process. Workers’ compensation insurance covers any injuries sustained by the roofing crew while working on your property, which means you will not be held liable for any medical bills or lost wages.
Liability insurance, on the other hand, provides coverage for any damages or accidents that may occur during the roofing project, such as damage to your property or injury to a third party. By hiring a licensed roofer with insurance coverage, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are protected from any potential liabilities that may arise during the roofing process.
Solid Warranty for Licensed Roofers
One of the benefits of hiring a licensed roofer is that they typically offer a solid workmanship warranty. This warranty provides coverage for any issues that may arise due to poor workmanship or installation errors. The length of the warranty can vary depending on the type of roofing material and the specific terms and conditions of the roofer.
In addition, a licensed roofer who is committed to providing high-quality services and maintaining ethical practices will stand behind their work and promptly address any issues that arise within a reasonable time frame, typically within 24 hours of installation. By choosing a licensed roofer with a solid warranty, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are protected against any potential issues that may arise with your new roof.
Risks of Hiring an Unlicensed or Uncertified Roofer
Unqualified roofing contractors pose many risks, including poor quality installation and no coverage for any damages or accidents that may occur during roofing. It doesn’t matter if an unlicensed roofer is less expensive than a licensed and certified contractor. However, this won’t change the fact that there is still a risk.
Many homeowners end up paying high medical bills for well-meaning handymen who were injured during a project. Unlicensed contractors may also settle for inferior products because they lack the training and certification to install top-quality roofing materials.
The Best Roofing Companies Have a Track Record of High-Quality Work
The quality of a roofing job depends heavily on the expertise of the roofing contractor. In fact, even the best roofing materials will not perform well if they are not installed properly. This is why it is crucial to choose a roofing contractor with a track record of high-quality work.
To ensure that your roofing job is done right, it is best to hire a contractor who is licensed and certified by the manufacturer of your roofing materials. By doing so, you can be confident that the manufacturer stands behind the contractor’s work and reputation.
One such roofing material company is Owens Corning, which is highly rated in the industry. Being named one of Owens Corning’s certified roofing contractors is a significant achievement and a testament to a contractor’s expertise and commitment to quality work.
At All Star Roofing, we take pride in having licensed and certified roofers who are among the best in the industry when it comes to Florida roofing. By choosing us for your roofing needs, you can rest assured that you will receive high-quality work that meets the standards of both our company and the roofing material manufacturers we work with.
Get in Touch With Our Certified Roofers Today
Looking for the best roofing contractor for your Florida home? Our team of expert roofers got you covered!
At All Star Roofing, we are committed to providing our customers with the highest quality roofing services in the industry. Our licensed and certified roofers have years of experience and are dedicated to delivering exceptional workmanship and customer service on every project. We use only the best materials from top manufacturers like Owens Corning to ensure that your roof is not only beautiful but also durable and long-lasting.
Other Services We Offer
- ROOF INSTALLATION
- RE-ROOFING
- SHINGLE ROOFS
- TILE ROOFING
- FLAT ROOFING
- METAL ROOFING
- EMERGENCY ROOF REPAIR
- HURRICANE HELP
Whether you need a new roof installation, repairs, or maintenance, we have the expertise and knowledge to get the job done right. Plus, we offer competitive pricing and financing options to help make your roofing project affordable and stress-free. Contact us today to schedule your free estimate and see why All Star Roofing is the best choice for all your roofing needs in Florida!