Finding the right roofing company takes more than searching for nearby roofers and choosing the lowest estimate.
A roofing contractor may be responsible for diagnosing leaks, removing existing materials, evaluating roof decking, installing flashing and ventilation components, protecting the property during construction, and installing a roofing system that may remain on the home for many years.
Homeowners should therefore take time to verify the contractor, understand the proposed work, compare roofing systems, and ask questions before signing an agreement.
If you’re comparing roofing companies serving Portland or elsewhere in the Pacific Northwest, the following steps can help you make a more informed decision.
Start by Verifying the Contractor’s License or Registration
Do not rely solely on a contractor’s website, vehicle, advertisement, or statement that the company is licensed.
Verify it independently.
In Oregon, construction contractors generally must be licensed through the Oregon Construction Contractors Board. Oregon CCB licensing includes applicable bonding and general liability insurance requirements.
Homeowners can search the Oregon CCB database using the contractor’s business name or CCB number.
In Washington, contractors are required to register with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries and maintain applicable bonding and liability insurance.
This is particularly relevant in the Portland-Vancouver metro area, where some roofing companies work on both sides of the Columbia River.
J&J Roofing & Construction currently lists:
Oregon CCB #220419
and
Washington contractor registration #JJROOJR862B9
Homeowners should still verify current status through the appropriate state agency before beginning a project.
Understand What Licensing Does and Does Not Tell You
A current contractor license or registration is an important starting point, but it does not automatically prove that a particular contractor will perform excellent work.
Licensing establishes that the contractor has met applicable state requirements.
You still need to evaluate:
- Relevant roofing experience
- Reputation
- Proposed materials
- Scope of work
- Communication
- Warranty coverage
- References or reviews
- Pricing
- Experience with your type of roof
Think of contractor verification as the first screening step rather than the entire hiring decision.
Look for Experience Relevant to Your Project
A company may have many years of construction experience without having extensive experience with the roofing work your property requires.
Ask specifically about projects similar to yours.
For example:
If you have a leak, ask whether the contractor regularly performs roof repair and leak diagnosis.
If you’re replacing an asphalt shingle roof, ask about experience with that type of roofing system.
If you’re interested in metal roofing, ask how frequently the company installs the particular type of metal system being proposed.
If the project is commercial, ask about experience with comparable commercial buildings and roofing systems.
Relevant experience is more useful than a broad statement that a contractor has “been roofing for years.”
Ask How Long the Company Has Been in Business
Business history can provide useful context.
A contractor that has operated under the same established business for many years gives homeowners a history they can investigate through reviews, state records, manufacturer credentials, completed work, and previous customers.
J&J Roofing & Construction has served customers since 1984 and currently provides residential and commercial roofing services in Oregon and Washington.
Longevity alone does not guarantee the outcome of a particular project, but it is one useful consideration when combined with licensing, qualifications, reputation, and the proposed scope of work.
Read Reviews for Patterns
Customer reviews can provide useful information, but don’t look only at the average star rating.
Read the actual comments.
Look for repeated observations involving:
- Communication
- Scheduling
- Workmanship
- Cleanup
- Responsiveness
- Estimating
- Handling unexpected problems
- Warranty service
- Whether the completed project matched expectations
Patterns across many reviews are generally more useful than one unusually positive or negative review.
Also pay attention to how the company responds when a customer reports a problem. Roofing projects can involve unexpected conditions, and how a contractor addresses concerns can tell you a great deal about the business.
Ask for Details About the Roof Inspection
A roofing estimate should ideally begin with understanding the condition of the existing roof.
Depending on the project and accessibility, a roofing evaluation may consider areas such as:
- Roofing materials
- Flashing
- Valleys
- Chimneys
- Skylights
- Roof-to-wall intersections
- Roof penetrations
- Gutters and roof edges
- Drainage
- Ventilation
- Accessible roof decking
- Signs of interior moisture
Ask the contractor what was observed.
If replacement is recommended, ask why.
If repair is recommended, ask what will be repaired and whether the surrounding roofing remains serviceable.
A homeowner should understand the problem before being expected to approve the solution.
Don’t Assume Every Roofer Will Recommend the Same Work
Two qualified roofing contractors can inspect the same property and propose different scopes.
One may believe a localized repair is sufficient. Another may recommend broader work because of deterioration elsewhere.
That does not automatically mean one is being dishonest.
Ask each contractor to explain the conditions supporting the recommendation.
Useful questions include:
- Where is the damage?
- Is it localized or widespread?
- Can you show me photos?
- Can the area be repaired?
- What happens if we repair instead of replace?
- Why are you recommending this particular approach?
Understanding the reasoning makes estimates easier to compare.
Get a Detailed Written Estimate
Avoid comparing roofing contractors based solely on a single total price.
A useful proposal should explain what is included.
For a replacement project, that may include:
- Removal of existing roofing
- Disposal
- Roofing manufacturer and product
- Underlayment
- Starter materials
- Ridge materials
- Flashing
- Ventilation work
- Decking allowances
- Property protection
- Cleanup
- Permits where applicable
- Manufacturer warranty
- Contractor workmanship warranty
The exact items vary by project.
The important point is that you should know what you are buying.
Compare the Scope, Not Just the Price
Suppose one contractor quotes $20,000 and another quotes $17,000.
That does not tell you which proposal represents better value.
The estimates may include different:
- Roofing products
- Underlayment
- Flashing work
- Ventilation
- Decking allowances
- Warranty levels
- Tear-off requirements
- Property-protection measures
Before choosing the lower price, determine whether you are comparing equivalent work.
Likewise, a more expensive proposal is not automatically better simply because it costs more.
Ask what accounts for meaningful price differences.
Ask Exactly Which Roofing Products Will Be Used
A proposal that says only “architectural shingles” does not identify the complete roofing system.
Ask for the specific manufacturer and product line.
You may also want to know which:
- Underlayment is included
- Starter shingles are specified
- Ridge products will be used
- Leak-barrier materials are included where applicable
- Ventilation components are proposed
Different products from the same manufacturer can have different specifications, appearances, and warranty options.
Knowing exactly what will be installed also allows you to compare proposals more accurately.
Understand Manufacturer Certifications
Some roofing manufacturers maintain contractor certification programs.
These programs can have requirements related to licensing, insurance, training, business qualifications, and eligibility to offer certain warranties.
J&J Roofing & Construction currently holds GAF Master Elite contractor status.
GAF states that only about 2% of roofers in North America are GAF Master Elite contractors. The designation also allows qualifying contractors to offer certain enhanced GAF limited warranties on eligible roofing systems.
Manufacturer certification can be a useful qualification, but it should not be the only factor in your decision.
You should still evaluate the contractor’s license, experience, reviews, proposal, communication, and workmanship coverage.
Understand the Difference Between Roofing Warranties
The word warranty can refer to different types of protection.
Manufacturer Warranty
A manufacturer warranty applies according to the roofing manufacturer’s terms and conditions.
Contractor Workmanship Warranty
Workmanship coverage applies to installation according to the contractor’s warranty terms.
Enhanced Manufacturer Warranty
Some qualifying roofing systems installed by credentialed contractors may qualify for enhanced manufacturer warranty options.
These categories are not interchangeable.
Ask:
- Who provides the warranty?
- What exactly does it cover?
- How long does each type of coverage apply?
- What exclusions exist?
- Does registration need to be completed?
- Are specific system components required?
You can review J&J’s current roofing warranty information for additional details about available warranty options.
Find Out How Hidden Damage Is Handled
Not everything beneath an existing roof can necessarily be seen during an initial inspection.
For example, deterioration in the roof deck may become apparent only after existing roofing materials are removed.
Ask the contractor what happens if concealed damage is discovered.
You should understand:
- How the condition will be documented
- How you will be notified
- How additional work is priced
- Whether approval is required before proceeding
- How changes will appear on the final invoice
This conversation should happen before construction begins.
Ask About Flashing
Flashing is an important part of the roofing system and deserves specific attention during a replacement or repair.
Ask how existing flashing will be handled around:
- Chimneys
- Skylights
- Valleys
- Walls
- Plumbing penetrations
- Roof edges
- Other transitions
Do not assume that installing new shingles automatically solves existing flashing problems.
The contractor should be able to explain whether existing flashing will be evaluated, replaced, modified, or addressed according to the specific roofing system and project conditions.
Ask Whether Ventilation Will Be Evaluated
Attic ventilation may be an important part of a vented roofing assembly.
Ask whether the contractor will evaluate the existing intake and exhaust ventilation during a replacement project.
Simply adding more roof vents is not automatically an improvement.
The appropriate ventilation design depends on the home’s construction and how intake and exhaust are intended to work together.
A roofing contractor should evaluate the existing system rather than treating ventilation as an afterthought.
Find Out How the Property Will Be Protected
Roof replacement creates debris and requires workers, materials, ladders, trailers, and other equipment around the house.
Ask how the contractor intends to protect:
- Landscaping
- Siding
- Windows
- Decks
- Driveways
- Outdoor equipment
- Neighboring property where relevant
This can be especially important on Portland properties with compact lots, established landscaping, steep driveways, and limited staging space.
Property protection should be considered part of project planning rather than something addressed after problems occur.
Ask How Cleanup Is Handled
Old roofing materials, nails, flashing, underlayment, packaging, and other debris need to be managed during a roofing project.
Ask:
- Where will debris be collected?
- How will it be removed?
- What cleanup is performed around the property?
- Is cleanup included in the estimate?
- Is there a final review when the project is complete?
The roofing project is not finished simply because the last shingle has been installed.
Consider Local Experience
A roofing contractor should understand the conditions affecting properties in the area it serves.
Homes throughout Northwest Oregon can have substantially different roofing conditions depending on tree coverage, shade, roof orientation, roof design, drainage, property access, and exposure.
J&J works throughout Portland and surrounding Oregon communities as well as neighborhoods and communities around Vancouver.
Working in both Oregon and Washington also means following the applicable contractor and project requirements for the state where the property is located.
Local experience does not replace good roofing practices, but familiarity with the types of properties and conditions found throughout the region can be useful.
Ask Who Will Communicate With You
Find out who your contact will be once the project begins.
You should know who to contact if:
- Weather changes the schedule
- Unexpected damage is discovered
- You have a question about installation
- Materials need to change
- You have a concern during construction
- You need warranty assistance later
Communication should not stop once the contract is signed.
Be Careful With High-Pressure Sales Tactics
A major roof replacement is a decision homeowners should understand before approving.
Except where emergency work is necessary to protect the property, there should generally be an opportunity to review the proposal, ask questions, and understand the work.
Be cautious if the sales process relies primarily on pressure rather than explaining:
- What is wrong
- Why the work is needed
- What will be installed
- What the project costs
- What warranties apply
The contractor should be able to make the case for the proposed work using information about the actual roof.
Ask for Everything Important in Writing
Verbal conversations are useful, but important project details should appear in the written agreement.
If a salesperson promises a specific:
- Roofing product
- Warranty
- Scope item
- Flashing replacement
- Ventilation modification
- Cleanup service
- Price
- Project feature
make sure the agreement accurately reflects what you expect to receive.
A written scope reduces the possibility of disagreements later.
Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Roofing Company
Before signing a roofing contract, make sure you can answer these questions:
Is the contractor currently licensed or registered?
Does the contractor have appropriate insurance and bonding?
Do they have experience with my type of roofing project?
What did they find during the inspection?
Why are they recommending repair or replacement?
Which specific roofing products will be installed?
What does the complete estimate include?
How will flashing be handled?
Will ventilation be evaluated?
What happens if damaged decking is discovered?
What manufacturer warranty applies?
What workmanship coverage applies?
How will my property be protected?
What cleanup is included?
How are changes to the scope approved?
Who will communicate with me during the project?
For an even more detailed checklist, see our guide to the essential questions to ask before hiring a roofing contractor.
The Right Roofing Company Should Help You Understand the Project
Homeowners do not need to become roofing professionals before hiring a contractor.
They should, however, be able to understand what is wrong with the roof, what work is being recommended, which roofing system will be installed, how much it will cost, and what warranties apply.
The right contractor for your project should be willing to answer reasonable questions and provide enough information for you to make an informed decision.
J&J Roofing & Construction has served customers since 1984 and currently provides roof replacement, roof repair, metal roofing, roof cleaning, and commercial roofing services throughout Oregon and Washington.
Whether you need a localized repair or a complete roofing system, take the time to verify the contractor, compare the actual scope of work, and understand exactly what is being proposed before making your decision.
