What Does a Roofing Contractor Do? A Complete Guide for Homeowners

šŗ Watch this video: A Day in the Life of a Roofing Contractor
When you spot a leak in your ceiling or notice shingles peeling off your roof, your first thought might be, “I need to call someone!” That “someone” is a roofing contractorābut what do they really do? How are they different from regular roofers or handymen? And most importantly, how do you choose the right one?
If youāve ever wondered āWhat does a roofing contractor do?ā, this complete guide by S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC will answer thatāand much more.
Table of Contents
- Introduction: Why Roofing Contractors Matter
- What Is a Roofing Contractor?
- Key Responsibilities of a Roofing Contractor
- Roofing Contractor vs. Roofer: Whatās the Difference?
- Types of Services Provided
- What to Expect During a Roofing Project
- The Roofing Process Step-by-Step
- When Should You Call a Roofing Contractor?
- Why Local Experience Matters in Northeast Ohio
- Why Choose S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC
- Our Service Areas
- Financing Options for Roof Repairs and Replacements
- What to Ask Before Hiring a Roofing Contractor
- Conclusion
1. Introduction: Why Roofing Contractors Matter
The roof is your homeās first line of defense against the elementsārain, snow, hail, sun, and wind. It keeps your home insulated, dry, and structurally sound. When something goes wrong, itās crucial to bring in a professional.
Roofing contractors donāt just climb ladders and nail shingles. They manage your roof’s health from inspection to installation, ensure code compliance, and help protect your investment. Thatās where S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC steps ināweāre more than just a roofing company. Weāre your long-term home protection partners.
2. What Is a Roofing Contractor?
A roofing contractor is a licensed and insured professional who specializes in the installation, repair, and maintenance of roofs. While some contractors work independently, many operate roofing companies with teams of skilled roofers.
At S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC, we are a full-service roofing and remodeling company serving Jefferson, Youngstown, Cleveland, Mentor, Medina, and surrounding areas of Northeast Ohio. As Owens Corning Preferred Contractors, we follow industry-best practices, offer extended warranties, and deliver exceptional service.
3. Key Responsibilities of a Roofing Contractor
So, what does a roofing contractor actually do?
š Project Planning & Assessment
- Initial inspection of roof condition
- Diagnostic reports (storm damage, wear and tear, leaks)
- Estimating cost and time
- Recommending repair or replacement
š§° Material Selection & Procurement
- Recommending appropriate roofing material (shingles, metal, tile)
- Ordering materials from trusted brands like Owens Corning
- Ensuring proper underlayment, flashing, and ventilation materials are included
š· Installation or Repair Work
- Full removal of old roofing (tear-off)
- Deck inspection and repairs
- Installation of shingles or metal roofing
- Flashing, drip edges, valleys, gutters, and attic ventilation
- Final cleanup and haul-away of debris
š Permits & Compliance
- Securing necessary local permits
- Following building codes and safety regulations
- Meeting insurance company requirements (especially for storm-related claims)
4. Roofing Contractor vs. Roofer: Whatās the Difference?
- A roofer often refers to someone who performs the physical labor (laying shingles, sealing valleys, etc.).
- A roofing contractor is responsible for the entire scope: hiring, planning, permits, inspections, billing, warranties, and customer support.
Think of the contractor as the general manager of your roofāorganizing labor, materials, logistics, and safety compliance.
5. Types of Services Provided
Roofing contractors do far more than just replace shingles. Here’s what you can expect from a full-service provider like S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC:
ā Roof Replacement
- Full tear-off of old materials
- New underlayment, flashing, drip edge
- Brand-new shingles or metal roofing
ā Roof Repairs
- Leak repair
- Storm damage fixes
- Missing or cracked shingle replacement
- Flashing and ventilation patching
ā Roof Inspections
- Home sale inspections
- Insurance claims assessments
- Annual check-ups for damage or aging
ā Gutter & Soffit Services
- Seamless gutter installation
- Fascia and soffit repair
- Gutter guard systems
ā Ventilation Upgrades
- Ridge vents
- Attic fans
- Soffit vents to prevent mold and heat damage
6. What to Expect During a Roofing Project
From your first phone call to the final nail, a good roofing contractor keeps you informed and confident throughout the process.
Hereās what to expect from S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC:
- Initial Consultation ā We inspect your roof and discuss options.
- Detailed Estimate ā Transparent pricing, no hidden fees.
- Scheduling ā We work around your needs and notify you of weather changes.
- Material Delivery ā All materials are brought to the site before the job begins.
- Installation/Repair ā Professional crews complete the job quickly and safely.
- Final Inspection ā We walk the job with you to ensure satisfaction.
- Warranty & Cleanup ā We provide warranties and leave your home spotless.
7. The Roofing Process Step-by-Step
Here’s a closer look at the typical roof replacement process:
- Tear-Off
Removing old shingles, underlayment, flashing, and nails. - Deck Inspection
Checking for rot or damage and replacing any bad plywood. - Underlayment Installation
Applying ice & water shields and synthetic felt. - Starter Strip Application
Installing the base layer of shingles to reduce wind uplift. - Shingle Installation
Laying shingles with proper nailing patterns. - Flashing and Ridge Caps
Ensuring valleys and transitions are sealed and waterproof. - Ventilation
Installing ridge vents, attic fans, or soffit vents for airflow. - Cleanup and Magnetic Sweep
Removing all nails, shingles, and debris from the property.
8. When Should You Call a Roofing Contractor?
Here are common signs itās time to call a professional roofing contractor:
- Leaking Ceiling
- Shingle Granules in Gutters
- Curled or Missing Shingles
- Moss or Algae Growth
- Rising Energy Bills (Poor Attic Ventilation)
- Visible Sunlight in Attic
- Storm Damage
- Age of Roof Exceeds 15-25 Years
9. Why Local Experience Matters in Northeast Ohio
Every region has unique challenges. In Northeast Ohio, we face:
- Lake-effect snow
- Ice dam formation
- Heavy summer rain
- High humidity levels
- Intense wind gusts off Lake Erie
Hiring a local contractor like S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC means you’re getting professionals who know how to build and repair roofs to withstand our specific climate challenges.
10. Why Choose S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC?
At S&K Construction, we believe every homeowner deserves:
ā
Honest advice
ā
Fair pricing
ā
High-quality workmanship
ā
Professional service
What Sets Us Apart:
- š Owens Corning Preferred Contractor
- š ļø Lifetime workmanship warranties
- š Locally owned and operated in Jefferson, OH
- ā Dozens of 5-star Google reviews
- š§ Full-service: roofing, siding, windows, gutters, decks, and more
11. Our Service Areas
We proudly serve customers throughout Northeast Ohio, including:
- Jefferson
- Youngstown
- Cleveland
- Painesville
- Mentor
- Willoughby
- Medina
- Twinsburg
- Euclid
- Chardon
- Mayfield Heights
- Wickliffe
- Concord
- Kirtland Hills
- Beachwood
- Lyndhurst
- Gates Mills
- Madison
- Walton Hills
If you searched for “roofing contractors near me”, thereās a good chance we cover your area.
12. Financing Options for Roof Repairs and Replacements
Need a new roof but short on cash? We offer flexible roofing financing to make the process stress-free.
Why Finance With S&K?
- Quick approval process
- Low monthly payments
- Multiple financing partners
- Options for all credit levels
Ask us about applying during your estimate appointment!
13. What to Ask Before Hiring a Roofing Contractor
Here are essential questions to ask before signing any contracts:
- Are you licensed and insured?
- Do you offer written estimates?
- What warranty do you provide on workmanship?
- Will you remove the old roof?
- Do you install proper ventilation?
- How do you handle cleanup?
- Can I see photos of past work or customer reviews?
We’re happy to answer ALL these questionsāand more.
14. Conclusion
So, what does a roofing contractor do? They do everything from inspection to installation, from tear-offs to cleanups. Most importantly, a roofing contractor protects your biggest investmentāyour home.
When you need a reliable, honest, and experienced contractor in Northeast Ohio, trust S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC. With our expert team, Owens Corning Preferred status, and commitment to quality, weāre the roofing partner your family can count on.
š Call Now for a Free Estimate
Donāt wait for a small problem to become a costly emergency.
Contact S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC today for a free roof inspection and quote.
š Based in Jefferson, OH
šŗ Watch Now: āA Day in the Life of a Roofing Contractorā
Click to Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6Hzjv1rqzc