What a roof contractor does
A roof contractor’s work starts and ends with the roof system: inspecting for damage and wear, repairing leaks, replacing roofs, installing flashing, ventilation and gutters, and documenting storm damage for insurance. The best roof contractors employ their own trained crews, carry manufacturer installer credentials, and offer a written workmanship warranty.
What a general contractor does
A general contractor coordinates entire construction or remodeling projects: additions, renovations, new homes. They schedule trades, manage budgets and handle permits for the overall job. Many general contractors do not employ roofers; they hire a roofing subcontractor for the roof portion.
When a general contractor makes sense
If the roof is one part of a larger project, such as an addition that ties into the existing roof or a whole-house renovation, a general contractor coordinating all trades can be the right choice. Ask who will actually install the roof and whose warranty covers it.
When to hire a roof contractor directly
- Roof replacement or repair on its own.
- Storm damage and insurance claims.
- Recurring leaks that need diagnosis.
- Ventilation, flashing or ice-dam problems.
- Gutters and roof-related exterior work.
Going direct removes a middle layer, which can mean clearer communication and pricing without a general contractor’s markup.
Warranties: why the installer matters
Shingle manufacturers offer their strongest system warranties only through credentialed installers. Owens Corning Platinum Preferred, CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster and GAF Master Elite are examples. If a general contractor subcontracts the roof, the warranty available depends on the subcontractor’s credentials. Ask for the installer’s name and credential level in writing.
Insurance claims
Storm claims involve inspecting and documenting damage, meeting adjusters and explaining roof-specific details such as hail bruising, wind creasing and code items. A roof contractor does this every week. A general contractor may need to bring in a roofer to do the same thing.
Roof contractor vs. handyman
A handyman can be fine for small, non-structural tasks, but roofing involves fall hazards, licensing or registration in some states, and system details that affect warranties. In Illinois, roofing contractors must hold a state license; in Kansas, roofing contractors must register with the state. A handyman roof patch can also complicate a future warranty or claim.
Questions to ask any roof contractor
- Are you licensed or registered where my home is?
- Do you carry liability and workers’ compensation coverage?
- Will your own crew do the work?
- What manufacturer credentials do you hold?
- What does your written workmanship warranty cover?
- Will you pull the permit?
- Where is your local office?
See also types of roofing companies explained and what a full-service roofing company does.
A dedicated roof contractor since 1947
John Beal Roofing has been family-run since 1947. We are an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor, a CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster and a GAF Master Elite contractor, we use our own crews, and every roof carries our limited lifetime workmanship warranty. We hold Kansas roofing registration KS14-004306 and Illinois roofing license IL104011957, and serve homeowners and businesses across the Midwest, 24/7.
Our St. Louis headquarters is at 12181 Prichard Farm Road, Maryland Heights, MO 63043. Call 314-429-6000, or 1-800-564-6232 any hour.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a roof contractor and a general contractor?
A roof contractor specializes in roofing with its own crews and credentials; a general contractor manages whole projects and often subcontracts the roof.
Should I hire a general contractor for a roof replacement?
For a roof-only job, hiring a roof contractor directly usually means fewer layers, clearer accountability and access to manufacturer system warranties.
Do roof contractors need a license?
It depends on the state. Illinois requires a state roofing license and Kansas requires state registration; Missouri has no statewide license.
Can a roof contractor help with insurance claims?
Yes. Roof contractors document storm damage and can meet the adjuster on the roof.
What credentials should a roof contractor have?
Manufacturer installer credentials such as Owens Corning Platinum Preferred, CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster or GAF Master Elite, plus insurance and any required license.