Why research first
A roof is one of the largest purchases most homeowners make, and the decision often happens in a hurry — after a leak or a hailstorm, with a salesperson at the door. Doing a little homework before you call anyone puts you in control. In about twenty minutes, you can rule out most of the companies you would regret hiring and arrive at a short list worth inviting for an inspection.
Step 1: Read reviews for patterns, not stars
A 4.8-star average tells you little by itself. Read the reviews. Look for detail: the neighborhood, the project manager’s name, how the company handled a problem. Look at the dates: steady reviews over years are more meaningful than a burst after one storm. Read the one- and two-star reviews and, more importantly, how the company responded. A calm, specific reply that fixes the problem says more than a perfect score.
Step 2: Check the state business registry
Every legitimate roofing company is registered with its state. Missouri, Illinois, Kansas, Indiana and Kentucky all have searchable online business records through the Secretary of State. Check that the company is in good standing, when it was formed, and whether its name matches what is on the truck. A company formed last month after a hailstorm is a different risk than one with decades of records.
Step 3: Check the Better Business Bureau
Look up the company’s BBB profile. Focus less on the letter grade and more on the complaint history: How many complaints, what kind, and were they resolved? Also check how long the company has been in business according to the BBB. John Beal Roofing is a BBB Torch Award winner.
Step 4: Verify licensing where it applies
Licensing rules vary. Missouri has no statewide roofing license; cities and counties set their own rules. Illinois requires roofing contractors to be state-licensed, and you can look a license up online. On the Kansas side of the Kansas City metro, local and state rules apply. John Beal Roofing holds Illinois license IL104011957 and Kansas license KS14-004306. If a company claims a license, verify the number yourself.
Step 5: Confirm manufacturer credentials
Many roofers display manufacturer logos. Owens Corning, CertainTeed and other manufacturers have online contractor locators; search your ZIP code and confirm the company appears with the tier it claims. Credentials matter because they determine which system warranties the contractor can offer. Our article on what roofing certifications mean explains each one.
Step 6: Verify the address on a map
Paste the company’s address into a map and look at the street view. A real office or warehouse with signage is a good sign. A mailbox store, a vacant lot, or a residential address in another state is a reason for caution. Our guide on how to tell if a roofer is really local covers this in more depth.
Step 7: Search for complaints and court records
Search the company name along with words like “complaint,” “scam,” “lawsuit” or “lien.” Many state court systems offer online case search. One dispute in decades of work is normal; a pattern is not. Also check whether the company has operated under a different name recently.
Step 8: Look at their own content
A company’s website can tell you a lot. Does it show real completed projects in your area, with real addresses or neighborhoods and materials? Does it explain its process, warranty and services clearly? Does it list a physical office and a phone number that is answered? Generic stock photos and vague promises suggest a company that is newer or less invested. Browse our recent completed roofing projects across the Midwest for an example of what to look for.
Step 9: Build a short list of three
After this research, you should be able to cut a long search result list down to three companies. Call each, schedule inspections, and compare written estimates line by line: shingle line and color, underlayment, ice and water shield, flashing, ventilation, decking price per sheet, permit, and warranty.
What to do when you meet them in person
- Ask for an insurance certificate sent from their agent.
- Ask who will be on your roof and whether they are employees.
- Ask for photos from the roof, not just a verdict.
- Ask whether a repair would work instead of a replacement.
- Never sign on the spot under pressure.
Researching John Beal Roofing
We welcome the homework. John Beal Roofing has been family-run since 1947, with headquarters at 12181 Prichard Farm Road, Maryland Heights, MO 63043 and local offices across Missouri, Illinois, Indiana and western Kentucky. We are an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor and a CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster, and we answer 1-800-564-6232 24 hours a day.
Frequently asked questions
How do I research roofing companies near me?
Read reviews for patterns, check the state business registry and BBB, verify licensing and manufacturer credentials, confirm the address on a map, and search for complaints before calling.
Does Missouri require a roofing license?
Missouri has no statewide roofing license. Cities and counties set their own permit and contractor rules.
Does Illinois require a roofing license?
Yes. Illinois requires roofing contractors to hold a state license, which can be verified online. John Beal Roofing’s Illinois license is IL104011957.
How many roofing companies should I get estimates from?
Three is a good number. Compare written estimates line by line, not just by total price.
Are online roofing reviews reliable?
Reviews are most useful when they include specific detail, span several years and show how the company responded to problems.