How to Choose a Roofer in St. Louis

To know how to pick a roofing contractor, take some time to assess your roof’s condition and define your goals. Are you dealing with a few missing shingles, or does the entire roof need to be replaced? Is this an emergency fix, or part of a long-term improvement plan?

• Minor leaks or storm damage: A targeted repair may be sufficient.
• Older roofs (15–25+ years): Replacement is often the smarter long-term investment.
• Flat or low-slope systems: You may need a roofing specialist familiar with St. Louis multi-family or commercial roofing.

Budgeting Tips:

• Asphalt shingle repair may cost a few hundred dollars.
• Full replacements typically range in the thousands, depending on roof size, material, and access.
• Add 10–15% contingency to your budget for unexpected expenses, such as decking repairs or code upgrades.

Knowing what you need upfront helps you compare quotes more accurately.

There’s no substitute for local experience. Reputable roofing companies in St. Louis, like Premier Roofing, understand our weather patterns, municipal codes, and local permit processes.

Here’s why local matters:

• Code Compliance: Local roofers are familiar with zoning requirements, permit timelines, and roofing regulations specific to St. Louis neighborhoods.
  
• Weather Readiness: They know how to build roofing systems that handle hail, snow, and high winds.
  
• Availability: Local roofers are just a phone call away if you need follow-up services.
  

Beware of storm chasers—companies that show up after hailstorms, pressure homeowners, and vanish before warranty issues arise.

Before calling anyone, start your research online:

• Use Google, Yelp, BBB, and Nextdoor to search for “roofers St. Louis” or “how to choose a roofing contractor.”
  
• Look for recent, verified reviews and high star ratings.
  
• Check the Better Business Bureau for complaint history and accreditation.
  

Ask for local referrals from:

• Friends and neighbors
  
• Local Facebook groups or community pages
  
• HOA directories or past roofing customers

The more sources you cross-check, the more confident you’ll feel.

Once you’ve gathered a few names, it’s time to narrow them down. Start by building a shortlist of 3–5 contractors who appear consistently in search results and community referrals.

Now, vet each one by checking the following:

Must-Have Credentials:

• License: Required for roofing contractors operating in Missouri. Always verify through local licensing boards.
  
• Insurance: Ask for both general liability and workers’ comp. Without it, you could be liable for on-site injuries.
  
• Bonding: This provides financial protection in the event that the contractor fails to complete the job properly.
  
• Manufacturer Certifications: Top roofing material brands, such as Owens Corning or GAF, certify roofers who meet strict installation and training standards.

Red Flags:

• No physical office address.
  
• Refusal to show proof of insurance.
  
• Negative or unresolved complaints on BBB.
  
• No online presence or recent reviews.

Also, ask whether they use their crew or subcontractors. While subcontracting isn’t inherently bad, the company must take responsibility for quality and supervision.

Don’t be afraid to interview your roofing contractor because this is a significant investment. The right contractor will appreciate your due diligence.

Here are thoughtful questions to ask:

• How long have you been in business?
  
• Can I see examples of recent work?
  
• Do you offer workmanship warranties or product warranties? Or both?
  
• Who exactly will be doing the work?
  
• What’s the payment schedule?

Pay attention to how clearly and confidently they answer. A contractor who avoids specifics or gives vague replies might be hiding inexperience or shady practices.

Even if your first estimate seems reasonable, get at least two more. Roofing costs can vary significantly between contractors, depending on the materials, labor, and overhead.

When comparing estimates, look for:

• Material type and brand (especially for shingles, underlayment, flashing)
  
• Labor breakdown
  
• Tear-off and cleanup procedures
  
• Warranty details
  
• Estimated project duration
  
• Line-item clarity (Is everything itemized?)

Be cautious of bids that seem too good to be true. Low-ball estimates may cut corners on quality, use lower-grade materials, or skip key steps like proper ventilation or flashing. Always confirm what is and isn’t included.

Choosing a roofer based on the lowest price can lead to long-term regret. While it’s natural to want to save money, the cheapest bid often sacrifices quality, either in materials, workmanship, or project management.

Here’s what quality-focused roofers provide that budget bids may not:

• Proper ventilation systems
  
• High-quality shingles and fasteners
  
• Experienced, trained installers
  
• Comprehensive warranties
  
• Clean-up and waste disposal included

Instead of asking, “Who’s the cheapest?” ask, “Who provides the most value for my investment?” A slightly higher upfront cost could save you thousands in repairs and premature replacements.

Any reputable roofer should have a portfolio of recent projects and willing references. Ask for:

• Local job addresses (drive by and see the work in person)
  
• Photos of before/after installations
  
• At least 2–3 customer references

Ask past clients:

• Were they satisfied with the work?
  
• Was the project completed on time and on budget?
  
• Did the crew clean up properly?
  
• Have there been any issues since the install?

For extra due diligence, explore whether the roofer has experience working on residential or multi-family roofing. This shows adaptability across different property types.

Roofing contracts should be crystal clear about warranties and how/when you’ll be expected to pay.

Warranty Types:

• Manufacturer Warranty: Covers defects in roofing materials.
  
• Workmanship Warranty: Covers mistakes made during installation (usually by the contractor).

Ask:

• What’s the length of each warranty?
  
• What voids the warranty?
  
• Is the warranty transferable if I sell my home?

Payment Terms:

• Legitimate roofers won’t ask for full payment up front.
  
• A typical schedule might be:
  
  • 30% deposit
    
  • 40% during the project
    
  • 30% after final walkthrough and approval
    

Every payment should correspond with specific milestones in the contract.

Protect yourself by learning to spot the warning signs of a potentially bad contractor:

Red Flags to Watch For:

• Requests more than 50% down before any work starts
  
• Pushes you to “sign today” for a “limited-time deal”
  
• Doesn’t provide a written contract
  
• Can’t produce references or licensing
  
• Poor communication—delayed calls, vague answers, no follow-up

If something feels off, trust your instincts. The right roofer will never rush you or hide critical information. Walk away confidently if a contractor doesn’t meet your standards.

Knowing how to choose a roofer in St. Louis doesn’t have to be overwhelming. It just requires a thoughtful, step-by-step approach. When you take time to understand your roofing needs, vet local contractors, compare quotes fairly, and ask the right questions, you drastically reduce the risk of poor workmanship or costly issues down the line.

Let’s recap what you should focus on:

• Know whether you need repairs or a full replacement
  
• Choose a local roofer who understands St. Louis weather and codes
  
• Use online reviews and referrals to build your shortlist
  
• Vet credentials, insurance, and warranties
  
• Ask smart questions and trust your gut
  
• Review past work and contact references
  
• Avoid the cheapest quote if it means sacrificing quality
  
• Understand exactly what’s in your contract and warranty

These steps don’t just lead to a stronger roof. They lead to peace of mind. And that’s something every homeowner deserves.

If you’re ready to take the next step, Premier Roofing is here to help. As one of the most trusted residential roofing companies in St. Louis, our team brings deep local expertise, transparent communication, and top-tier materials to every job. Whether you’re a homeowner, business owner, or managing a multifamily property, we’ve got you covered.