Replacing a roof is one of the biggest home investments you’ll ever make. The problem?
Roofing is one of the most unregulated, scam-heavy industries in America.
Storm chasers, uninsured crews, door-knockers, and cheap “pickup truck roofers” can leave you with:
- poor installation
- denied insurance claims
- leaks months later
- zero warranty
- thousands in out-of-pocket repairs
Choosing the right contractor isn’t about picking the lowest price — it’s about choosing the most trustworthy, experienced, and transparent company.
This guide gives you the exact checklist you need to choose the right roofer with confidence.
The 15 Must-Ask Questions Before Hiring a Roofer
1. Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
This should be non-negotiable.
They must show:
- general liability
- workers’ comp
- state license where applicable
If they hesitate to prove it → red flag.
2. How long have you been in business locally?
Not “How long have you been roofing?”
How long have you been LOCAL?
Storm chasers often disappear after a year or less.
Mallard Roofing has 25+ years in the industry — and permanent headquarters.
3. Do you use subcontractors or in-house crews?
Both are fine — but transparency matters.
Questions to ask:
- Are crews trained?
- Are they certified?
- Do you supervise every install?
Do you background check workers?
4. What manufacturer certifications do you have?
Examples:
- GAF Master Elite
- CertainTeed Select ShingleMaster
- Owens Corning Preferred Contractor
Only 2% of contractors nationwide qualify for Master Elite — Mallard is one of them.
5. Can you provide written warranties?
A real roofing company offers:
- Workmanship warranty (10–25 years)
- Manufacturer warranty (lifetime on shingles)
If they offer anything less → beware.
6. Will you provide a detailed, line-item estimate?
It must include:
- tear-off
- materials
- accessories
- underlayment
- vents
- flashing
- cleanup
- number of squares
- labor
A contractor who won’t itemize is hiding something.
7. Do you carry insurance claim experience?
For storm states, this is critical.
A good roofer knows how to:
- document damage
- meet with adjusters
- handle supplements
- understand O&P
- avoid claim denials
Rookies cost homeowners money.
8. Do you protect my property during installation?
Ask what they use:
- landscaping tarps
- plywood
- driveway protection
- magnet nail sweepers
- gutter guards
A bad contractor destroys yards and landscaping.
9. Do you perform a full attic inspection?
Most don’t — but they MUST.
Attic issues often reveal:
- ventilation problems
- mold
- insulation issues
- decking damage
- moisture intrusion
A roof cannot be properly diagnosed from the ground.
10. What underlayment and ventilation do you use?
The shingles aren’t the real roof.
Underlayment + ventilation = lifespan.
Make sure they use:
- synthetic underlayment
- ice & water shield
- proper ridge venting
code-compliant ventilation rates
11. How do you handle unexpected costs?
A professional explains:
- decking replacements
- code upgrades
- supplements
- material upgrades
A scammer just adds surprise fees later.
12. What payment options do you offer?
They should offer:
- financing
- cash
- insurance-only deductible
- clear payment schedule
Never pay 100% upfront.
13. Do you offer photo/video documentation?
Good contractors show:
- before and after pictures
- storm damage close-ups
- hail impact documentation
- install-day progress photos
This protects YOU during insurance discussions.
14. Can I see real customer reviews & proof of work?
Ask for:
- Google reviews
- BBB rating
- Real photos
- Drone shots
- References
- Before/after galleries
If they only show “stock photos,” run.
15. Do you clean up everything when the job is done?
A professional roofer leaves your home cleaner than before, including:
- yard
- driveway
- sidewalks
- gutters
- flower beds
- patios
Cheap roofers leave nails everywhere.
Red Flags That Mean You Should Run
“We’ll waive your deductible”
Illegal in most states. Insurance fraud.
No physical address
Storm chasers operate out of trucks.
No insurance
You become liable if a worker is injured.
Extremely low price
Cheap = catastrophic installation risks.
No written warranty
Future leaks become your problem, not theirs.
How Mallard Roofing Protects Homeowners
Mallard offers a premium experience:
- GAF Master Elite Certified
- Fully licensed/insured
- Full attic/roof inspections
- Photo & drone documentation
- Insurance claim support
- Lifetime-limited warranties
- Clean, organized install-day process
- Financing options
- Storm restoration specialists
This is what a real roofing company looks like.
Conclusion
Choosing the right roofing contractor can mean the difference between a roof that lasts 25 years and one that leaks in 12 months. Ask the right questions, avoid red flags, and choose a company with proven systems, certifications, and experience.
If you want a transparent, no-hassle roof inspection, Mallard Roofing offers:
- free evaluations
- no-pressure quotes
- full photo reports
- insurance claim advice
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right roofing contractor for my home?
To choose the right roofing contractor, check licenses, insurance, reviews, and local experience. Mallard Roofing recommends asking clear questions before hiring a roofer.
What questions should I ask a roofing contractor before hiring?
Key questions to ask a roofing contractor include warranty terms, crew type, insurance, and estimates. This roofing contractor checklist helps homeowners avoid scams and mistakes.
Why is hiring a licensed and insured roofer important?
Hiring a licensed and insured roofer protects you from liability, poor work, and denied claims. Mallard Roofing follows proper standards to keep homeowners safe and covered.
What are common roofing contractor red flags to watch for?
Roofing contractor red flags include very low prices, no written warranty, no address, or asking for full payment upfront. These signs often lead to poor results.
How does experience help when choosing a roofing contractor?
Experience matters when choosing a roofing contractor because skilled roofers spot issues early, follow codes, and avoid errors that cause leaks or costly repairs.
