Top Credentials Every Roofing Contractor Should Hold
Hiring a roofing contractor is a high-stakes decision. Your roof protects your home’s structure, your belongings, and your family—so the professional you choose must be qualified, reputable, and accountable. While contractor reviews and referrals can point you in the right direction, the most reliable way to protect your investment is to verify specific contractor credentials. Below are the top credentials every roofing contractor should hold, why they matter, and how to confirm them before you sign any roofing estimates or accept roofing bids.
License: Proof of Legitimacy and Compliance A licensed roofer demonstrates that they’ve met your state’s minimum requirements for competency, business registration, and legal operation. Licensing typically involves passing exams, maintaining continuing education, and complying with building codes and safety laws.
- Why it matters: Licensing is baseline assurance that the roofing contractor understands local codes, permitting, and best practices. It also gives you a regulatory body to file complaints with if something goes wrong. What to check: Ask for the license number and verify it with your state’s contractor board website. Confirm the license is active, in the correct name, and covers roofing specifically (not just general handyman work).
Insurance: General Liability and Workers’ Compensation An insured roofing company protects both you and your property if accidents occur. At minimum, the roofer should carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation.
- General liability: Covers property damage and certain third-party injuries caused by the contractor’s work. Workers’ compensation: Protects you from liability if a worker is injured on your property. Why it matters: Without proper insurance, you could be held financially responsible for injuries or damages. This is one of the most critical contractor credentials to verify. What to check: Request certificates of insurance directly from the roofer’s insurer, not just the contractor. Confirm policy limits, effective dates, and that roofing is not excluded.
Bonding: Financial Protection for the Client A bonded roofer has a surety bond that can compensate you if the contractor fails to meet contractual obligations—such as finishing the job, following codes, or paying suppliers.
- Why it matters: A bond adds a layer of financial recourse beyond a simple contract, especially useful if a contractor disappears mid-project or engages in fraud. What to check: Ask for the bond number and issuing company, then verify it. Note that bonding does not replace insurance; it complements it.
Manufacturer Certifications: Proof of Product-Specific Expertise A certified contractor with major shingle or roofing system manufacturers (e.g., GAF, CertainTeed, Owens Corning, metal and flat-roof system brands) has been trained to install those products per strict specifications and may offer enhanced warranties.
- Why it matters: Manufacturer-certified roofers can often provide extended workmanship and material warranties that non-certified contractors cannot. These certifications also indicate the roofer has a track record of quality. What to check: Look up the roofing contractor on the manufacturer’s website. Confirm their certification level and verify they’re authorized to offer the warranty you’ve been promised.
Safety Training and OSHA Compliance Roofing is hazardous. Robust safety protocols reduce risks for workers and homeowners.
- Why it matters: A contractor with formal safety training protects your property and reduces the chance of project delays caused by accidents or violations. What to check: Ask about OSHA 10/30-hour training for crew leaders, fall protection plans, ladder safety procedures, and site-specific safety protocols.
Local Business Registration and Tax Compliance Legitimate businesses are registered with the state and local authorities, and they maintain current tax IDs and permits.
- Why it matters: Proper registration shows the roofer is operating openly and can be held accountable. It also helps ensure your permits are acquired properly before work begins. What to check: Request the business license and verify the company’s legal name matches what appears on roofing bids, contracts, and insurance certificates.
Written Contracts and Change-Order Procedures While not a credential in the formal sense, the ability to provide clear, compliant paperwork is a hallmark of a professional.
- Why it matters: A complete contract protects both parties and clarifies scope, materials, schedule, payment terms, and warranty coverage. It also outlines how changes will be handled and priced. What to check: The contract should list materials by brand and line, underlayment type, ventilation details, disposal methods, permits, site protection, and final inspection. Ensure it defines who handles supplements if the job is insurance-related.
Workmanship and Material Warranties Quality roofing comes with robust warranties. A reputable, insured roofing company will explain coverage and exclusions clearly.
- Why it matters: Workmanship warranties cover installation errors; manufacturer warranties cover product defects. Enhanced warranties may require a certified contractor and specific system components. What to check: Get warranty documents in writing before work starts. Confirm registration requirements and transferability if you sell your home.
Transparent Estimates and Bids Professional roofing estimates are detailed, transparent, and aligned with best practices.
- Why it matters: Clear roofing bids make it easier to compare contractors and spot lowball pricing that could lead to shortcuts or surprise charges. What to check: Look for line-item pricing, ventilation and flashing plans, decking repair allowances, waste factors, and a defined timeline. Beware of unusually low bids with vague scope descriptions.
Reputation and Reviews You Can Verify Contractor reviews, references, and local reputation matter—but verify them thoughtfully.
- Why it matters: Patterns in feedback can reveal strengths and red flags. Ask for recent project references, not just the “best-of” list. What to check: Confirm the roofer’s office location, look for a history of completed work in your area, and ask for before-and-after photos with addresses you can drive by. Cross-check reviews on multiple platforms and your local licensing board for complaints.
Specialized Expertise for Your Roof Type Experience is a credential of its own—especially for complex systems.
- Why it matters: Asphalt shingles, metal, tile, slate, and low-slope membranes (TPO, PVC, EPDM, modified bitumen) require different skills and tools. Storm restoration and insurance claim work also demand specialized knowledge. What to check: Ensure the roofing contractor has proven experience with your roof type, climate conditions, and any HOA or historical requirements.
How to Use These Credentials When Choosing a Roofer
- Create a checklist: License, insurance, bond, manufacturer certifications, safety training, business registration, warranties, references, and detailed written contract. Verify independently: Use state databases, insurer-issued certificates, bond companies, and manufacturer websites. Compare apples to apples: Evaluate roofing estimates that list identical materials and scope. If one bid is far lower, ask why. Prioritize clarity: A contractor who is transparent with documentation is more likely to deliver a clean, code-compliant job.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is a licensed roofer always better than Roof Inspection an unlicensed one? A1: Yes. Licensing is a minimum requirement in most states and ensures basic competency and accountability. Hiring unlicensed contractors can void warranties, lead to code violations, and leave you without recourse if problems arise.
Q2: What’s the difference between a bonded roofer and an insured roofing company? A2: Insurance covers accidents and damages (liability and worker injuries). A bond protects you if the contractor fails to meet contractual obligations, such as completing the job or paying suppliers. You need both.
Q3: How many contractor reviews should I check before choosing a roofer? A3: Aim for both depth and breadth. Read 10–20 recent reviews across multiple platforms and ask for at least three local references from projects completed within the last year.
Q4: How do I compare roofing bids fairly? A4: Request detailed roofing estimates with identical materials, underlayment, flashing, ventilation, and cleanup scope. Clarify allowances for decking repairs and confirm warranty levels. Avoid vague or unusually low bids.
Q5: Do I need a certified contractor to get the best warranties? A5: Typically yes. Manufacturers often require certified contractors to install full-system components to qualify for enhanced material and workmanship warranties. Always verify certification with the manufacturer.