How Roofing America Works and What to Know Before You Call
Roofing America is a contractor referral service, not a roofing company itself
Roofing America connects homeowners with local roofing contractors through its website and phone line. The company does not perform roofing work—it refers you to independent contractors in your area who do. When you contact Roofing America, you provide information about your roof, and they match you with contractors they say meet their standards. You then contact those contractors directly to get estimates, discuss your project, and decide whether to hire them.
The service is free to use. Roofing America makes money when contractors pay them for referrals, not from you. This means you will not pay Roofing America directly, but the contractors you hire may charge different rates depending on their own business models and overhead.
Key Takeaways
- Roofing America refers you to local contractors but does not do the work or may provide their performance.
- You contact the referred contractors yourself to request estimates and compare prices and experience.
- The referral service is free, but you pay the contractor you choose for the actual roofing work.
- Contractors pay Roofing America for referrals, which may affect pricing or the contractors available in your area.
- You should verify any contractor's license, insurance, and references independently before hiring them.
How to get a referral from Roofing America
You can reach Roofing America by phone or through their website. On the phone, you describe your roofing issue—whether you need repairs, an inspection, or a full replacement—and your location. The representative will ask about the type of roof, the extent of damage if visible, and whether you have insurance. They then provide you with names and contact information for contractors in your area.
Online, you fill out a form with similar information: your address, the type of work you need, and how to reach you. Roofing America sends your information to contractors who match your location and project type. Those contractors then contact you directly. You are not obligated to respond to every contractor or to hire any of them.
What to expect when contractors contact you
After Roofing America refers you, contractors will call or email to schedule an inspection and estimate. A typical roofing estimate involves the contractor visiting your home, examining the roof, and providing a written quote that includes labor, materials, timeline, and warranty information. This inspection is usually free, though some contractors may charge a small fee for detailed assessments.
You should get estimates from at least two or three contractors before deciding. Prices vary based on roof size, materials, local labor costs, and the contractor's experience level. Ask each contractor about their licensing, how long they have been in business, whether they carry liability insurance and workers' compensation, and what warranty they offer on their work. Request references from recent jobs in your area.
Verifying contractor credentials on your own
Roofing America says it screens contractors, but you should verify their credentials independently. Check your state's licensing board or contractor registry to confirm the roofer is licensed in South Carolina. Most states require roofing contractors to be licensed, bonded, and insured. You can usually search by name or license number on your state's Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation website.
Ask the contractor for proof of current liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage. If someone is injured on your property during the job and the contractor is not insured, you could be liable. Request the names and phone numbers of at least three recent customers and call them to ask about their experience, whether the work was completed on time, and whether they would hire the contractor again.
Understanding pricing and payment terms
Roofing costs in South Carolina depend on roof size (measured in squares, where one square equals 100 square feet), materials, and labor rates in your area. A basic asphalt shingle roof replacement typically costs more per square than repairs, and premium materials like metal or architectural shingles cost more than standard asphalt. Labor rates vary by region and contractor experience.
Ask contractors about their payment schedule before you sign a contract. Some require a deposit upfront, some bill in stages as work progresses, and some bill upon completion. Never pay the full amount before work begins. If the contractor asks for more than 50 percent upfront, that is a warning sign. Get the payment terms in writing as part of your contract.
What happens if you have a problem with the work
If a contractor does poor work or does not finish the job, your recourse is with the contractor, not with Roofing America. Roofing America is a referral service and typically does not may provide the contractor's work or handle disputes. Your protection comes from the written contract you sign with the contractor, which should specify what work will be done, the timeline, materials used, and the warranty.
If there is a problem, contact the contractor in writing (email or certified mail) and give them a chance to fix it. If they refuse or do not respond, you can file a complaint with your state's licensing board or pursue small claims court. Some contractors carry warranty insurance that covers defects for a set period. Ask about this before you hire.
Alternatives to using Roofing America
You can find roofing contractors without using a referral service. Ask neighbors, friends, and family for recommendations. Check online reviews on Google, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau, but remember that reviews can be biased. Contact your local chamber of commerce or home builders association for contractor lists. Call your homeowners insurance company—they often have preferred contractors or can recommend roofers experienced with insurance claims.
If you are filing an insurance claim for roof damage, your insurance company may send an adjuster to assess the damage and recommend contractors. You are not required to use their recommendations, but insurers often have relationships with contractors who understand the claims process. Getting multiple estimates is always wise, whether you use Roofing America or find contractors on your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Roofing America may provide the contractor's work?
No. Roofing America is a referral service only. Your protection comes from the contract you sign with the contractor and their warranty. If there is a problem with the work, you work directly with the contractor to resolve it, not with Roofing America.
Will using Roofing America cost me more?
Not necessarily. Contractors pay Roofing America for referrals, but this does not automatically raise your price. However, some contractors may charge more to offset referral fees. This is why getting multiple estimates is important—you can compare prices regardless of how you found each contractor.
What if a contractor referred by Roofing America is not licensed?
Check your state's licensing board to verify. If a contractor is not licensed and your state requires licensing, do not hire them. Report the unlicensed contractor to your state's licensing board and to Roofing America. Hiring an unlicensed contractor puts you at legal and financial risk.
Can I negotiate the price after I get an estimate?
Yes. Estimates are not final prices. You can ask a contractor to lower their bid, especially if you have competing estimates. Some contractors will negotiate; others will not. Get everything in writing before work begins, including the final price, materials, timeline, and warranty.
What should I do if the contractor stops working and does not finish the job?
Contact the contractor immediately in writing and ask for a completion date. If they do not respond or refuse to finish, contact your state's licensing board to file a complaint. You may also pursue small claims court or hire another contractor to finish the work and sue the first contractor for the difference in cost.