Finding a Credentialed Roofing Contractor.
12/18/2018
Quality roofing solutions are designed to last a long time, so properly installing an effective roofing system is an important investment that should be taken very seriously. Manufacturing excellence in materials is important, but how the materials are installed is equally important in the efficiency and durability of an applied roofing system.
A quality contractor is a very important part of the roofing process, so it is important to understand what defines a quality contractor. We’ll go over the credentialing of a roofing contractor and how to find one. We’ll cover:
• What is a Credentialed Contractor?
• Why Choose a Credentialed Contractor
• Finding and Verifying a Credentialed Contractor
What is a Credentialed Roofing Contractor?
A credentialed roofing contractor is a contractor with one or more credentials or certificates.
Manufacturers are the primary issuing bodies that offer these credentials. CertainTeed, for example, issues the Gold Star Contractor Credential to exceptional commercial roofing companies and the SELECT ShingleMaster Credential to companies that specialize in residential roofing.
There are other credential-issuing bodies like roofers’ association-affiliated institutions that offer programs in specific areas. Examples of these programs include the Certified Solar Roofing Professional™ (CSRP) certification program administrated by Roof Integrated Solar Energy™ (RISE) Inc., in affiliation with National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) and the Center for Environmental Innovation in Roofing.
These credentials mark a company as being qualified to perform an efficient roofing system installation, and make it easier for a consumer to judge the expertise and capability of roofing contractors.
With such variety in available credentials, it is possible a roofing contractor will possess certain credentials while lacking others. It is quite common, in fact, for a roofing contractor to not have every credential available.
This makes it important to ask and note if there are related training programs which issue credentials for specific materials when choosing a roofing material. If there are any such programs, it is recommended that you identify roofing contractors who possess these credentials to carry out your roofing project.
Some of the most popular credentials include:
CertainTeed Credentials
These credentials are awarded after completing programs in two categories:
Commercial Contractor Credential Programs:
• Silver Star Contractor
• Gold Star Contractor
Residential Contractor Credential Programs:
• ShingleMaster™
• SELECT ShingleMaster™
Why Should You Choose a Credentialed Roofing Contractor?
A roof plays an important part in protecting a home or business, so it’s important that the roofing process be done carefully and correctly. From planning to completion, it’s vital that only those with the necessary qualifications, knowledge, and expertise be trusted with handling the roofing process.
A credentialed roofing contractor is essential during the installation phase because a credentialed roofing contractor can:
• Offer extended manufacturer warranties that extend past the usual manufacturer warranty benefits. These warranties may cover costs associated with labor, disposal, replacements, and workmanship, over an extended period of time.
• Perform quality work that will put your mind at ease about the integrity of the roof system after the roofing process has been completed.
• Offer excellent advice and recommendations about the roofing process as well as provide answers to your questions.
How to Find and Verify a Credentialed Roofing Contractor
So you know what credentials are available, but how do you determine whether a contractor or company possesses the credentials required to do the job right? A good way to find out is to visit a manufacturer’s website. Most manufacturers keep a publicly available database of credentialed companies on their website. One example of these databases is CertainTeed’s “Find a Pro” tool.
Credentials can be a source of reassurance when choosing a roofing company, but there are other criteria that should be checked before finalizing your decision. These include:
• That the credentialed roofing contractor is licensed if licensing is required.
• That the roofing contractor has company certificates of insurance. Furthermore, you should ensure that the company covers liability and workers’ compensation insurance and that this coverage is current. Note that workers’ compensation is not required in Texas.
• Satisfactory references that include roofing projects in your area.
• Ensure that the contractor provides a workmanship warranty; typically for a period of 1 or 2 years, but the term can be longer.
Credentials are the mark of a roofing company that has verifiable product and installation knowledge. Make sure to verify credentials and other professional criteria before you decide to award a company with a roofing contract.