When talking to roofers, one of the first questions you probably ask is if they are licensed, insured, and GAF or Owens Corning certified. If they say no, you know right away it’s time to move on and call another contractor. Hiring a licensed, insured, and certified company protects you from unethical practices and shoddy workmanship. While unlicensed roofers may lure you in with low prices, in the end, you may end up having to pay more to have their mistakes fixed.
Hiring A Certified Roofing Contractor
We know it’s tempting to call that company that left a flier on your front door or shows up at the top of your Google search; however, we advise that you take the time to talk to a few of these before making your selection. Another thing you should know is that some of the reviews that recommend the company on social media sites may be from friends and family instead of real customers.
The majority of people know that they should get quotes from at least three roofing companies, but in addition to this, we recommend you only get these quotes from companies that are licensed, insured, and certified. Below are some ways you can tell if the company meets these requirements.
This information is presented by our team who provides certified roofing in Anchorage Alaska.
They Must Be Licensed & Insured
A qualified rooftop installer will have insurance covering personal injury and property damage; this ensures that both your property and the workers are protected against injury or damage. You’ll want to ask to see a copy of their insurance policy to make sure you’re both protected.
If the contractor doesn’t have proof or refuses to show you that they are insured, it’s best to find someone who has insurance to do your job. Accidents happen, and insurance coverage is critical to keep you protected.
What Is A Certified Roofing Contractor?
While most certified roofers are licensed, not all licensed roofers are certified. Makes sense? No, then keep reading, and we’ll explain below.
Certified roofers go beyond the licensing procedure and undergo advanced training with manufacturing companies. This is not a short process of a month of training. These certifications take months or years of training. The manufacturing company will also observe different jobs the company does before giving their “stamp of approval” on their service. The company wants to make sure that the roofing company they certify will follow their instructions before recommending the company to the public.
What Does Certified GAF Mean?
GAF is the largest manufacturer of roofing products in North America and has been in business for over 125 years. This is one reason they hold such high standards when certifying roofing companies. To become certified, the company must undergo training and certifications to meet its stringent standards.
GAF Certified Roofing Requirements
- Prove they have all the proper licenses for their city and state
- Have full insurance to ensure your clients are protected
- Complete all ongoing training to ensure the installers are aware of all standards
- Have an excellent reputation for their work
Benefits Of Hiring A GAF Certified Roofer
- Proper training
- Best warranty
- Community enhancement
What It Means To Be Owens Corning (OC) Preferred, Contractor
Like GAF, Owens Corning is a highly trusted and recognized brand in roofing, and they only recognize the top 1% of contractors as Platinum Preferred Contractors. These contractors meet the strict standards for professionalism, reliability, and unparalleled craftsmanship.
Owens Corning Preferred Contractor Requirements
- Carry $1,000,000 in general liability insurance
- Be screened for financial stability and customer service
- Pass a workmanship inspection
- Be in good standing with the Better Business Bureau.
Benefits of Hiring A OC Preferred Contractor
- They are licensed and insured
- Provide excellent customer service
- They have passed installation workmanship inspections.
Why You Should Hire A Licensed and Certified Roofing Company
The benefits of hiring a licensed and certified roofing company are endless because they have undergone years of training and certifications. Below are some of the main reasons to only employ certified roofers.
- Certified roofing companies know the industry and have proven knowledge of the latest and best practices in roofing installation, maintenance, and replacement.
- They will give you an official written contract. This type of contract protects you because it provides information about what kind of work is being done, the required materials, and when it should be completed.
- Certified roofers must carry insurance, so you know they have basic coverage such as liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. This protects you against any liability for costs related to workers damaging your property or getting injured while on the job.
Why Hire A Certified Roofing Company
Certified roofers have extensive knowledge of properly fixing and maintaining your roof, which saves you time and money in the long run. If you’re looking for a company that’ll do your job right the first time, give us a call, and one of our certified contractors will be happy to talk to you and look at your roof.
