Every homeowner looking for a roofing contractor to install a new roof or repair an existing one naturally wants to find someone who is certified or licensed by an appropriate agency or organization. This type of credential assures the homeowner that they are dealing with a roofer who is fully qualified in all aspects of the trade. This article examines some key facts about roofer certification and licensing.
State
In many states, roofers come under the jurisdiction of state licensing laws. For example, in California, a roofer must have a license from the state licensing board if they are doing any work that is estimated to cost more than $500. The state also requires that roofers pass a test and have at least 4 years experience in the field to obtain the license.
In some states, such as Arizona and Arkansas, separate licenses are offered depending on whether the roofer wants to do residential or commercial work. Proof of insurance is also a common requirement for obtaining a roofer's license in many states.
Cities
Certain cities might have their own licensing or certification procedures in addition to any licenses required by the state. One example of this is Boulder, CO. The city demands that homeowners use a roofing contractor who has a city license in many instances. Boulder also has various testing and insurance requirements that licensing applicants must meet. The city charges fees for issuing a license to the applicant as well.
Trade Organizations
In addition to government licensing, some trade organizations offer certification to roofers. One of these organizations is the National Roofing Contractors Association. The organization goals in offering certification programs for roofers are to raise the standards for the industry and to increase homeowner confidence in roofing contractors. They offer specialized certification for different roofing materials, such as a certification in asphalt shingles.
Homeowners
Any homeowner who needs roofing work done will want to get a licensed or certified roofer to make certain that the job is done in accordance with the highest industry standards. First, they should check with their state licensing board or other appropriate agency to determine if their state requires roofers to be licensed. Next, they should check their city or municipality to find out if the city has its own requirements. Once this has been done, it's a good idea to ask prospective contractors if they have any certifications from reputable trade groups. By taking these steps, homeowners will increase their chances of hiring a qualified, top-notch roofer.
One day when we were all sitting in our living room, I thought I felt a drop of water fall onto my arm. At first, I figured it was my imagination, but when the second one fell, I knew we had an issue. Although it wasn't raining that day, it had rained the day before, so I started looking for the source of the problem. After looking in my attic, I could tell what the problem was, and I knew I had to fix it. I started looking for ways to stop the water immediately, but it just wasn't working for me. Fortunately, roofers came out, fixed the problem, and showed me what I needed to do to clean up the mess. Read more on this blog.