Choosing a roofer, at a glance
Hire a St. Louis roofer who has a local address, carries insurance, gives a written itemized estimate, puts the warranty in writing, and answers the phone when you call. That last point tells you a lot about how a warranty call will go five years from now. Our number, (314) 429-6000, is answered by a person 24 hours a day.
Questions to ask every roofer
A good roofer will answer all of these without hesitating, and most will be glad you asked. If the answers come back vague, or the paperwork never shows up, that tells you how the rest of the job is likely to go. Ask the same questions of every company you call so you can compare answers side by side.
- Where is your office, and how long have you worked in St. Louis?
- Can I see your certificate of insurance?
- Will I get a written, itemized estimate?
- What does your workmanship warranty cover, for how long, and is it in writing?
- Which manufacturer certifications do you hold?
- How do you price replacement decking if you find it?
- Who do I call if something goes wrong after the job, and will someone answer?
Read the estimate closely
Two estimates with similar totals can describe very different jobs. Look for whether the old shingles are torn off or covered over, whether flashing is replaced or reused, what kind of underlayment is used, and whether ice and water protection goes in the valleys and at the eaves.
Ventilation should be on the estimate too. So should the decking rate, cleanup, and what happens to your landscaping. If something you care about isn't written down, ask for it in writing before you sign.
Check the warranty paperwork the same way. A workmanship warranty covers how the roof was installed, and a manufacturer warranty covers the materials. Ask who you call for each one, whether the warranty transfers if you sell the house, and what would void it. Then ask to see the actual document instead of a line on a brochure.
Warning signs
Door knockers after a storm
Out-of-town crews show up after hail. Ask for a local address and check it.
Offers to cover your deductible
The deductible is yours to pay. A contractor who offers to waive it is a red flag.
Pressure to sign today
A fair price will still be fair next week. A written estimate shouldn't expire overnight.
Large cash deposits
Ask how much is due up front and what it pays for, and get the terms in writing.
None of these alone proves a contractor is bad. Plenty of honest companies knock on doors after a storm. But when two or three show up together, slow down. Look up the business address, call the office number on the estimate, and see who answers.
Reviews help too, as long as you read them for detail. A long list of five-star ratings with no specifics tells you less than a handful of reviews that describe how the crew handled a problem, how fast someone called back, and what happened when the homeowner needed a warranty visit.
How John Beal Roofing measures up
Here is where we stand on the questions above.
| Family business | Run by the Beal family since 1947, now in its third generation |
|---|---|
| Phone | Answered by a person 24 hours a day, 7 days a week |
| Manufacturer credential | Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor |
| Better Business Bureau | A+ rated |
| Recognition | Roofing Contractor Magazine Top 100 |
| Warranty | Lifetime workmanship warranty on every roof we install |
| Inspections and estimates | Free, with no obligation |
Choosing a roofer questions
How many estimates should I get?
Should I pay a deposit?
What does a manufacturer certification mean?
Where can I read your reviews?
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