When you decide to replace your roof, you have a lot of decisions ahead of you. If you don’t know a lot about the roofing industry, you may feel anxious about getting some of those answers wrong. With a little bit of foreknowledge, you can easily make decisions about roofing materials, costs, and whether you want to enlist a roofing company or a roofing contractor.
Both of these entities sound somewhat similar, so what are the major differences between them? If you have a fairly simple roofing project and want fast results, your best bet is a roofing company; if you have an unusual project or need a high level of craftsmanship, a contractor may be your optimal choice.
Knowing the distinctions between these two can make all the difference in the world when it comes to your new roofing project.
Roofing Contractors
A roofing contractor is an individual who is licensed by the state as a contractor who specializes in roofing. You should ask your contractor whether they are licensed, whether they carry insurance, and what kind of vetting process they use for subcontractors.
Generally, you only hire one person when you employ a contractor for a new roof, but they may opt to subcontract additional crew if the project is large. It’s important to check the credentials of all the individuals on the job, even those your contractor hired on after the job begins. Even though your contractor is licensed, that doesn’t mean that those they subcontract will also be.
Roofing Companies
The major benefit of a roofing company is that all of the workers specialize in roofing and are licensed, and most companies give employees background checks for thorough vetting.
Usually roofing companies have been in the industry for a long while, and can use larger crews for quicker turnarounds. Especially if you’re dealing with a fairly straightforward project, like re-roofing a classic gable-style roof with commonly used asphalt shingles, a roofing company will get the work done efficiently and quickly.
The significant benefit that you get from hiring a roofing company instead of a roofing contractor is that some companies offer extended warranties on your new roof, whereas roofing contractors often do not. A warranty will guarantee the longevity of your roof for some time — so if anything goes wrong, the roofing company will return to make repairs or provide replacements.
Good to Know
Usually roofing companies have been in the industry for a long while, and can use larger crews for quicker turnarounds.
What About Roofers?
There is a third category of workers that replace roofs, and these are given the catch-all term “roofers.” Roofers is an umbrella term that refers to anyone who works on roofs. If you’re considering hiring a roofer, you should ask clarifying questions so that you know you’re hiring the right person.
Ask your potential roofer if they are licensed as a roofer or just as a general contractor, if they have a crew they work with, and if they own their own business or work for another roofing company. If they work with a team, inquire about the subcontracting process and who they usually employ for larger jobs.
The Last Word
Getting a roof replaced or a new roof put on is a daunting construction project that requires time and expertise. Before you sign the dotted line on any roofing contract, be sure to understand whether you’re hiring a roofing company, a contractor, or someone who works on roofs.
These jobs have specific positions regarding vetting processes, background checks, and warranties, so ask the right questions to get the perfect fit for your roofing needs.
When you’re ready to talk with a roofing service professional, get in touch with At Home Pros. We’ll connect you to the top roofing experts in your area, so you’re sure to get the best service for your next project.