A roofer, as opposed to a team of roofing contractors or a roofing company, installs shingles on a residential property.

Roofing Contractors Vs. Roofer Vs. Roofing Company

Deciphering common roofing terms and what they really mean can be confusing. A single company may describe itself by several different terms. When consumers are looking for residential roof repairs, maintenance, or a new roof, confusion sets in quickly! Let’s define three of the most used roofing terms: roofer, roofing contractors and roofing company. 

What is a Roofer?

When you hear “roofer,” you should think of the hammer-and-nail guy that climbs a ladder to fix or install a roof. These are the hands-on workers performing the installation of the roof. Finding a roofer to repair a roof is usually not a wise choice, because their specialty may be purely in installation itself, not in providing a roofing estimate, solution or inspection.

What is a Roofing Contractor?

A “roofing contractor” is someone that is licensed with their state as a contractor specializing in roofing. Many roofing contractors complete the job themselves as a roofer.  Roofing contractors may often be employed by a roofing company. You should always ask questions such as whether the contractor is licensed, if they work with a crew, have their own company, or use subcontractors to help clarify the issue.

Hiring a roofing contractor: This is the person for the job if you’re just looking to focus on the roof itself.

Warning: Be sure that any contractor that comes to your door after a storm is local and can show proof of this along with a list of references. Many will be working locally, while others will be storm chasers. These contractors will either do poor work or take the money and run.

What is a Roofing Company?

A “roofing company” generally specializes in roofing, but offers other exterior services such as gutters, siding and windows. These companies will employ licensed professionals to do the work. Roofing companies typically gain standing with manufacturers that allow them to offer substantial warranties. Oversight and accountability are always better with a roofing company because they’re looking to do great work and stay in business indefinitely. 

Hiring a roofing company: This is the right choice for anyone looking to replace their roof. While they are still a good choice for repairs and maintenance, companies really shine with installations and their warranties. 

Warning: Just because they call themselves a roofing company doesn’t make it so. To be sure, make certain that they employ contractors, have an office staff, owner(s), project managers and other parts of their business. A real organization will have these working parts. 

A Roofing Company You Can Trust

The professionals at Stonewater Roofing are highly skilled and experienced with exterior renovation, roofing assessment and installation. We can perform a free in-depth inspection of your roof, let you know its condition, and provide a free estimate for its replacement. 

We hope our defining roofer, roofing contractor and roofing company has helped clear up any confusion you may have had. 

To be clear, Stonewater Roofing is a roofing company. We are locally owned and operated, run background checks on our employees, provide reference lists upon request, and maintain an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.