Hiring a shingle roofing contractor starts with a simple search and quickly turns into a maze. Five-star ratings look reassuring until you notice the same stock phrases repeating across profiles. A glowing testimonial carries weight until you realize it came from a homeowner three states away, posted before the contractor even opened shop locally. I have walked properties where the reviews promised meticulous roof shingle installation, yet the ridge cap was cut short and the starter strip was missing at the eaves. Reviews can help you avoid that outcome, but only if you know how to read them.
This guide distills practical ways to use online feedback without being misled. It blends what homeowners can do from a laptop with what a roofer knows matters when evaluating craftsmanship. Whether you are planning a roof shingle replacement after a storm or calling for shingle roof repair after a leak, these methods will help you separate marketing fluff from reliable signals.
Why reviews matter, and why they mislead
A shingle roof is not a commodity. Two contractors can install the same brand of architectural shingles, yet one roof lasts 30 years and the other fails after eight. The difference often comes down to details a homeowner cannot see from the driveway: nail placement, deck prep, ventilation balance, underlayment choice, flashing transitions, and cleanup diligence. Reviews can surface those details, because past clients tend to comment on them, if prompted well.
The problem is that review systems reward volume and recency, not necessarily rigor. A dozen short five-star posts could be friends-of-the-owner helping during a business launch. A one-star rant might reflect a scheduling delay during a hail surge, not poor workmanship. Some platforms suppress or filter mid-range feedback, skewing the picture. And then there is the most basic bias of all: homeowners who had a leak the week after installation will shout about it, those who had a flawless roof for eight quiet years rarely write anything.
Understanding the incentives behind reviews helps you read them with a sharper eye. You are not hunting for perfection, you are trying to see patterns, corroborated details, and the contractor’s response when something goes wrong.
The anatomy of a trustworthy review
A strong review does three things. It describes the scope with specificity, it situates the job in time and place, and it includes details only a real customer would know. If you see “They replaced my roof, looks great” with nothing else, file it as a weak positive. If you see “March 2023, 2,300 square foot ranch in Maple Ridge, full roof shingle replacement with CertainTeed Landmark, new drip edge, two new bath vents, and they corrected a prior step flashing issue at the chimney,” that carries weight.
Language tells a story. Real homeowners mention little frustrations in otherwise positive reviews, like loud compressor noise at 7 AM or a gate that was left unlatched. They might reference weather delays, asphalt smell, or how long the magnet sweep took. They often remember names. They talk about specific tasks like installing ice and water shield in the valleys, re-sleeving a furnace vent, or painting a boot to match the shingle. Those details are difficult to fake at scale.
Not all good work gets long prose, but the highest-value reviews are the ones that teach you about the contractor’s process. Look for mentions of the pre-job walk, the written scope, the crew size, supervision, photo documentation, and follow-up after the first rain.
Where to look, and how to balance sources
No single platform gives a full picture. I have seen contractors with average Google ratings lifted by volume, Yelp pages shaped by a handful of extremes, and niche trade sites that over-index on vendor relationships. You want a blend. Search the contractor’s name and city, then click beyond the first result. You will likely find Google, Yelp, Facebook, Nextdoor or neighborhood forums, the Better Business Bureau, and sometimes manufacturer directories for shingle roofing certified by brands like GAF and CertainTeed.
Manufacturer directories are underrated. A listing in a shingle maker’s “certified” program does not guarantee perfection, but it means the company has supplied proof of insurance, license, and training. Many of those directories host reviews that require a verified job number. The tone is often more measured, and the comments skew technical, which is good when you are vetting roof shingle installation quality.
Local groups matter as well. A homeowner in your subdivision who had a shingle roof repair after a windstorm last fall can tell you if the contractor returned during the first hard freeze to re-seal lifted tabs. That kind of aftercare rarely appears on big review platforms, yet it predicts how your warranty will feel in practice.
Reading between the stars: patterns, not averages
Averages hide variance. A contractor with a 4.7 rating could have nothing but five-star new installs and a cluster of unhappy roof shingle repair customers who felt ignored. That pattern tells you something. Read the worst reviews first, then the most recent ones, then the best-written middle ratings. Now compare the issues.
If three separate reviews mention nails in the driveway after cleanup, that points to a process gap. Good crews run large magnets in the yard and a small magnet around plant beds. A recurring leak complaint near dormers suggests flashing issues rather than bad shingles. If owners consistently praise how the superintendent documented deck rot with photos and a change order, you are learning about transparency, not just personality.
Check seasonality. Reviews posted during hail season or after a regional wind event often involve stretched schedules. High demand exposes management skill, or lack of it. A contractor who communicates delays, covers roofs with synthetics when rain threatens, and returns as promised earns trust. Silence and excuses are red flags.
How to verify authenticity without playing detective
You do not need to call every reviewer. But you can triangulate. Compare the names or initials mentioned in reviews to the staff on the company site. Note whether the company replies with job-specific context. “We installed Owens Corning Duration on your split level and returned to adjust the ridge vent after that January wind event” sounds like a real file was opened, not a generic template.
Cross-check location. If a company claims hundreds of local shingle roofing jobs yet their reviews are spread across distant cities, ask why. Multi-branch companies are fine, but you want evidence of work near you, on homes like yours. A 12/12 pitched Victorian with dormers is not the same as a low-slope ranch. Review photos that show roof planes, chimneys, and valleys similar to yours are useful.
Look at the dates relative to business filings. If a company started last month but boasts years of five-star reviews, they may be trading on the owner’s prior business name or a bought profile. That is not automatically bad, but it warrants a conversation about track record.
What a roofer learns from photos in reviews
Homeowner photos can be telling. Zoom in on the ridge line. You should see ridge cap shingles aligned and seated, not gapped or curling. Look at eaves for drip edge. If the fascia shows daylight beneath shingles, that is wrong. Scan valleys for whether they are open metal or closed cut. Either can be fine, but sloppy cut valleys with exposed nails will fail early.
Stacks and penetrations are another clue. Proper boot height, sealant in moderation, apron flashing at sidewalls, counterflashing at masonry, and kickout flashing where a roof meets a wall above siding are the sort of things you want to notice. When reviewers praise a shingle roofing contractor for “fixing the messy kickout that rotted our siding,” you know you are dealing with someone who thinks beyond shingles.
Beware of glamour drone shots. They sell the finish, not the craftsmanship. A few close-up install photos from the crew or superintendent are more valuable than ten aerials.
Digging into negative feedback without getting spooked
Good contractors have bad reviews. Weather shifts schedules. Materials arrive late. A homeowner forgets to move a car from the driveway and gets a dent. The question is how the company responds and whether they learn. Read owner replies. You want calm, factual, prompt, and solution oriented. If a roof leaked, did they tarp the section, schedule a fix, and explain what changed? Defensive or combative replies suggest trouble if anything goes wrong on your job.
Claims of bait and switch on materials deserve attention. If a review alleges that the crew installed three-tab shingles instead of architectural, or swapped underlayment brands, ask the contractor to specify in writing what will be installed, including model names and whether ridge vent or box vents are planned. True bait and switch is rare among reputable firms, but miscommunication about options happens all the time.
Complaints about upsells can be nuanced. Deck rot under old shingles is common, often hidden. A transparent contractor explains the wood replacement policy before the tear-off, with per-sheet pricing and a photo log. If reviews mention surprise charges without documentation, press for clarity on how they handle discoveries during tear-off.
The hallmarks of a review trail for solid roof shingle installation
When a contractor does clean, code-compliant work for years, their reviews converge on a few themes: consistent communication, fair handling of surprises, adherence to the written scope, plus warranty support that shows up after the first big storm. You will see a mix of roof shingle replacement jobs and shingle roof repair stories. Both matter. Repairs reveal diagnostic skill and honesty. An outfit that can repair a tricky leaking valley without pushing a full replacement earns credibility.
Turnaround times are telling. Quick but careful is ideal, reckless is not. A typical full replacement on a straightforward 2,000 to 3,000 square foot home with a walkable pitch takes one day with a six to eight person crew, sometimes two if there are many penetrations or deck repairs. Reviews that note crews rushing to finish at dusk and leaving debris suggest poor planning. Reviews that mention a crew returning the next morning to finish a hip and clean thoroughly reflect pride in the last 5 percent of the job.
Using reviews to script better questions
The best way to leverage reviews is to convert patterns into questions you ask during estimates. If multiple reviews mention a strong pre-job walkthrough, request one and see how they approach your roof. Do they climb, measure, and photograph problem areas, or estimate from the ground? If cleanup concerns recur in their reviews, bring it up early and ask who specifically walks the property with the magnet and when.
Ask about nails, not brands. Pneumatic guns are fine if pressure is tuned and nails land in the shingle’s nailing zone. Misplaced nails void warranties. A contractor who speaks comfortably about nailing patterns, starter courses, and ventilation is more likely to run a tight crew. Reviews that praise the crew foreman by name and mention proactive explanations usually come from clients who experienced that level of detail.
If hail or wind is part of your region’s story, use reviews to verify insurance claim experience. Does the contractor provide photo packages for adjusters, mark hail hits properly, and discuss code upgrades like drip edge and ice barrier? Reviews often reference whether the roofing company handled supplements or left the homeowner to fight.
Red flags that reviews can reveal
Watch for recurring admin problems: unanswered calls, missed appointments, price changes without a revised scope, and vague invoices. Those issues show up in reviews and often hint at thin staffing or chaotic management.
Beware of oddly uniform five-star posts clustered in a short window after a name change or ownership shift. They might be legitimate, but weigh them against long-run performance. Also be cautious of contractors who reply to every review with boilerplate but never address specifics. A real operation can say, “We adjusted Jose’s crew schedule during the July heat wave and installed your ridge vent two days later. Thanks for your patience,” instead of “We strive for excellence, call us with concerns.”
Finally, any pattern of leaks at flashing points within the first year is serious. Shingles themselves rarely fail early if installed correctly. Early leaks are almost always about details: step flashing at sidewalls, counterflashing at chimneys, pipe boots, skylight curb ties, or valley workmanship.
When reviews conflict with a trusted referral
Sometimes your neighbor swears by a shingle roofing contractor, but the online picture looks mixed. That is when you weigh apples with apples. What kind of roof is your neighbor’s, and what was the scope? If they had a straightforward one-layer tear-off with no penetrations and you have three skylights and a chimney that kisses a dormer, the comparison is weak. Ask the contractor to show you photo sets from jobs that match your geometry. Reviews that reference roofs like yours carry more weight than a friend’s smooth experience on a simpler home.
I have also seen the opposite: average reviews overall, but fantastic feedback on roof shingle repair work. If you only need a shingle roof repair to buy time for five years, the company that excels at diagnosing and fixing might be a better fit than the firm built for high-volume replacements.
Warranty talk in reviews: decoding what counts
Manufacturers offer product warranties, contractors offer workmanship warranties. Reviews reveal how those play out. If a homeowner writes that the company returned two years later to reseal a boot and did not charge, you are seeing a living workmanship policy. If reviews complain that calls went unanswered after the first heavy rain, take note. Ask the estimator for the written warranty terms, and ask how they handle urgent leak calls. Reviews that praise same-day tarping and scheduled fixes within 48 to 72 hours suggest a team that respects water as a house-killer.
Also read for language around transferability. Some contractor warranties transfer when you sell the home, some do not. When reviews celebrate a smooth sale thanks to transferable coverage, that is a real benefit.
How to use reviews alongside licensing, insurance, and manufacturer status
Reviews are half the story. Always verify license status with your city or state, and ask for a certificate of insurance sent directly from the agent. If a contractor claims to be a “Master Elite” or “ShingleMaster,” confirm it on the manufacturer’s site. Those programs come with training requirements and often extended warranties on the shingle roof.
Use the review trail to press for jobsite supervision. Good reviews often mention the same superintendent or foreman. Ask if that person will be on your job and how many crews the company runs daily. An overextended supervisor cannot catch the thousand small decisions that make a roof durable.
A simple field test: make a small ask before a big contract
Before you sign for a roof shingle replacement, ask for two to three recent addresses where the company installed similar shingles. Drive by at dusk when rakes and ridges show silhouette lines. You will see waviness, odd ridge caps, or mismatched accessory colors if they cut corners. While you are there, chat with the homeowner if they are outside. Their off-the-cuff description often aligns with the review tone you saw online.
You can also request a sample photo package from a completed job. Strong contractors document deck conditions, flashing, underlayment, and final cleanup. If they can email a tidy set with timestamps, it speaks to process. Reviews that reference receiving such photos are a bonus.
When to override the crowd and when to keep looking
Crowds can be wrong. A small, older company may not chase reviews, yet do excellent work, evident in the depth of the few they have. If a contractor has limited online feedback but those reviews are rich in detail, and your conversations are crisp, and their documentation checks out, consider giving more weight to the qualitative signal.
On the other hand, if a company has hundreds of reviews but a growing share complain about post-job leaks, sloppy cleanup, or poor communication, do not ignore the trend just because the average still looks fine. Roofs reveal quality over time. A surge of recent negatives can reflect turnover or expansion pains.
A practical checklist you can use while reading
- Identify the job type in each review: roof shingle installation, shingle roof repair, or full roof shingle replacement. Favor contractors with consistent praise across all three. Note technical specifics mentioned: underlayment type, ventilation approach, flashing details, and cleanup practices. The more specifics, the better. Track response quality to problems: speed, tone, and whether fixes held through later weather. Compare similar homes: pitch, complexity, skylights, chimneys, and dormers. Weight those reviews higher. Corroborate with off-platform signals: licensing, insurance, manufacturer certifications, and references within your ZIP code.
How this plays out during estimates and contracts
Arrive at your estimates informed by what you learned in the reviews. Ask to see sample contracts. A good agreement specifies the shingle brand and model, underlayment type, ice and water shield locations, drip edge color, ventilation strategy, flashing scope, chimney and skylight details, wood replacement pricing, and a cleanup plan. Many positive reviews cite feeling confident because the written scope matched what happened on site.
Discuss timing and crew size. Reviews that describe eight-person crews finishing in a day on similar homes tell you what to expect. If a contractor promises a one-day turnaround with a two-person crew on a complex roof, that mismatch should raise questions.
Ensure the payment schedule aligns with progress, not just a large deposit. Reputable shingle roofing contractors often take a modest deposit with balance upon substantial completion and a final walkthrough. Reviews that reference fair billing practices are significant.
What to make of price comments in reviews
Price chatter in reviews is noisy. Material costs swing, and storm cycles distort labor availability. Focus less on “cheapest” or https://remingtonuhzz447.trexgame.net/roof-shingle-repair-with-matching-shingles-sourcing-tips “most expensive” and more on value alignment. Reviews that praise clarity around change orders, lack of surprises, and warranty support often reflect better long-term value. Conversely, repeated complaints about nickel-and-diming during tear-off indicate poor expectation setting.
That said, if many reviewers note that the company was not the lowest bid but was transparent and thorough, that usually points to an outfit that invests in training and supervision. Roofs are not the place to buy on price alone. I have seen a $1,500 cheaper bid turn into a $7,000 headache when leaks damaged drywall and insulation.
What reviews can’t tell you, and how to fill the gaps
Reviews will not reveal crew turnover, subcontracting practices, or the skill of the specific team scheduled for your home. Ask. Many shingle roofing contractors use dedicated crews they have worked with for years. Some run multiple subs and rotate based on availability. Neither is inherently bad, but you want to know who shows up and who supervises. Reviews that mention the same foreman across years suggest stable teams, which is good for quality control.
Reviews also cannot diagnose your unique roof. An attic inspection may change the plan, especially with ventilation. Proper intake and exhaust balance is central to asphalt shingle longevity. Ask the estimator how they determine venting needs. Positive reviews that highlight improved attic temperatures after the project indicate that they addressed ventilation, not just shingles.
If you only have time for a 30-minute review dive
- Read the five worst and the five most recent reviews, across two platforms. Search for keywords such as “valley,” “flashing,” “cleanup,” “leak,” “warranty,” and “communication.” Scan for photo evidence of details, not just finished glamor shots. Note any repeated staff names praised or criticized, then ask if those people will be involved in your job. Verify one manufacturer certification and current insurance with the agent.
Half an hour used this way beats an hour of scrolling stars.
Final thoughts from the field
I have returned to roofs three, five, and ten years after installation. The roofs with the fewest issues shared three traits often reflected in their reviews: a clear scope explained up front, attentive supervision during the messy middle, and a company that answered the phone when weather tested the work. Shingles are engineered products with predictable behavior. It is the human system around them that makes or breaks a shingle roof over time.
Treat reviews as windows into that system. Look for the fingerprints of process: how they prep, how they install, how they clean, and how they stand behind the job. When you find a shingle roofing contractor whose reviews consistently point to those strengths, you have likely found the right partner for your roof shingle installation or the shingle roof repair you need now.
Express Roofing Supply
Address: 1790 SW 30th Ave, Hallandale Beach, FL 33009
Phone: (954) 477-7703
Website: https://www.expressroofsupply.com/
FAQ About Roof Repair
How much should it cost to repair a roof? Minor repairs (sealant, a few shingles, small flashing fixes) typically run $150–$600, moderate repairs (leaks, larger flashing/vent issues) are often $400–$1,500, and extensive repairs (structural or widespread damage) can be $1,500–$5,000+; actual pricing varies by material, roof pitch, access, and local labor rates.
How much does it roughly cost to fix a roof? As a rough rule of thumb, plan around $3–$12 per square foot for common repairs, with asphalt generally at the lower end and tile/metal at the higher end; expect trip minimums and emergency fees to increase the total.
What is the most common roof repair? Replacing damaged or missing shingles/tiles and fixing flashing around chimneys, skylights, and vents are the most common repairs, since these areas are frequent sources of leaks.
Can you repair a roof without replacing it? Yes—if the damage is localized and the underlying decking and structure are sound, targeted repairs (patching, flashing replacement, shingle swaps) can restore performance without a full replacement.
Can you repair just a section of a roof? Yes—partial repairs or “sectional” reroofs are common for isolated damage; ensure materials match (age, color, profile) and that transitions are properly flashed to avoid future leaks.
Can a handyman do roof repairs? A handyman can handle small, simple fixes, but for leak diagnosis, flashing work, structural issues, or warranty-covered roofs, it’s safer to hire a licensed roofing contractor for proper materials, safety, and documentation.
Does homeowners insurance cover roof repair? Usually only for sudden, accidental damage (e.g., wind, hail, falling tree limbs) and not for wear-and-tear or neglect; coverage specifics, deductibles, and documentation requirements vary by policy—check your insurer before starting work.
What is the best time of year for roof repair? Dry, mild weather is ideal—often late spring through early fall; in warmer climates, schedule repairs for the dry season and avoid periods with heavy rain, high winds, or freezing temperatures for best adhesion and safety.