Choosing The Right Roofer

When it’s time for a roof replacement, many homeowners focus on one thing: price. While budget certainly matters, choosing the right roofer involves much more than comparing estimates. 

Your roof is your home’s first line of defense against wind, rain, snow, and extreme temperatures. The contractor you hire can have a direct impact on how well that roof performs for decades to come.

This article is based on an interview with Adam McKibbin, President of Van Martin Roofing. During the conversation, Adam shared insights from more years in the roofing industry, covering topics such as contractor selection, roof inspections, warranties, roofing estimates, and the importance of choosing a reputable roofing company.

Why Choosing the Right Roofer Matters

A roof replacement is one of the largest investments most homeowners make. According to the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), proper installation is just as important as the roofing materials themselves because incorrect installation can reduce performance and shorten a roof’s lifespan.

Many homeowners don’t think about their roofing contractor after the project is complete. However, roofing issues can arise years later. When that happens, you’ll want a company that is still in business and willing to stand behind its work.

As discussed during the interview, many homeowners experiencing roof problems years later either can’t remember who installed their roof or discover the contractor is no longer available to service it. That’s why choosing the right roofer should be viewed as a long-term decision rather than simply a purchase.

Don’t Choose a Roofer Based on Price Alone

One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is assuming all roofing estimates include the same materials and workmanship standards.

In reality, roofing estimates can vary significantly because contractors use different products, installation methods, warranty options, and service commitments.

For example, some contractors use premium roofing accessories designed to last the life of the roof, while others may choose lower-cost components that could fail much sooner. During the interview, Adam explained how certain roofing components can cost several times more than standard alternatives but provide significantly better long-term performance.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recommends obtaining multiple estimates and carefully comparing what’s included rather than automatically choosing the lowest bid.

When reviewing proposals, ask:

• What materials are included?

• Are all roofing components listed?

• What warranty coverage is provided?

• What happens if repairs are needed later?

These questions often reveal differences that aren’t obvious from the price alone.

Research the Roofing Company’s Reputation

One of the best ways to evaluate a contractor is by researching their reputation. Today’s homeowners have access to valuable resources that can provide insight into how a company treats customers and handles issues.

Google reviews are often a good starting point because they provide a large sample of customer experiences. However, don’t just focus on star ratings. Look at how the company responds to concerns and whether there are consistent patterns in the feedback.

As Adam noted in the interview, the true measure of a roofing contractor isn’t whether mistakes ever happen—it’s how the company responds when they do.

Look for Manufacturer Certifications

Another important factor when choosing the right roofer is manufacturer certification.

Leading manufacturers such as GAF and Owens Corning offer certification programs that recognize contractors who meet strict requirements for installation quality, training, insurance, and customer satisfaction.

For example, GAF’s Master Elite® certification is awarded to only a small percentage of roofing contractors nationwide. Similarly, Owens Corning’s Platinum Preferred Contractor designation requires contractors to meet high standards for professionalism and workmanship.

These certifications can be important because they often allow contractors to offer enhanced warranty coverage that non-certified installers cannot provide.

While certifications shouldn’t be the only factor in your decision, they can help verify that a contractor has demonstrated a commitment to industry best practices.

A Professional Inspection Should Be Thorough

Before providing a recommendation, a roofing contractor should perform a comprehensive inspection.

Many roofing problems aren’t visible from the ground. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, attic conditions and ventilation play a major role in overall roof performance and longevity.

A quality inspection should include:

Exterior Evaluation

The contractor should examine:

• Shingles

• Flashing

• Roof penetrations

• Valleys

• Gutters

• Signs of storm damage

Attic Inspection

The attic can reveal hidden issues such as:

• Moisture intrusion

• Ventilation problems

• Structural concerns

• Decking deterioration

During the interview, Adam emphasized that some roofing issues simply cannot be identified from the surface alone and that attic inspections often reveal important information about the overall condition of the roof system.

Understand Roofing Warranties

Many homeowners assume all roofing warranties provide the same protection, but that isn’t always true.

There are generally two types of roofing warranties:

Manufacturer Warranties

These cover defects in the roofing materials themselves.

Workmanship Warranties

These cover installation-related issues caused by contractor error.

According to Owens Corning, enhanced warranty programs often require installation by approved contractors and may include additional workmanship coverage.

A strong workmanship warranty demonstrates that a contractor is confident in the quality of their installation and prepared to support their work long after the project is complete.

Before signing a contract, ask exactly what is covered, who handles warranty claims, and whether workmanship protection is included.

Choose a Contractor That Will Be There Later

One of the most overlooked aspects of choosing the right roofer is long-term support. Roofs can last 20, 30, or even 50 years depending on the materials used. Over that time, questions, maintenance needs, or repairs may arise.

The contractor you hire today should be capable of helping you years from now. Look for companies with:

• A strong local reputation

• Established business history

• Dedicated service departments

• Manufacturer certifications

• Clear warranty policies

These factors often indicate stability and a commitment to customer service.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right roofer is about more than finding the lowest estimate. It’s about finding a contractor with a proven reputation, thorough inspection process, quality materials, strong warranties, and a commitment to standing behind their work.

By researching reviews, verifying certifications, understanding warranties, and evaluating long-term service capabilities, homeowners can make a confident decision that protects both their home and their investment for years to come.