Asphalt Shingle Roofing Contractors

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Asphalt Shingle Roofing Contractors – Of course. Here is a comprehensive guide to asphalt shingle roofing contractors, covering how to find them, vet them, and ensure you get a quality installation.

Why Asphalt Shingles?

First, it’s helpful to know why they are the most popular roofing material in North America:

  • Cost-Effective: They offer the best balance of affordability and performance.

  • Variety: Available in many colors, styles (3-tab, architectural/dimensional, luxury), and warranties.

  • Durability: Modern architectural shingles can last 25-50 years and withstand significant wind.

  • Ease of Installation: Most professional roofers are highly experienced with them.

How to Find & Choose a Qualified Contractor

Finding a contractor is easy; finding a reputable one requires diligence.

1. Start with Research & Referrals

  • Word of Mouth: Ask friends, family, and neighbors for recommendations. A roof you can see in person is a powerful reference.

  • Online Reviews: Check Google Business Profile, Better Business Bureau (BBB), Houzz, and specialized sites like Angi or HomeAdvisor. Look for patterns in reviews (e.g., consistently praised for cleanliness or consistently criticized for communication).

  • Manufacturer Websites: Major shingle manufacturers (GAF, Owens Corning, CertainTeed, Malarkey) have “find a contractor” tools. Contractors listed here are often certified, meaning they have undergone special training.

2. Vet the Contractors Thoroughly

Narrow your list to 3-4 contractors and dig deeper.

  • Licensing: Verify they are licensed to work in your state and locality. (Requirements vary significantly).

  • Insurance: This is non-negotiable. They must have:

    • Liability Insurance: Covers damage to your property.

    • Workers’ Compensation Insurance: Covers injuries to workers on your property. Without it, you could be liable.

    • Ask for copies of their certificates of insurance and verify they are current.

  • Local References & Portfolio: Ask for addresses of recent local jobs you can drive by. A reputable contractor will be proud to show their work.

  • BBB Check: Look them up on the Better Business Bureau website for their rating and any complaints.

3. The Critical Step: Get Detailed Written Estimates

Do not accept verbal quotes or rough estimates. A professional proposal should include:

  • Full Company Info: Name, address, phone, license number.

  • Scope of Work: A detailed description of what will be done.

    • Tear-off: Removal of old shingles and disposal fees.

    • Decking Inspection/Repair: Stating that the roof deck will be inspected and any rotten wood will be replaced (with a per-sheet cost for replacements).

    • Materials Used: Exact brand, style, and color of shingles. Type of underlayment (synthetic vs. felt), ice and water shield details, ventilation products (ridge vents, soffit vents), and drip edge.

  • Warranties:

    • Manufacturer’s Warranty: Covers defects in the shingles themselves (often 25-50 years). This is often prorated.

    • Workmanship Warranty: The contractor’s warranty on their installation quality (e.g., 5, 10, 25 years, or lifetime). This is often more important than the manufacturer’s warranty, as most roof failures are due to installation error.

  • Payment Schedule: A clear, fair payment plan. Be wary of contractors demanding full payment upfront.

  • Timeline: Project start and completion dates.

  • Cleanup: How the site will be cleaned daily and at project completion (magnetized nail sweeps are a must).

Key Questions to Ask Potential Contractors

  1. “Will you be doing a full tear-off, or a layover?” (A full tear-off is almost always recommended).

  2. “How will you protect my property?” (They should mention using tarps, protecting landscaping, and using plywood on driveways).

  3. “Who will be the foreman on-site, and how can I contact them?“

  4. “What is your process for handling unexpected issues, like rotten decking?” (They should have a clear communication and approval process).

  5. “Are you a certified installer for this shingle brand?” (This can unlock enhanced manufacturer warranties).

Red Flags to Watch Out For

  • High Pressure Sales Tactics: “This price is only good today!”

  • Door-to-Door Solicitations: Especially after a storm (“storm chasers”).

  • Demanding Large Upfront Payments: A reasonable deposit for materials is normal; paying 50% or more upfront is a risk.

  • No Physical Address or Business License.

  • Unusually Low Bid: If it’s much cheaper than others, they are almost certainly cutting corners on materials, labor, or insurance.

  • Asks You to Pull the Permit: In most areas, the contractor should pull the roofing permit, as it holds them responsible for the work meeting code.

Understanding Warranties: The Two Key Types

  • Standard Manufacturer Warranty: Comes with the shingles. Covers manufacturing defects but is often prorated, meaning its value decreases over time.

  • Enhanced/System Warranty: Offered by manufacturers (e.g., GAF Golden Pledge, Owens Corning Platinum) through their certified installers. These are often non-prorated and include coverage for the contractor’s workmanship for a specific period. This is the gold standard.

A Note on Cost

The cost of an asphalt shingle roof varies widely based on:

  • Size and Pitch of Roof

  • Complexity (number of valleys, chimneys, skylights)

  • Type of Shingle (3-tab vs. architectural vs. luxury)

  • Your Geographic Location

  • Cost of removal and disposal of old materials

As a very rough national average, a full roof replacement can range from $5,000 to $15,000+ for a typical single-family home. The only way to know is to get those detailed estimates.

The Installation Process: What to Expect

Once you’ve chosen a contractor and signed the contract, here’s a typical timeline:

  1. Scheduling & Material Delivery: The contractor will schedule your project and have a dumpster and the shingle bundles delivered to your driveway a day or two before work begins.

  2. Preparation: The crew will arrive and set up. This includes laying ground protection, setting up ladders, and ensuring your property is secure.

  3. Tear-Off: The old shingles, underlayment, and nails are stripped from the roof. This is the noisiest and messiest part of the job.

  4. Inspection & Repair: The roof deck (the wooden sheathing, usually plywood or OSB) is fully exposed and inspected. Any soft or rotten wood is marked and replaced. This is a critical step for a long-lasting roof.

  5. Installing the Roofing System: The new roof is built from the bottom up:

    • Drip Edge: Metal flashing installed at the roof’s edges.

    • Ice & Water Shield: A self-adhering, waterproof membrane is installed in vulnerable areas (valleys, eaves, around chimneys). This is a crucial code requirement in cold climates.

    • Underlayment: A synthetic or felt fabric is rolled out over the entire deck, acting as a secondary moisture barrier.

    • Flashing: New metal flashing is installed around roof penetrations like chimneys, vents, and skylights.

    • Shingles: The shingles are installed from the eaves upward, following the manufacturer’s precise instructions for nailing patterns and overlap.

    • Ventilation: Soffit vents, ridge vents, and/or other ventilation products are installed to ensure proper airflow, which is essential for roof longevity and energy efficiency.

  6. Cleanup: The crew should use magnetized rollers to pick up nails from your yard, driveway, and landscaping. The dumpster is hauled away, and your property is left as clean as they found it.

  7. Final Inspection: The contractor and/or a local building inspector will do a final walk-through to ensure the work meets code and the contract specifications. The contractor should also walk you through the finished project.

Common Scenarios & How to Handle Them

Scenario 1: The “Storm Chaser” Knocks on Your Door

After a hailstorm or high winds, out-of-town contractors often go door-to-door offering “free inspections” and promising to cover your insurance deductible.

  • What to do: Be very cautious. These companies often use high-pressure tactics, produce questionable damage reports, and may leave town once the local storm work dries up, voiding any workmanship warranty.

  • Best Practice: Stick with established, local contractors with a physical address you can verify. If you suspect damage, call your insurance company first to start a claim and then use your own vetted local contractor for the repair.

Scenario 2: The Estimate is Much Lower Than Others

This is a major red flag. The low price usually comes from:

  • Using inferior, off-brand materials.

  • Skipping crucial steps like proper ice & water shield or synthetic underlayment.

  • Not being properly insured (saving them money, but putting you at risk).

  • Using fewer nails or incorrect nailing techniques that will void the shingle warranty.

  • Best Practice: Remember the adage: “The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.”

Scenario 3: Discovering Rotten Roof Decking

This is a common “hidden cost.” During the tear-off, the contractor may find sections of the wood deck that are rotten and need replacement.

  • What to do: A reputable contractor will have explicitly mentioned this possibility in the contract with a per-sheet cost (e.g., “$150 per 4’x8′ sheet of plywood”). They will stop work, show you the damage, and get your written approval for the additional cost before proceeding.

  • Red Flag: A contractor who doesn’t find or mention any decking repair on an older home might be cutting corners.

Specialized Contractor Types

  • Certified Installers: As mentioned, these are contractors who have been vetted and trained by a specific manufacturer (like GAF Master Elite or Owens Corning Platinum). Hiring them often allows you to receive the strongest, longest, and non-prorated warranties.

  • Full-Service Roofing Companies: These firms handle everything from inspection and insurance claim assistance to installation and follow-up service. They are often a good choice for complex jobs or insurance claims.

  • General Contractors: Some GCs will sub-contract the roofing work to a crew they hire. It’s crucial to ask who will actually be doing the work and to vet that company’s credentials as well.

Final Checklist Before You Sign

  • I have received 3 detailed, written estimates.

  • I have verified the contractor’s license, liability insurance, and workers’ comp.

  • I have checked online reviews and the BBB rating.

  • The contract specifies the exact brand, style, and color of all materials.

  • The contract includes a clear workmanship warranty and explains the manufacturer’s warranty.

  • The payment schedule is fair (e.g., deposit, progress payment, final payment upon satisfactory completion).

  • I understand who is responsible for obtaining the building permit.

  • All my questions have been answered clearly and professionally.

By following this comprehensive guide, you can navigate the process of hiring an asphalt shingle roofing contractor with confidence, ensuring you invest in a quality roof that will protect your home for years to come.