The hail stopped an hour ago, and by the next afternoon there are flyers on your door and a stranger in a polo shirt is telling you the whole roof is shot. You might need a new roof, or you might not, and all the roofing contractors in Denver calling you sound equally sure. How do you tell the solid ones from the ones who’ll be gone by next spring?
That’s a reasonable thing to worry about. A roof is a big purchase, the work happens where you can’t see it, and the warranty is only as good as the company behind it. You deserve to make this call with real information, not pressure.
This page walks through what to look for in any Denver roofer, us included. APC Roofing has been in business since 2017, we’re a GAF Certified contractor, licensed and insured, and inspections and estimates are free. Call 720-902-6940 if you’d like us to take a look.
What to look for in a Denver roofing contractor
A real local presence. After a big storm, crews from out of state roll into the Front Range, knock on doors for a few weeks and leave. Look for a company with a local office and a local phone number that will still answer when you need warranty work.
Licensing and insurance you can verify. Ask for proof of liability insurance and workers’ compensation, and check that the contractor holds whatever license your city requires. If someone gets hurt on your roof, you want the contractor’s insurance covering it, not yours.
Manufacturer credentials. Shingle makers certify contractors who meet their standards. It doesn’t guarantee great work, but it shows the company has met a manufacturer’s standards, which a fly-by-night crew usually hasn’t.
Reviews with detail. A pile of five-star ratings tells you less than a handful of reviews that describe the actual job, the crew and how problems were handled.
No pressure. A good contractor gives you time to think, compare and talk to your insurer. Anyone who needs you to sign today is working on their timeline, not yours.
Red flags to watch for
- Someone asking you to sign a contract on the spot, especially a “contingency” agreement before the roof has been inspected
- An offer to waive, cover or “work with” your deductible. You’re responsible for your deductible, and anyone promising otherwise is cutting a corner you could end up paying for
- A big cash deposit before any materials are ordered
- No physical address, or an out-of-state phone number
- A suggestion to skip the building permit
- Vague estimates that don’t name the materials
What a fair roofing contract should spell out
When you compare two bids and one is much lower, the difference is almost always in what’s included. A good contract names:
- The shingle or roofing material, by brand and product line
- The underlayment and the ice and water barrier, and where each goes
- Whether the old roof is torn off or covered over
- How rotted decking will be found, priced and handled
- New flashing, drip edge, pipe boots and ventilation
- Permit, cleanup and debris removal
- The warranty, both the manufacturer’s and the contractor’s own workmanship coverage
If a bid leaves these out, ask. A contractor who won’t put the plan in writing is telling you something.
Questions worth asking any roofer
How long have you been in business here? Who will be on my roof, your crew or a subcontractor? What happens if you find rotted wood? Who pulls the permit? How do you protect my yard, plants and driveway? Who do I call if there’s a leak next year?
You’ll learn as much from how they answer as from what they say.
Why Denver roofs need a contractor who knows the climate
Denver puts a roof through a lot. The Front Range gets frequent hail, the sun at a mile up is harsh on shingles, and winters bring freeze-thaw cycles and snow that can back water up behind ice at the eaves. A contractor who works here should talk about impact-resistant shingles, ice and water barrier at the eaves, and attic ventilation without you having to bring them up.
How APC Roofing works
We’d rather earn your trust than rush you. Here’s how a job with us goes:
- Book your free inspection. Call 720-902-6940 or request a free estimate online.
- Get a clear, honest assessment and estimate. You’ll see photos of what we found and hear whether it’s a repair or a replacement. The written estimate names the materials and the scope. Financing is available through Aqua Finance, Fortifi, Hearth and Home Run Finance.
- Your roof gets done and the site gets cleaned up. Many residential roofs are installed in a single day, and the crew cleans up before leaving.
If you have storm damage, you file your own claim with your insurance company and pay your own deductible. We document the damage with photos, provide the estimate and work with your adjuster.
You can learn more about our Denver roofing company, or see what’s involved in a roof inspection, roof repair or roof replacement.
Questions about choosing roofing contractors in Denver
How many estimates should I get?
Two or three is plenty. More than that and the bids start to blur. Compare them line by line using the contract checklist above.
Should I hire the roofer who knocked on my door after the storm?
Not without checking them out first. Some door-knockers are local and legitimate; many aren’t. Verify their address, insurance and reviews before you sign anything.
Do I have to use the contractor my insurance company recommends?
No. You can choose your own contractor. The insurer pays for covered damage; who does the work is your decision.
What does GAF Certified mean?
GAF is a major shingle manufacturer, and GAF Certified is its recognition for contractors who meet its requirements. APC Roofing is GAF Certified.
Talk to APC Roofing
Call 720-902-6940 or book your free inspection online.
Whoever you hire, you should end up with a sound roof, a contract you understood and a contractor who picks up the phone next year. Trust matters.
