Roofing Contractor Selection Checklist

Use this checklist as a reference when evaluating roofing contractors for repair or replacement projects. This checklist is for informational purposes only.

Contractor Basics

☐ Company name and primary contact information documented
☐ Service area confirmed for your location
☐ Residential, commercial, or both service types verified

Licensing, Insurance, and Bonding

☐ Required state or local license verified (where applicable)
☐ General liability insurance confirmed
☐ Workers’ compensation coverage confirmed
☐ Bonding status verified, if required in your area

Experience and Project Fit

☐ Experience with your roof type and material confirmed
☐ Experience with similar project size and scope
☐ Familiarity with local building practices and climate conditions

Estimates and Scope Review

☐ Written estimate provided
☐ Roofing material and system type clearly listed
☐ Tear-off and preparation assumptions documented
☐ Included work clearly defined
☐ Excluded work clearly noted
☐ Estimated project timeline provided

Communication and Availability

☐ Primary point of contact identified
☐ Questions answered clearly during initial discussions
☐ Scheduling availability discussed
☐ Process for changes or delays explained

References and Track Record

☐ References or examples of prior work available
☐ Online reviews reviewed for overall patterns
☐ Business longevity and operating history considered

Contract and Documentation

☐ Written contract provided
☐ Scope of work aligns with estimate
☐ Payment structure clearly outlined
☐ Warranty information documented
☐ Cancellation or change terms reviewed

Payment and Timing

☐ Deposit requirements understood
☐ Payment milestones or schedule reviewed
☐ Final payment conditions clarified

Insurance-Related Considerations

☐ Insurance involvement discussed, if applicable
☐ Documentation responsibilities clarified
☐ Understanding that coverage decisions are made by the insurer

Final Review

☐ All questions addressed before signing
☐ Contractor appears aligned with project expectations
☐ Licensing and insurance requirements satisfied

Important Notes

This checklist is provided for general informational purposes only. Contractor qualifications, licensing requirements, and insurance practices vary by state and locality. Always utilize insured and bonded roofing professionals who hold the required state licensing. Insurance coverage and claim outcomes vary by carrier and policy; consult your insurance agent or legal advisor for policy-specific guidance.

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    Common Questions

    • Are asphalt or fiberglass shingles better?

      Modern fiberglass-mat asphalt shingles are superior to organic-mat shingles in every way—lighter weight, better fire resistance, longer lifespan (20-30 vs 15-25 years), and lower cost—which is why they represent 99% of new installations.

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      Properly manufactured asphalt shingles absorb less than 1-3% of their weight in water and are designed to be water-resistant, but aging shingles with degraded granule coatings and cracked asphalt can absorb significantly more moisture, accelerating deterioration.

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    • How long do asphalt shingles last?

      Asphalt shingles typically last 15-30 years depending on type, with three-tab shingles lasting 15-20 years and architectural shingles lasting 20-30 years, though climate, installation quality, and maintenance significantly impact actual lifespan.

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    • Does a metal roof interfere with Wi-Fi or cell signals?

      Modern metal roofing does not significantly interfere with Wi-Fi or cell phone signals in residential homes, as signals primarily enter through windows and walls rather than passing vertically through the roof structure.

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