Hiring a Roofing Contractor

Roofing Contractors are licensed professionals who can handle the various aspects of a re-roofing job. They can help acquire necessary permits, purchase and deliver re-roofing materials, and provide cleanup and disposal services on the project site.

They can also offer warranties on workmanship and products. Lastly, they can utilize software apps like improve it to simplify the quoting process and save time on preparation.

When hiring a roofing contractor, it’s important to ensure they are licensed. A license indicates that they have undergone training and passed an exam, which demonstrates their knowledge of the roofing industry. In addition, they should have liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. If you suspect that your roofer isn’t properly licensed, you can check their license at the state level. Most states have online tools to look up a contractor’s licensing information, but you can also contact your local municipal offices for more information.

Many states require roofing contractors to obtain a state license before starting work on a project. These requirements vary by state and sometimes by county.

Most states require a contractor to pass an exam and have years of experience in the field before they can become licensed. In addition, they must have liability insurance and a bond. Those who work with asbestos are also required to be licensed. Despite these restrictions, there are still a number of roofing contractors who are not licensed. These unlicensed contractors can cause serious problems for homeowners, so it’s crucial to choose a licensed contractor.

If a roofer is willing to operate without a license, chances are that he will be unwilling to get other paperwork in order. This includes permits, warranties, and insurance. If a contractor is not willing to take the time to comply with the law, it’s probably best not to hire him for your project. Taking shortcuts with licensing can lead to expensive problems in the future. If you’re hiring someone to do a major home improvement, such as a new roof, it’s worth it to invest the time and money into becoming licensed. Besides, it’s a good idea to stay up to date on licensing requirements, as changes can occur frequently. Keeping up with these changes can help you avoid fines and other penalties for working without a license.

Insurance

Roofers should carry several types of insurance to cover their business needs. Builders risk insurance protects the property at a construction site against damage or destruction while a project is underway. Most owners will require this coverage from contractors before allowing work to begin on their building or renovation. Commercial general liability insurance helps cover third-party bodily injury and property damage, which is an essential part of any roofing contractor’s insurance portfolio. This can pay for legal expenses and medical costs if a worker’s tool accidentally injures a passerby. Many roofing businesses will also add a professional errors and omissions insurance policy, which can help compensate for financial losses resulting from a mistake or misrepresentation during the course of a job.

Roofing contractors may also need a commercial auto insurance policy to provide protection for the vehicles they use for business purposes. This type of insurance often provides higher coverage limits than personal auto insurance policies. This type of policy typically includes collision and comprehensive coverage as well.

Another essential type of roofing contractor insurance is inland marine insurance. This type of insurance offers protection for a company’s tools and equipment both on the job site and during transit between jobs. Roofing contractors who regularly ship high-value equipment between multiple locations will find that this insurance is an important investment.

All roofing contractors should carry workers’ compensation insurance for any employees that they hire. This type of insurance will pay for a variety of different losses associated with employee injuries, including past and future medical expenses as well as lost income. This type of insurance is usually required by most states and should be obtained through a private insurer or through a workers’ comp association.

Depending on the state and its insurance laws, roofing contractors may also need to obtain a bid bond or fidelity bond. These bonds help ensure that a roofing company will complete the job it has agreed to before paying out a contract sum. They are usually required by states where roofing is a licensed trade. Obtaining a bond may be a complex process and should be handled by an experienced broker.

Worker’s Compensation

You’ve likely seen the ads on TV and in print where a roofing contractor claims that they are “fully insured.” In many cases, the company is referring to both liability and worker’s compensation. Workers’ comp is a business insurance policy that provides medical coverage and wage replacement for employees who are injured in the course of their employment. It is also required by most states. Depending on the situation, it may be purchased through a private insurer or from a state-run fund.

Worker’s comp rates are set by the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) and are based on past injuries in your industry. The NCCI groups jobs into class codes and uses a base manual rate for each of those classes to start the pricing process. As a roofer, your job is classified as class code 5545. This classification includes all workers who perform carpentry work in connection with the construction of one- or two-family dwellings and private garages with sloped roofs, or who remove existing roofs to install new roofs or repair old ones.

Workers’ comp benefits include payment for medical expenses, compensation for lost wages, and disability benefits. In addition, it helps protect your business from lawsuits brought by injured employees. Unlike a lawsuit, workers’ comp settlements are generally quick and can be settled without a lengthy court battle.

Despite the best practices, there is always a risk that a worker will sustain an injury on the job. Whether due to weather, equipment malfunction, or other factors, even the most careful contractors can be hurt on the job. Without workers’ comp, injured employees can sue your business for thousands of dollars. With this policy in place, you can avoid the risk of such a claim.

At Simple Work Comp, we specialize in providing quality workers’ comp for roofing companies. We understand the complexities of this type of policy and can find you competitive prices with leading carriers in your area. Contact us today to learn more or get a fast, online quote. Our goal is to keep it simple for you!

Warranty

When you’re hiring a roofing contractor, make sure that they offer a warranty on their work. A reputable roofer wouldn’t even think of trying to drum up business without offering such a guarantee. If they’re not willing to put a warranty in writing, you should look elsewhere for a contractor.

There are several types of warranties offered by roofing contractors, but the most common are workmanship and manufacturers’ material warranties. A manufacturer warranty covers the products used in your roof, while a workmanship warranty covers any installation errors that may occur. Both warranties can range from a few years to decades, depending on the product.

Some roofing contractors also provide enhanced warranties that cover both the materials and the workmanship of the job. These are often offered for a higher price but can help you avoid costly repairs in the future. However, it’s important to note that these warranties only apply if all the roofing materials are from the same manufacturer and the contractor is certified by that company.

A basic manufacturer warranty typically covers only factory faults, while an enhanced warranty may include shingle coverage, ice and water shield, underlayment, flashing, and ventilation products. Some manufacturers require that the roofing contractor register the warranty before it becomes active, and most contracts include wording stating that unauthorized changes voids the warranty.

If you’re choosing a roofing contractor with a warranty that offers extended service, ask about it in detail and request a copy. The contractor should be able to explain exactly what is and isn’t covered. Some warranties require homeowners to inspect their roofs and report any issues within a certain time frame, while others only provide coverage for specific components or issues.

As you interview roofing contractors, find out what types of warranties they’re willing to provide and how long their standard warranty lasts. Remember that the warranty is only valid if registered with the product manufacturer before installation, and most roofing companies will help their clients with this process. Regular maintenance is also required to ensure that your roof maintains its warranty. The easiest way to keep your warranty in good standing is by having your roofing company perform a routine inspection every one or two years.