How to Choose the Best Roof Replacement Company
Your complete guide to finding trustworthy roof replacement companies. Learn what to look for, questions to ask, and red flags to avoid.
In This Guide:
Choosing a roof replacement company is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a homeowner. Your roof protects everything you own, and the company you select will determine whether that protection lasts 15 years or 50 years.
This guide was created by roofing professionals with over 15 years of experience. We'll show you exactly what to look for, which certifications matter, red flags that should make you walk away, and the questions you need to ask before signing any contract.
What Makes a Great Roof Replacement Company?
Proper Licensing & Insurance
Every legitimate roof replacement company must be licensed in your state and carry both general liability insurance and workers' compensation. Without these, YOU could be liable for injuries or property damage. Always ask for proof and verify with your state licensing board.
Manufacturer Certifications
Certifications from major manufacturers like GAF, CertainTeed, or Owens Corning indicate proper training and access to extended warranties. A GAF Master Elite contractor, for example, represents the top 2% of roofing companies and can offer 50-year warranties.
Strong Online Reputation
Look for companies with 4.5+ star ratings on Google with at least 50 reviews. Read both positive and negative reviews to understand how they handle problems. A company's response to negative reviews often reveals their character.
Local Presence & Experience
Choose companies with physical offices in your area and experience with local weather conditions. Coastal areas, for example, need contractors who understand salt air corrosion and hurricane preparedness. Local companies are more likely to honor warranties.
Clear Communication
From the first phone call, assess their professionalism. Do they return calls promptly? Are their estimates detailed and easy to understand? Good communication during the sales process usually predicts good communication during the project.
Comprehensive Warranties
Quality companies offer both material warranties (from manufacturers) AND workmanship warranties (from the contractor). Be skeptical of companies that only mention one type. The best contractors offer lifetime workmanship warranties.
Certifications That Actually Matter
Not all certifications are created equal. Here are the ones that indicate real expertise:
| Certification | What It Means | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| GAF Preferred/Master Elite | Top 5% of roofing companies. Access to enhanced warranties up to 50 years. Requires ongoing training and quality standards. | High |
| CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster | Demonstrates expertise in CertainTeed products. Offers SureStart PLUS warranty eligibility. | High |
| Owens Corning Preferred Contractor | Access to Total Protection Roofing System warranties. Requires customer satisfaction standards. | High |
| NRCA Membership | National Roofing Contractors Association member. Shows commitment to industry standards. | Medium |
| BBB Accreditation | Better Business Bureau accredited. Shows commitment to resolving customer complaints. | Medium |
Red Flags: When to Walk Away
These warning signs should make you immediately disqualify a roof replacement company:
No Physical Address
Legitimate companies have established offices. Avoid "storm chasers" who disappear after jobs.
Demands Full Payment Upfront
Standard practice is 30-50% deposit, with balance due upon completion. Never pay 100% before work starts.
No Written Contract
Every detail should be documented: materials, timeline, costs, warranties. Verbal agreements are worthless.
Pressure Tactics
"Sign today or lose the discount" is a major red flag. Reputable companies give you time to decide.
Cannot Provide References
Quality companies proudly share past customer contacts. No references = no track record.
Unlicensed or Uninsured
Always verify license and ask for certificate of insurance. You could be liable for injuries without it.
Unusually Low Bids
If one quote is 40% lower than others, they may cut corners on materials or labor.
Door-to-Door After Storms
While some legitimate companies canvass, be wary of unknown contractors appearing after weather events.
25 Questions to Ask Before Hiring
Use this checklist when interviewing roof replacement companies:
Credentials
- Are you licensed and insured in this state?
- Can you provide a certificate of insurance?
- What manufacturer certifications do you hold?
- How long have you been in business?
- Do you have a physical office location?
Experience
- How many roofs have you replaced in this area?
- Do you have experience with my roof type?
- Can you provide local references?
- Have you worked with my insurance company before?
- What is your experience with coastal/regional weather?
The Project
- Will you provide a detailed written estimate?
- What materials do you recommend and why?
- Who will be the project manager?
- How long will the job take?
- What happens if you find unexpected damage?
Warranties & Protection
- What warranties do you offer?
- Is there a workmanship warranty separate from materials?
- Who handles warranty claims - you or the manufacturer?
- What is your process for addressing issues after completion?
- Do you offer any satisfaction guarantee?
Payment & Process
- What is your payment schedule?
- Do you offer financing options?
- Will you handle permits?
- How do you protect my property during work?
- What is your cleanup process?
How to Compare Quotes from Roof Replacement Companies
When comparing estimates, use this weighted framework:
| Factor | Weight | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Google Rating | High | 4.5+ stars with 50+ reviews indicates consistent quality |
| Manufacturer Certification | High | GAF Master Elite, CertainTeed SELECT, or Owens Corning Preferred |
| Years in Business | Medium | 10+ years shows stability; verify they will honor future warranty claims |
| Warranty Coverage | High | Look for both material AND workmanship warranties |
| Local Presence | Medium | Physical office in your area demonstrates commitment |
| Insurance & Licensing | Critical | Non-negotiable - verify before signing anything |
| Communication | Medium | Responsive, professional communication indicates good service |
| Detailed Estimate | High | Itemized quotes allow fair comparison |
Pro Tip:
Create a simple spreadsheet with these factors and score each company 1-5. The company with the highest total score is usually your best choice - not necessarily the one with the lowest price.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many quotes should I get from roof replacement companies?
We recommend getting 3-5 quotes from different roof replacement companies. This gives you a good range to compare pricing, materials, and service offerings. Be wary of quotes that are significantly lower than others - this often indicates corner-cutting.
What is the most important thing to look for in a roofing company?
The three most critical factors are: (1) Proper licensing and insurance, (2) Manufacturer certifications like GAF Preferred or Master Elite, and (3) Verified customer reviews with 4.5+ stars. These indicate a company that meets professional standards and satisfies customers.
Should I choose the cheapest roof replacement company?
Price should not be the only factor. The cheapest quote often means inferior materials, inexperienced labor, or corner-cutting. Instead, compare the value: What materials are included? What warranty coverage? A mid-range quote from a certified contractor often provides the best long-term value.
How do I verify a roofing company is legitimate?
Verify licensing through your state contractor licensing board, request certificates of insurance, check Google reviews, look up their BBB profile, ask for references, and visit their physical office location if possible. Legitimate companies welcome this scrutiny.
What warranties should roof replacement companies offer?
Look for two types of warranties: (1) Manufacturer warranty on materials (typically 25-50 years), and (2) Workmanship warranty from the contractor (should be at least 5-10 years, ideally lifetime). GAF and CertainTeed certified contractors can offer enhanced warranty coverage.
Do roof replacement companies help with insurance claims?
Many reputable roof replacement companies offer insurance claim assistance. They can document damage, provide detailed estimates for adjusters, and help ensure you receive fair compensation. This is especially valuable after storm damage. Ask about this service when getting quotes.
Looking for a Trusted Roof Replacement Company?
Weather Shield Roofing is a GAF Preferred Contractor with a 5.0★ Google rating and 15+ years of experience. We meet every criterion in this guide.