Your roof shingles are your home’s first line of defense against the elements. While taking the DIY approach for replacing them saves money, it’s usually best to leave the job to an expert. Professional roofers can ensure you have a long-lasting, warranty-valid roof system at the end of the installation.
When to Replace Your Shingle Roof
Avoid the stress of an emergency replacement. Watch out for the following signs to know when it’s time to replace your roof system:
- Shingles that are curling upward
- Parts of the roof look wavy and distorted
- Bald spots on the roof
- A buildup of sand in the gutters
- Cracked or missing shingles
While standard shingle roofs can last decades, the weather can affect their longevity. For example, roofs in hail-prone areas like Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina need replacement every 7-10 years based on insurance industry reports. So, if you see any of these roof red flags — especially after a hail storm and other extreme weather events — consider having professionals inspect your roof.
How to Find the Best Roofer for Replacing Your Shingles
Even the best materials in the world will fail if they’re not installed correctly. Follow these tips to find the best roofer for your shingle replacement needs.
Step 1: Verify Licensing, Insurance and Safety Protocols
This is the easiest way to filter out unqualified or illegitimate roofing companies from your options. If these credential details are not available on their website, don’t hesitate to ask for them during a consultation.
General liability insurance is a must-have because it protects your property. If a contractor damages your landscaping, their liability insurance would cover it.
Another essential insurance is workers’ compensation, which protects the homeowner. Roofing is among the most dangerous construction trades in America, making safety protocols and insurance-backed solutions critical. If a crew member suffers injuries on your property, workers’ compensation covers their medical bills and lost wages. Without it, you could be held liable.
Step 2: Read Customer Reviews
Become digital detectives. Determine the story a roofer’s website or online presence tells.
Beyond star rating, look for detailed reviews that describe the entire process, from the initial call to the final cleanup. Take note of the names reviewers mention and assess how the brand responds to both positive and negative feedback.
Step 3: Assess Workmanship, Materials and Warranties
Roof manufacturers often certify top-tier roofers who install their products. More than a marketing badge, it means these contractors completed factory training. It indicates expertise in installing different styles, such as the flat-uniform look of three-tab shingles and the thicker, multi-dimensional architectural shingles that mimic wood shake or slate.
Explore the different materials that roofers offer and install. Your choice can affect your home’s comfort and energy efficiency, especially in warmer climates. For example, solar reflective shingles can reduce your building’s peak cooling demand by 11%-27%, as they lower the heat transferred into the space.
Top roofers often provide warranties from the manufacturer on the materials and from the roofer for the labor. Great roofers offer a strong warranty for their work. Quality contractors may also have awards, such as the top 100 roofing contractors in the U.S., under their belts.
Step 4: Demand Transparent Pricing and Contracts
Unexpected costs are never fun, especially if you’re working on a budget. To avoid being overcharged, ask for a detailed, itemized quote from potential contractors. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it could be a sign that the roofer is uninsured, using subpar materials or plans to add fees later.
Getting an itemized quote should break down costs for materials, labor, old roof tear-off and disposal, permit fees, and flashing or ventilation work. If anything is unclear, a legitimate roofer is always ready to provide more details.
Applying the 4 Steps and Finding a Trusted Roofing Company
Using the benchmarks in practical terms to see if a roofer is trustworthy. For this case study, Fraser Roofing is selected. The U.S. company operates mostly in Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina and has over two decades of experience.
Step 1: Verifiable Expertise and Superior Warranties
Trust is the foundation, and proven, verifiable skills must support it. An excellent roofing company has the credentials to prove its team is made up of experts. Third-party certifications from major manufacturers are the gold standard, indicating that the roofers have completed factory training and are recognized for high-quality installations.
Going back to Fraser Roofing. The company is a CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster, which is an elite status earned by only the top 1% of roofing contractors nationwide. This lets it offer a multi-layered protection plan. It can include a 10-year warranty, which shows the roofer’s confidence in the quality of its labor. It could also offer an exclusive extended 25-year manufacturer’s labor warranty, meaning the shingle maker backs the installation quality.
According to Fraser Roofing owner Dominick Fraser, “A good roof is essential for the protection and safety of your home. When you notice any signs of damage, you should get it fixed as soon as possible. Putting your trust in professionals ensures top-notch workmanship and provides peace of mind for many years to come.”
Step 2: A Foundation of Trust and Honesty
Roofers may take advantage of natural disasters or emergencies to overcharge or exaggerate damage. Looking at reviews and particularly reviews of emergency repairs can help you decide whether to investigate further. For example, imagine calling for a roof inspection after a bad storm. Suspicious contractors would take advantage of the situation, describing the worst-case scenario and providing a high-pressure sales pitch. When looking at Fraser Roofing, there is evidence that the company does not take advantage of unfortunate situations. As clients testify:
“Ryan Todack was so polite and professional. He inspected my roof after some bad storms and found a few loose shingles that he sealed back down for me, and minor hail damage, but nothing severe enough to require a new roof yet. I really value and appreciate his honesty because he could’ve said it needed a new roof just to make a sale.” – Erika H.
When a contractor gives an honest, conservative assessment, it proves that it values its reputation and future business over a single, immediate sale. It’s a sign that you’ve found a trustworthy local expert you can call on for years to come.
Step 3 & 4: An Advocate Through Insurance and Financing
Shingle replacement can involve navigating budgets and complex insurance paperwork. This is where a contractor’s role can evolve from installer to invaluable partner. It can step in to help manage the process on your behalf, especially when dealing with storm or hail damage.
“Evan and Josh (of Fraser Roofing) were absolutely amazing. They worked hard to ensure my insurance did what was right. They stayed in touch and kept me updated through the whole process.” – Alyssa F.
This service will help you save time, stress and money by ensuring your insurance provider covers everything it should. Fraser Roofing also offers flexible financing options through a multi-lender platform, allowing homeowners to protect their home without facing a single, massive up-front cost.
Protecting Your Home and Your Investment
Once you’ve chosen a roofer, take proactive steps for a seamless project. Conduct a pre-work walk through to assess landscaping, take “before” photos of your property for peace of mind and inform your neighbors as a courtesy. You’ll have more control of your investment with these steps, ensuring your home is protected from the initial contract all the way through to the final nail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the answers to common questions about shingle replacement.
What shingle brands do you recommend and why?
Top-tier roofers won’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. They may recommend trusted brands like CertainTeed, DaVinci or F-Wave. More importantly, they will explain the pros and cons of each and help you choose the best material and style for your home’s design, climate and budget.
Do you offer financing options for roof replacement?
Yes. Fraser Roofing and other reputable roofing businesses partner with financial institutions. The best ones offer access to multi-lender platforms that provide flexible and competitive options to make the shingle replacement project affordable.
What is your warranty on shingle replacement?
A quality roofing project comes with two warranties — a manufacturer’s warranty on the materials and a quality warranty from the contractor. An elite, certified installer can often offer both a strong quality warranty and access to extended manufacturer-backed labor warranties.
