We know how difficult it is to refuse the offer of family members or friends who say they can inexpensively put a new roof on your house, or the deep discounted price of someone who claims to be a roofer. While these people may have some roof installation knowledge, their lack of a roofing license or extensive experience could put you at risk.

The Roofing Annex has seen its fair share of homeowners who are left with a shoddily installed roof and turn to us to fix it. Not only are these homeowners at risk for liability concerns and compromising the structural integrity of their home, but in the long run, they are paying more for the roofing work than if they had just hired a reputable roofing company in the first place.

Different Approaches to Residential Roofing Licensing

In Ohio and Illinois, the two areas served by the Roofing Annex, both states have different licensing requirements for residential roofing contractors. Currently in Ohio, the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB) only requires electrical, plumbing, refrigeration, hydronics and HVAC contractors to be licensed for commercial work only. There is no statewide licensing requirement for residential contractors, however there may be local laws in some Ohio municipalities that fall under the local building inspection department.

The Ohio Roofing Contractors Association has been lobbying the state legislature to pass a law that would add roofing to the state licensing requirements for commercial work. Once that bill is passed, the association will work on extending the law to residential roofing.

In Illinois, a roofing law is in place that requires any individual or company doing roofing work in the state to be certified by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation and obtain a roofing license by passing a state exam for the applicable line of roofing, such as residential, commercial, industrial, or all three. In addition, roofing businesses are required to show proof that they have workers’ compensation insurance, $250,000 in property damage insurance and $500,000 in personal injury insurance, as well as post a $10,000 bond.

Licensed Roofing Contractors Bring Peace of Mind

Roofing contractors that are licensed have successfully completed stringent testing in the area of installing roofing systems. They must demonstrate their expertise in all areas of residential roofing, such as measurement and estimating, general roofing preparations, roofing materials and systems, and roofing safety.

In addition, licensed roofers are continuously updated on the latest roofing materials and industry rules and regulations, and take part in continuing education to remain current on the newest roofing technology and installation procedures and techniques.

Unlike unlicensed roofing contractors, licensed roofers are insured and have workers’ compensation insurance for their workers, removing the liability from you in case a worker is injured while working on your home.

Working with a licensed roofing company also gives homeowners a state or local agency to turn to and advocate for them if they are ripped off or encounter poor workmanship.

Trust the Fully Licensed Roofing Annex

The Roofing Annex is a licensed roofing company and displays its license number on its website and upon your request. We are also fully insured, guarantee our work and roofing products, and have an A-rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

The next time you need a new roof or roof repairs, contact the Roofing Annex and rest easy knowing you have a licensed, fully insured and experienced company working on your roof.