The Importance of Choosing a Certified Roofing Contractor – For most people, their home is the greatest asset they own. Not only because of its value, but also because of the protection it offers and provides to those family members living within it. However, when buying a home, most consumers look at the kitchen, the living space, and the layout, while rarely considering the roof, which is the shield that will not only protect their family, but also those aspects of the house which sold them on it in the first place.

When a roof is left without proper consideration and maintenance, it can lead to leaks, mold, and structural issues

These can worsen quickly and lend themselves to concerns which never seemed likely just a short while prior. Although these neglect stories might seem rare to the typical consumer, here at Gauthier Roofing and Siding, we hear them all too often. So how do you protect yourself from these potential roof problems.

Schedule annual roofing inspections and any necessary maintenance checks on your roof.

This doesn’t mean going up on the roof yourself and looking around. This means calling a roofing professional who is trained and who will be able to identify issues, potential issues and early warning signs prior to them ever becoming a real problem. This is someone who’s a roofing specialist and who will be able to inspect and diagnose your roof and provide you with a great deal of peace of mind. This doesn’t mean flagging down the first roofer you see. Rather, to ensure it is analyzed properly, it means reaching out to a certified roofing contractor.

What is the difference between a trained and certified roofing contractor and a typical roofer?

Great question, and one most people never consider. Unfortunately, in the roofing industry, there are a lot of outfits and individuals who at some point decide they want to make a quick buck. So, they buy a nail gun, borrow a truck, call themselves XYZ Roofing and start selling jobs to unaware consumers who are thrilled at the thought of getting a great deal on a new roof. Now, although it is never our intention to criticize …or… put any other roofing contractor down, it is our company and the other high quality certified roofing contractors who get the call when the job is done poorly and the roof they’ve had installed is nothing like the roof they were initially promised.

The reason this issue is so rampant is due to the fact that the roofing industry is what is called an unregulated industry.

This means there is no trade school, diploma program, course, certificate, or minimum standard which someone needs to go through or meet prior to opening a roofing business. Sadly, this is what causes many consumers to hire contractors who simply are not qualified, and who do not posses the necessary skill and training to be able to effectively provide the highest quality of work and craftsmanship.

That’s why you need to look for a certified roofing contractor

You see, many Roofing Material Manufacturers began to recognize this very problem and realized there was actually something they could do about it. They began to develop factory certified training programs, where roofing contractors needed to be have specific credentials and be approved, then if their installers were able to pass the rigorous standards set forth by the manufacturer, they would be awarded with a factory certified installers certificate.

Maybe You’re Wondering How This Benefits You and Your Homes Future Roof?

Another great question, first and foremost, it gives the consumer the advantage of being able to request whether a contractor is factory certified to install a particular roofing product. Also, it means the roofing technicians are trained specifically on how to work with and install their specific roofing product properly and have committed to doing so to maintain their certification. This ensures your roof will truly last the test of time because it is installed “right” by skilled and trained professionals…. And last but not least, because these manufacturers know their products are being installed properly, they grant and permit these “elite” contractors to offer “enhanced warranty coverage” meaning a roof warranty provided by a certified roofing contractor covers more and covers a far greater amount of time beyond what the typical roofing company can offer.

How Can I Be Sure My Roofing Contractor is certified?

Ask to see proof! Any roofing company who is certified, would be more than happy to show you their factory certification. This is because these certifications are considered somewhat of a “badge of honor” inside the roofing industry. But don’t stop there, if they claim they are certified, ask who the certification is through, go to that specific roofing product manufacturers website, and search for the company. Almost all of these manufacturers have a factory certified installers directory which will allow you to confirm they truly are. Also, when searching for a contractor online, it’s a great idea to review their website and look to see whether they mention if they are factory certified. As mentioned before, any roofing company who IS certified is going to be promoting it.

Are you looking for a factory certified roofing contractor in the Windsor ON area?

If so, be sure to reach out to us here at Gauthier Roofing and Siding.  We are not just factory certified, but a GAF Master Elite Contractor which is their highest credential allowing us to offer all, not just some, of their enhanced warranty options. GAF was founded in 1886 and is the largest roofing manufacturer in all of North America. For greater peace of mind, take advantage of our GAF Master Elite Certification.  Due to GAF’s stringent standards less than 3% of all roofing contractors in North America have achieved this elite certification status.

If you’re local and looking for a high-quality roofing company in Windsor Ontario to help you with our upcoming roofing project, click here to request a roofing estimate today.