We know you work hard to keep a roof over your family’s head. But with hail season fast approaching, you may be a little more anxious to keep that roof secure, literally. From our experience and what we’ve learned from our clients, it’s not just the hail you have to worry about, but also all roofing scams that leave good homeowners like you vulnerable to shoddy workmanship and financial loss. With so much misinformation out there, it’s important to know not only how to avoid those scams but also how to choose a quality roofer, like Simple Roofing and Exteriors, for your roof repairs. It goes without saying, a reliable roof is crucial for your family’s safety. So follow along in this month’s article to learn some tips on how to make an informed decision when hiring a roofing company.
Key Factors to Look for in a Roofer
✅ Choose an Established Company
A reputable roofing company should have a strong track record. Look beyond their name and logo—check their years in business, website, and customer reviews. A company with a long history and positive online presence is more likely to be trustworthy.
✅ Verify BBB Accreditation
A Better Business Bureau (BBB) accreditation indicates that a roofer is committed to ethical business practices. While an A+ rating doesn’t mean they’re complaint-free, it does show they work hard to resolve issues fairly.
✅ Door-to-Door Roofers Aren’t Always Scammers
Many roofing companies use various marketing methods, including door-to-door visits. However, a legitimate representative should be knowledgeable, provide detailed information, and not just push for an immediate inspection. If something feels off, trust your instincts and take your time making a decision.
✅ They Should Work with Your Insurance
A reliable roofing company will supplement your insurance claim to ensure you receive a fair payout. If a contractor simply accepts the insurance’s initial offer without pushing for proper coverage, they’re likely cutting corners. Be cautious of cash bid offers, and always ask why they’re proposing that option.
✅ Ask About Standard Upgrades
A quality roofing company will offer essential upgrades as part of the job. Some key features to look for include:
- Synthetic underlayment instead of traditional felt
- New flashing and roof vents
- Ice and water shield in valleys
- Proper ventilation upgrades
- Familiarity with local building codes
✅ Understand Down Payment Expectations
While some roofers request a down payment, reputable companies will only ask for it after investing time and effort into your project. Many homeowners prefer to pay once materials are delivered, and this is a reasonable industry standard. Never pay upfront before any work has started.
✅ Check for Manufacturer Certifications
Top roofing manufacturers, such as GAF and Owens Corning, offer preferred contractor certifications. We at Simple Roofing and Exteriors are proud to hold the distinguished level of being Platinum Preferred Contractors with Owens Corning. This is the top tier of their network and means that we meet their strict standards for professionalism, reliability, and craftsmanship. Only Platinum Preferred Contractors can offer Owens Corning's most exclusive roofing system warranty, which you will have access to by choosing us. Since we have completed rigorous training and install a high volume of roofs you can rest assured that we are a safer choice.
✅ Hire a General Contractor, Not Just a Roofer
A licensed general contractor can handle full storm damage restoration, including roofing, siding, gutters, and window repairs. Just like roofing manufacturers, siding companies like James Hardie, LP Smartside, and Fastplank, Window companies like Andersen and Milgard, and even Paint companies like Sherwin Williams have contractor certifications that show that general contractors are trusted. This eliminates the hassle of hiring multiple companies and ensures a comprehensive repair process.
Stay Informed & Choose Wisely
A secure, high-quality roof starts with choosing the right contractor. You don’t have to look far to see that Simple Roofing and Exteriors is your best option to help keep that roof over your family’s head. We apply the aforementioned guidelines so you don’t have to worry about scams and ensure you receive top-tier service and craftsmanship.
If you're looking for a trusted roofing company, give us a call or fill out the contact form for an inspection request. At Simple Roofing and Exteriors, we’re committed to helping our neighbors with reliable and professional roofing solutions. Have questions? Message us anytime! Stay safe this hail season!