How to hire a roofer
A roofer repairs and replaces roofs, gutters and exterior weatherproofing — the trade with the highest ratio of storm-chasing door-knockers to established local businesses.
What the job usually involves
- Leak tracing and repair.
- Storm damage assessment and insurance documentation.
- Full replacement: tear-off, decking repair, underlayment, new covering.
- Gutters, fascia, soffits and flashing.
- Inspections before buying or selling.
What to ask before you agree to anything
- How long have you been working in this county, and can I see recent local work?
- Is this a repair or a replacement, and what did you see that decided it?
- What warranty covers the materials, and what separately covers your workmanship?
- Who pays if the decking underneath turns out to be rotten — is that in the quote or extra?
- Are you handling the insurance claim, and what happens if it is denied?
- Will you provide proof of liability and workers compensation insurance?
Warning signs
- Someone who knocked on your door after a storm and is not from your area.
- An offer to cover your insurance deductible — that is insurance fraud, and you are a party to it.
- A large deposit demanded before materials are ordered or delivered.
- Pressure to sign an agreement on the spot, before you have seen a written scope.
- No physical business address you can look up.
Common questions
How do I know if I need a roof repair or a full replacement?
Age, the extent of the damage, and whether the problem is one area or the whole surface. Ask the roofer to show you photographs of what they found, not just a conclusion. Get a second opinion before agreeing to a replacement, because the price difference is large enough to be worth an hour of your time.
Should I use the roofer my insurance recommends?
You are generally free to choose your own contractor. An insurer-recommended roofer is usually fine, but compare at least one independent local quote so you know the work and the price are reasonable rather than simply approved.
What should I do after storm damage?
Photograph everything before any repair, including the inside if water has come through. Make temporary repairs to stop further damage and keep the receipts. Then contact your insurer before agreeing to any permanent work.
How does Region Beacon work for roofing jobs?
You describe the job once. The first nearby business that takes it gets your details and contacts you; nobody else does. You deal with whoever you pick directly, and you pay them directly — Region Beacon never handles the money and takes no commission, so nothing is added to your price for using it.
Get quotes from roofers near you
Describe the job once and the first nearby business to take it contacts you. Only that one gets your details, no commission is added, and your details are not sold on to anyone.