How to Choose the Best Roofing Company in Madison

There are plenty of roofing companies to choose from in Madison, but they won’t all offer the same experience or approach to your project. Knowing what to look for can help you narrow down your options and find a contractor that’s a good fit for your home.

Here’s what to look for when you’re comparing local roofers.

1. Check For Local Roofing Experience

A roofing contractor who regularly works in Madison and the surrounding area should understand the conditions local roofs have to deal with. Wisconsin winters, heavy snow, strong winds, hail, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles can all put stress on roofing systems.

Look for a local company with a track record of completing similar roofing projects in the Madison area. Experience with local homes can also help when a contractor is inspecting an older roof, dealing with storm damage, or recommending whether a repair or complete roof replacement makes more sense.

A company that also provides siding, gutters, windows, or insulation may be able to address other exterior issues while working on your roof, although you should still make sure roofing is a significant part of its business.

2. Check That the Contractor Is Licensed and Insured

Before hiring a roofer, find out whether the company is properly licensed and insured for the work it performs. Ask about both general liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage.

With insurance coverage, you’ll be protected from taking on unnecessary risk if someone is injured while working on your property or if your home is damaged during the project.

Don’t be uncomfortable asking for proof of insurance. A professional roofing company should be able to provide it without making it difficult.

3. Look at the Company’s Roofing Credentials

Credentials can give you another way to evaluate a roofing contractor, particularly when they come from established manufacturers.

For example, some contractors hold designations such as Owens Corning Preferred Contractor status. Others may be certified to install roofing systems from manufacturers such as GAF.

These programs can have different requirements, so don’t choose a company based on a certification alone. Instead, use credentials as one part of the bigger picture. Look at the contractor’s experience, workmanship, reviews, materials, and warranty options as well.

4. Read Reviews From Other Homeowners

Online reviews can tell you quite a bit about what it’s like to work with a roofing company.

Pay attention to comments about communication, scheduling, cleanup, quality of installation, and how the company handled problems. A few negative reviews aren’t necessarily a reason to eliminate a contractor, but look for recurring complaints or patterns.

It can also help to ask the company for references from recent roofing projects. Speaking with a previous customer can give you a better idea of how the contractor handled the job once the contract was signed.

5. Ask What Roofing Systems and Materials They Install

If you’re considering a new roof, ask what options are available and why the contractor recommends them for your house.

Asphalt shingles are common, but some Madison homeowners may prefer metal roofing or another roofing system depending on the property and budget.

Ask about the specific products being proposed, including:

• Shingles or other roofing materials
• Underlayment
• Ice and water protection
• Flashing
• Drip edge
• Ridge vents and other ventilation
• Fasteners and accessories
• Replacement of damaged decking

You don’t need to become a roofing expert before hiring a contractor. The roofer should be able to explain what they’re recommending and answer your questions in plain language.

6. Get a Detailed Roofing Estimate

Don’t rely on a quick verbal price. Ask for a written estimate that explains what the roofing project includes.

A good estimate should give you enough information to understand what you’re paying for. Depending on the job, it may include the roofing materials, labor, tear-off and disposal, installation, flashing, ventilation, cleanup, permits, and any anticipated repairs.

The estimate should also make it clear what happens if the contractor finds damaged decking or another problem after the existing roof is removed.

Getting a free estimate is useful, but don’t assume the cheapest quote is automatically the best deal. A lower price may reflect fewer materials, less work, or a different roofing system.

7. Compare Warranties Carefully

Warranties can vary considerably between roofing contractors and manufacturers, so find out exactly what each one covers.

Ask about both the manufacturer’s product warranty and the contractor’s workmanship warranty. A lifetime workmanship warranty may sound appealing, but you should still ask what it covers, how long the company has been in business, and what conditions or exclusions apply.

The important thing is knowing what protection you’re actually getting after the installation is complete.

8. Ask How the Roofing Crew Handles the Job

The installation crew can have a major impact on the finished roof. Ask who will actually be doing the work and whether the company uses its own employees or subcontractors.

You can also ask:

• Who will supervise the project?
• How many people will be on the crew?
• How long should the installation take?
• Who will be your main contact?
• How will the crew protect landscaping and other parts of the property?
• How will old shingles and roofing debris be removed?
• Will the property be cleaned when the work is finished?

These details may seem minor compared with the roofing materials, but they can have a noticeable effect on your experience during the project.

9. Consider How the Company Handles Repairs and Storm Damage

If your roof has hail or wind damage, you may not need a complete roof replacement. A qualified roofing contractor should inspect the roof and explain what they find before recommending major work.

Ask whether the company handles roof repair, storm damage inspections, and insurance-related documentation if those services are relevant to your situation.

It’s also worth getting a second opinion if you’re unsure whether an entire roof needs to be replaced. A home inspector may be able to provide useful information about the overall condition of the property, but a roofing contractor should be the one assessing the roofing system itself.

10. Don’t Choose a Roofer Based on Price Alone

Cost is an important part of any roofing decision, but it shouldn’t be the only thing you compare.

Two contractors can give you different prices because they may be proposing different materials, installation methods, warranties, or amounts of repair work. One estimate may also include items that another contractor has left out.

Compare the actual scope of each proposal before making your decision. If something isn’t clear, ask the contractor to explain it rather than assuming the quotes cover the same work.

Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Roofing Company

Before signing a contract, make sure you have answers to the basic questions about your roofing project:

• Are you fully licensed and insured? Ask for current documentation rather than taking it for granted.
• How much experience do you have with roofs like mine? A contractor who regularly handles similar homes and roofing systems may be better equipped for your particular project.
• What materials will you use? Ask about the shingles or roofing system as well as the underlayment, flashing, ventilation, and other components.
• What does the estimate include? Make sure labor, tear-off, disposal, cleanup, and anticipated repairs are accounted for.
• What warranties come with the work? Ask about both product and workmanship coverage and have the contractor explain any important exclusions.
• Who will be doing the installation? Find out who will be on your property and who will oversee the job.
• What happens if you find a problem after removing the old roof? Ask how unexpected decking damage or other repairs will be handled and approved.

Get a Few Roofing Estimates Before You Decide

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, get estimates from two or three roofing companies. This gives you a better sense of local pricing and lets you compare what each contractor is actually proposing.

Look beyond the final number. Compare the materials, installation process, warranty, crew, cleanup, and scope of work. If one estimate is significantly higher or lower than the others, ask why.

Taking a little extra time to compare contractors can help you avoid surprises once the roofing project gets underway.

Choose a Roofing Company You Feel Comfortable Hiring

The best roofing company for your home isn’t necessarily the one with the lowest price or the longest list of services. Look for a contractor that communicates clearly, provides a detailed estimate, carries the right insurance, uses quality materials, and is willing to answer your questions.

South Central Wisconsin Roofing has been helping homeowners and businesses across Wisconsin since 1971. We’re a Wisconsin-licensed contractor and an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor, with experience handling roof repairs, storm damage, and complete roof replacements throughout Madison, Dane County, and the surrounding area.

Have a roofing project on the horizon? Contact us for more information!