What Credentials Must a Roofer Have?

To be a reputable and successful roofer, several credentials are essential. Each credential serves a unique purpose, contributing to professionalism, trustworthiness, and competence in the roofing industry. Before doing business with any roofer, you should do your due-diligence and make sure the roofing contractor is fully qualified to work on your home. These credentials should let you know what your roofer will do to rectify problems if there is an issue during or after the installation process.

10 Key Credentials You Should Review Before Choosing a Roofing Contractor:

1. Is the Contractor Licensed?

• Importance: Licenses ensure that the roofer is authorized by local or state authorities to perform roofing work. Licensing usually requires passing exams and meeting specific training standards.
• Why It Matters: It guarantees that the roofer has the necessary knowledge of building codes, safety regulations, and construction techniques, ensuring quality and compliance with legal requirements.
• Why Choose Roofing Force: Roofing Force is  licensed everywhere we do business including Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Nebraska and Iowa.

2. Is the Contractor Insured (with General Liability and Workers’ Compensation)?

• Importance: Insurance is critical for protecting both the roofer and the client in case of accidents or property damage during the job.
• Why It Matters: If the roofer is not insured, the client could be held financially responsible for any accidents or damages. Workers’ compensation ensures that injured workers are covered, further protecting both parties from legal and financial risk.
• Why Choose Roofing Force: We carry $2 Million in General Aggregate Liability Coverage plus an additional $1 Million Umbrella policy (Policy includes Open Roof Coverage – ask your Roofing Specialist why this is important). All our employees and crews are covered with Workers’ Compensation Insurance that protects them and you while they at your property.

3. What Manufacturer Accreditations & Manufacturer Relationships does the Roofer Have?

• Importance: Manufacturer accreditations are certifications given by roofing material manufacturers to roofing contractors who meet stringent standards for quality installation and customer service.
• Why It Matters: These accreditations often come with extended warranties on materials and labor, giving clients peace of mind that their roof is being installed by a highly skilled professional. It also reflects the roofer’s commitment to using quality materials and following best practices. Some manufacturers will only refer homeowners to certain elite roofing contractors.
• Why Choose Roofing Force: We are factory trained or certified by the best roofing products manufacturers. You can rest assured that your roof will be installed correctly and per manufacturer specifications.

Two examples of our certifications and relationships with top manufacturers include:

• 1. Roofing Force is among the top 1% of roofing contractors nationwide that have been awarded the Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor certification. Only Platinum Preferred Contractors are allowed to offer the Owens Corning Platinum Protection System Roofing Limited Warranty.
  2. Because two of our owners were former executives with Boral Steel (now Unified Steel), we have an inside knowledge of stone coated steel roofing products and proper installation methods. Because of our expertise, Unified Steel asks Roofing Force to inspect stone coated steel installation jobs that were improperly installed by unskilled contractors. Appropriately, Unified Steel also refers potential customers to Roofing Force because they know that our happy customers become great advocates for their stone coated steel roofing products.

4. Does the Contractor have a BBB (Better Business Bureau) A+ Accreditation?

• Importance: An A+ accreditation from the BBB indicates that the roofer has a proven track record of ethical business practices, transparent communication, and customer satisfaction.
• Why It Matters: It boosts customer trust by showing that the business handles complaints well, maintains high customer service standards, and follows honest business practices.
• Why Choose Roofing Force: Roofing Force has earned an A+ Accreditation with the BBB. Every company will occasionally make mistakes. On the rare instances that Roofing Force has made mistakes, we have acknowledged and rectified those mistakes. We strive to do the right thing.

5. Does the Roofer have Abundant and Recent 5-Star Google Reviews?

• Importance: Google Reviews are the #1 most trusted and checked review source. Positive and frequent Google reviews show that a roofer has a solid reputation with previous customers.

• Why It Matters: Customer reviews provide real-world insights into the roofer’s reliability, quality of work, communication, and overall satisfaction. High ratings and positive reviews help establish trust and attract new customers. Potential customers can learn a lot by how the contractor responds to positive and negative feedback.
• Why Choose Roofing Force: Roofing Force has served thousands of happy customers which is reflected by hundreds of 5-star Google Reviews.

6. Is the Contractor Trained in the Use of Xactimate?

• Importance: Xactimate is an independent software program that is used by almost all insurance companies to estimate construction cost related to storm damage insurance claims.
• Why It Matters: A roofer trained in Xactimate can provide precise and professional estimates for insurance-based storm damage recovery. A properly trained roofer will be able to use Xactimate to supplement any work that might have been overlooked by your insurance company’s insurance adjuster. This enhances the roofer’s ability to justify costs and avoid disputes over pricing.
• Why Choose Roofing Force: Our in-house Home Restoration Specialists are Xactimate experts. Your Roofing Specialists will inspect your roof and share what they find with your insurance adjuster and your Restoration Specialists. We will review your insurance claim and work to identify anything that may have been missed by the insurance company. Our interests are aligned with yours and we work on your behalf to make sure all your storm damage is fixed or replaced. Follow this link for more information regarding the insurance claims process.

7. Is the Roofing Company Versatile and Do They Support Continuing Education and Training?

• Importance: Ongoing training ensures that the roofing company stays updated on the latest industry standards, roofing techniques, and innovations. Versatility is an important part of this qualification. Does the roofer only install and repair asphalt shingles or are they also proficient in the installation of stone coated steel, composite polymer, metal panel, and other roofing materials?

• Why It Matters: The roofing industry evolves with new materials, technologies, and methods. Staying educated shows a commitment to excellence and the ability to offer the best solutions to customers.

• Why Choose Roofing Force: Unlike most roofers that only install asphalt shingles, our employees are proficient regarding a complete palette of roofing materials, technologies and techniques Your Roofing Force Roofing Specialist is also trained to identify storm damage and other critical issues such as the ability to properly calculate venting needs. We will present you with several state-of-the-art roofing solutions and material options. Once you are equipped with more knowledge, you can better choose which option satisfies your unique requirements and budget.

Unified Steel, Pacific Tile, Spanish Red

CeDUR, Synthetic Shake, Golden Cedar

Standing Seam, Metal Panel Roofing

8. Does the Roofing Contractor Offer Written Estimates and a Written Contract?

• Importance: After thoroughly inspecting your property, your roofing contractor should provide you with written estimates outlining all required work and various material options. Once you choose which material is best for your needs, a formal written contract that describes the final scope of work and other terms is essential.
• Why It Matters: Estimates with good, better and best options enable customers to make informed choices. After selecting an estimate that meets your unique needs, a detailed written contract that protects both you and the contractor must be signed before any materials are ordered or work commences. Clear written communication helps to avoid future misunderstandings.

• Why Choose Roofing Force: Roofing Force offers more material, color and warranty options than most other roofers. For an overview of options, see this article regarding the 5 main styles of residential roofing.

Even if your roof is being replaced because of storm damage, you may want to apply your insurance proceeds towards an upgrade in materials or warranty. Your Roofing Specialist will be happy to present you with various material options and estimates to choose from. Then, before any materials are ordered or any work begins, your choices and the details of the job will be described in a comprehensive written contract.

9. Does the Roofing Contractor Provide a Strong Workmanship Warranty?

• Importance: There are two primary types of warranties when it comes to roof installations.

1. 1. The first is a Manufacturer Warranty provided by the manufacturer that protects a customer in case there is a faulty product.
   2. The second is a Workmanship Warranty provided by the roofer that protects a customer in case there are mistakes in the installation of products.

• Why It Matters: A workmanship warranty guarantees the quality of the contractor’s installation and puts labor expenses on the shoulders of the contractor if materials were installed incorrectly. Note that workmanship warranties are for the installation of new products (e.g. re-roofing of an entire house) and do not include repairs and maintenance.
• Why Choose Roofing Force: Most roofing companies only offer between a 1 to 3-year workmanship warranty. In contrast, Roofing Force provides a 10-Year Limited Workmanship Warranty on new and re-roof installations.

10. How Long Has the Roofing Company Been in Business?

• Importance: Experience matters when choosing a roofing contractor. Longevity is a key indicator that demonstrates how a roofing contractor has been able to successfully run their business. Long established businesses generally have a history of good customer service, quality work, proper pricing, and have proven trust and credibility in their communities.
• Why It Matters: Homeowners should think twice before accepting the lowest bid from a new, out-of-town, or small roofing company. Unfortunately, 80% of roofing companies fail within 2 years and 96% fail within 5 years. This usually occurs because new and inexperienced roofing companies do not charge enough to cover all their costs, and they are unable to manage their cash flow and growth. If you experience a problem in a few years and the roofer is out of business, then it does not matter if you got you originally got a cheap deal or obtained an extended workmanship warranty because the contractor is no longer around to take care of the problem. The same kind of thing can be said about out-of-town storm chasing roofers that blow away as soon as the storm work is done.

• Why Choose Roofing Force: Before purchasing the company in 2018, the current owners of Roofing Force were executive level employees at some of the nation’s largest roofing manufacturing conglomerates or had extensive experience in growing private and public companies. Our owners purchased the company because it had been in business for decades and it was one of the nation’s largest installers of stone coated steel roofing systems. We have an inside knowledge of roofing materials and business development that few roofing contractors possess. Thus, you can rest assured that Roofing Force will be around to provide you with service for years to come.

Each of these credentials not only strengthens a roofer’s credibility but also ensures legal compliance, financial protection, customer satisfaction, and high-quality work, leading to long-term success in the industry.

Since 2018, Roofing Force has grown from one location to five locations including: Olathe, KS; St Louis, MO; Joplin, MO; Fort Smith, AR; and Mena, AR. We have the credentials that you are looking for and would love to provide you with a free estimate for any of your roofing or storm damage restoration needs. Call our HQ at (913) 270-5440 or fill out this form and we will connect you with a Roofing Force professional in your area.