When planning a roofing project, one of the first and most important tasks to take care of is finding a qualified contracting company. While it may seem like any decently-reviewed company will do, the success and durability of your new or upgraded roof may depend on the choice you make. By ensuring that your contractor is licensed and certified, you may not only improve the ease and quality of your roofing project, but also gain financial and legal protection in case of mishaps. 

With so many roofing companies to choose from, it can be difficult to determine which best suits your needs. WestBank Roofing makes this choice simple. With over 50 years of experience working on everything from reroofing projects to siding and gutter installations, we have the skills and expertise to handle most any New Orleans roofing job. And as Fortified- and GAF-certified roofing contractors, you can rest assured that, when you work with us, your greatest investment will be in the safest of hands. 

What is a Qualified Roofing Contractor?

When it comes to choosing a qualified roofing company, two of the first things to consider are licensing and certification:

1. Licensing

Roofing licenses are issued by state and local authorities to contractors who have met certain requirements. Depending on the state, these may include:

  • Completing an application. In Louisiana, there are separate applications and licensing requirements for commercial and residential contractors.
  • Being able to prove that your company has at least the minimum net worth set by the licensing board
  • Completing the necessary courses and/or examinations. Contractors hoping to gain a commercial roofing, sheet metal and siding license in Louisiana, for example, must pass a trade exam.
  • Acquiring and showing proof of insurance policies such as general liability and/or worker’s compensation
  • Gaining the approval of the state licensing board

Once a contracting company has a license, it does not last forever. Licenses need to be maintained through methods including renewals, continuous insurance coverage for the company and employees, and yearly education requirements. Companies will also need to ensure that they employ a supervisory qualifying party for the classifications they are licensed for. That is, a person who has the skills and experience to complete the work in question, and who may hold one or more licenses of their own. 

2. Certification

Roofing certifications, on the other hand, are often provided by manufacturers. In order to earn these certifications, contractors may need to complete steps including:

  • Submitting an application. Contractors will likely need to show proof of insurance and a state license, among other potential criteria.
  • Complete training courses and relevant examinations. Contractors may need to regularly participate in training and/or testing in order to maintain their certification.
  • Continuing to meet company requirements. These may include high customer service and construction standards, as well as exclusively using a manufacturer’s products.

Risks of Working with an Underqualified Roofing Contractor

While book learning is important, it doesn’t necessarily equal field skills. Outside of training and licensing requirements, what exactly makes licensed and certified roofing contractors a safer choice than underqualified contractors? Some of the main differences between the two include:

1. Accountability

Qualified contractors are held accountable by the boards and companies who provide their licensing and certifications. If they fail to maintain the high levels of customer service, quality and workplace safety necessary to hold these accreditations, their licensing and certifications will be revoked. Unqualified contractors have no such oversight, which may allow poor business practices, construction errors and other issues to go unaddressed. 

2. Pricing

While licensed and certified contractors will likely be more expensive up front, the higher cost may actually benefit you in the long run. Contracting fees pay for not only the project, but also go toward company insurance, protecting you from costs related to property damage or worker injury. Without this protection, you may be held liable for injuries sustained during the project. Additionally, as uncertified contractors are not held to the same standards of construction quality, you may end up paying even more money for repairs or replacements sooner rather than later, making up for the initial pricing difference.

3. Legal protection

While issues with licensed contractors may be reported to your state’s licensing board, unlicensed contractors have no such governing body. This means that, should anything go wrong during the project, you will have little legal protection. 

4. Doing their due diligence

Licensed and certified contractors will likely assist you with—or take care of—any inspections, permits or other paperwork required before your roofing project can begin. Unlicensed contractors are unlikely to offer this service, and if the proper permits are not filed or the proper building codes are not met, you may end up facing legal complications.

Benefits of Working with WestBank Roofing

At WestBank Roofing, we have maintained our uncompromising commitment to quality construction and service for over 50 years. Founded in 1969, our family-owned company has continued to grow and develop as we search for new and better ways to serve our Louisiana community. When you work with our team, you get more than just the services of a fully licensed and insured roofing company. You also get all the benefits that come with our GAF and Fortified certifications, including high-quality materials and construction standards, continuous support services and the GAF System Plus Limited Warranty. 

Choose WestBank Roofing for All Your Quality Roofing Needs 

No matter the scope of the project, choosing the right roofing contractor is about more than just communication and workmanship. It is a matter of financial and legal safety, as well. Unlicensed and uncertified contracting services may be less expensive up front, but their lack of accountability and a likely absence of general liability and/or worker’s insurance may put your finances and property at risk. While licensed and certified contractors may make errors during construction, it is less likely, and you have the recourse of reporting any issues to the applicable manufacturers or licensing boards.

From residential and commercial homeowners to architects and property managers, WestBank Roofing is here to provide all the advice and roofing services you need to keep your property fit and functional. Not only are we fully licensed and insured, but we are also the proud recipients of two certifications and a Better Business Bureau rating of A+. As such, you can rest assured that you will be working with a company that does not compromise on communication or construction quality. 

Ready to get started on repairing, upgrading or replacing your roof? Just give us a call or send us a message today!