Finding Good Roofing Companies: How to Spot Red Flags
Illinois's climactic conditions, from severe storms to strong winds, can damage any property's roofing system.
Take Chicago, IL, as an example. According to FirstStreet.org, its maximum wind speeds are higher than 30 years ago, and 100% of homes face at least some risk. Properties in the Windy City are most at risk from severe storms, whose strong winds can damage roofing systems.
Fortunately, good roofing companies can help restore existing roofs damaged by weather, age, or neglect. Their prompt, high-quality services can save Chicagoland property owners from the cost and headaches of more severe damage.
But how exactly do you find the best roofing contractors? By knowing how to spot red flags, that's how.
Read on, as the experts at Prusak Roofing have shared insights to help you find reliable local roof repair experts in Illinois and the Chicagoland area.
You Can't Find Their License Details
One of the first things to look for in a reliable roofing company is their state-issued license.
It's the law under the Illinois Roofing Industry Licensing Act (225 ILCS 335) and the regulations under Title 68, Part 1460 of the Illinois Administrative Code. In short, anyone who wishes to perform roofing work in the state for a fee must have a roofing license.
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) regulates and licenses roofers in the state. Its lookup tool lets you check whether your prospects have the necessary licenses.
In most cases, you won't have to ask for the license details of reputable contractors offering high-quality and prompt roof repair or installation services. They often publish this information on their websites and advertising materials. After all, they take pride in their licensure, considering how difficult it is to get one.
But why does licensure even matter?
Proof of Expertise:
A roofing license is a professional credential awarded only to those who've demonstrated their industry-specific knowledge and skills.
For instance, before someone can acquire a roofing license in Illinois, they must pass one or more of the following examinations:
- Illinois Residential Roofing
- Illinois Commercial and Industrial Roofing
- Illinois Residential, Commercial, and Industrial Roofing
When taking such exams, applicants must show their competency and knowledge of the roofing industry. They must also establish and prove their familiarity with other critical topics, such as safety practices and business ethics.
S
o, please choose a licensed contractor to ensure you're dealing with an entity that has met rigorous industry requirements, whether your project involves roof repair or new roofing installation.
Protection With Insurance:
Another reason licensure matters is that applicants must meet stringent insurance requirements. In Illinois, this is part of the roofing industry's licensing process. For instance, applicants must submit proof of liability and worker's compensation insurance (if applicable).
Liability insurance protects you, the property owner, against financial or legal liabilities. It kicks in if any of the following (while unlikely) occurs during the project:
- Accidents on your property
- Injuries to the roofing workers
- Damage to your property
Highly experienced and reputable roofing contractors have the knowledge, skills, and training to cut the risks of such incidents. However, given that roofing work is inherently risky, untoward and unpredictable events may still occur. Indeed, according to KXNet.com, a study found that it's among the top 10 most dangerous jobs in the U.S.
So, reputable roofers always carry insurance to protect them and their clients.
Peace of Mind With a Bond:
A bond is another requirement licensed roofing companies have met. Like insurance, a bond benefits you, the property owner, by:
- Financially guaranteeing the contractor will complete the work as indicated in the contract
- Protecting you from shoddy craftsmanship or incomplete work
- Allowing you to recover costs if the contractor fails to satisfy all their contractual duties and obligations
They Have Suspicious or No Reviews or Ratings
A lack of customer reviews or ratings doesn't necessarily mean you're dealing with fly-by-night roof installation companies or repair contractors. Still, it could mean they're new (and so, less experienced). It may be okay for minor jobs like routine maintenance or basic fixes.
Ideally, you'd want a contractor with many years of experience. Expertise is crucial for complex work, such as extensive repairs or a new roof installation.
Suspicious reviews, such as those with little to no written information and just 5-star ratings, are also red flags. They're likely fake and unreliable, especially if their dates are too near to or similar to each other.
They Have No Industry Accreditations or Affiliations
Good roofing companies have more than state-issued licenses. They also have accreditation or affiliations, such as with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and the Chicago Roofing Contractors Association (CRCA).
If you encounter "roofing companies" online that don't provide their insurance details, accreditations, and affiliations, please consider moving on, regardless of whether they promise affordable roofing services. They may be an unlicensed entity or, worse, a fly-by-night one.
You Find Numerous Typos on Their Site
Typos on an unprofessional-looking website can be a red flag, especially if there are many mistakes on each page. While these don't automatically mean they're scammers, they still show a lack of effort.
Remember: Legitimate businesses invest in creating professional-looking sites. They want to showcase their professionalism, so they ensure their web content has undergone revisions and proofreading. A lack of effort on their website could reflect the quality of their roofing services.
Work Only With Good Roofing Companies
When searching for good roofing companies, be mindful of those who don't have a license, accreditations, affiliations, and verifiable reviews.
Luckily, you don't have to look far and wide to find a reliable, highly experienced, fully licensed roofing contractor in the Chicagoland area. Our company, Prusak Roofing, is here to help.
We've been serving homeowners and commercial property owners for over five decades since our founder, Eugene Prusak, founded the firm in 1968. We're also proud of our A+ BBB rating and numerous 4-star and 5-star verified reviews, which we believe are a testament to our high-quality roofing services. We'll use our years of experience, knowledge, and skills to restore your roof to tip-top shape.
Call us today for a free roof inspection and estimate!
