They are workers who replace and repairs roof on commercial buildings and homes. Many are self-employed but there are some construction firms that will hire many roofing contractors to do major projects like installing roofs on housing projects that have recently been constructed. They work year around. Some builders have become roofing contractors because of their knowledge of home construction. Before a roofing contract can start getting clients, they must obtain a business license, which is a form of legal authorization to operate a business in the county, state, or city. They will also have to go through a certification process. This involves spending time working with an experienced roof contractor to gain a good understanding of the work they do.
When a homeowner has damage to the roof that was caused by fires, storms, water leaks, and other similar event they will normally hire a roofing contractor. The contractor will inspect the roof to determine the extent of the damage. They will calculate the cost of buying the materials that will be necessary to repair the damage and give the homeowner the estimate of the repair costs. Labor costs are included in the estimate. Most homeowners will get price estimates from several roofing contractors before making their choice as to which one to hire. Some contractors will lower their estimates in order to win the contract when they know that there will be others bidding to do the job.
Roofing contractors are also hired by homeowners to install a new roof. Most contractors specialize in certain types of roof like tile or metal roofs. If it is a large roofing project contractors will often hire sub-contractors to help with the installation. In some areas, government entities will offer cash incentives and tax rebates to homeowners who install solar panels. Some roofing contractors specialize in installing these panels. Those that specialize in solar panel installation have previously worked as electricians. In some areas a contractor who installs solar panels have to be a licensed electrician or will have to hire a sub-contractor that is in order to complete the work.
Before agreeing to insure a commercial or residential property, some insurance companies may require that the owners pay to have a roof inspection first. The reason is that roofs are among the most expensive part of a home or building to replace. If the roof is in a state of disrepair, the insurance company may refuse to insure the home or building. When a roofing contractor performs a roof inspection, they will accept a flat fee for the work. The contractor will give the insurance company a roof inspection report and if repairs have to be made the owner will have to make them before getting insurance.