Why Some Roofing Companies Cost More than Others (With 4 Factors to Focus On)

Why are some roofing companies more expensive than others? This isn’t always easy to answer. 

Every roofing company has its own way of operating and costs have many variables. 

While there are MANY factors that go into determining an answer, here are the four you need to focus on:

1. Training and Certifications.
2. Specific Roofing System Specialization.
3. Subcontractors vs. Employees.
4. Costs of Running a Successful Roofing Company.

Victor Maya inspects a commercial roof and points out major issues for his client.

1) Training and Certifications

Professional roofing companies that have high levels of training and many certifications can sometimes be more expensive than those that do not. 

There are many advantages to hiring a roofing company that is certified in the type of roof or system you are interested in. In many cases, to get the best warranty available, the roofing company you use needs to be certified to install your specific type of roofing. Companies who are certified with a manufacturer have the manufacturer’s guarantee that they will stand behind their labor & materials for up to 35 years.

To achieve the highest levels of certification available, a professional roofing company has to put in many years of training and run a quality and time-tested business. While this can translate into a higher cost for the company, it also means working with highly trained contractors and a well-respected company.

Here are some of our certifications as an example:

2) Specific Roofing System Specialization

Roofing companies that specialize in specific roofing systems can take the time to train in the areas they want to concentrate on.

At Advantage Roofing we train extensively in these types of roofing:

• TPO Roofing Systems
• PVC Roofing Systems
• Roof Coatings 
• High End & Luxury Roofing Systems for Residential:
• We can install Tile, Slate, Davinci, Eco Star, and any type of asphalt shingle.
• Metal Roofs
• Standing Seam, R & AG Panel Roof Systems.

What we don’t do: 

• Hot-Applied Modified Bitumen Roofing System
• Torch Down Roofing System
• 3-Tab Shingles 
• Spray Polyurethane Foam Roofing System
• Built-Up Roofing (BUR) System
  

3) Subcontractors vs. Employees

Many roofing companies structure themselves to have subcontracted salesmen that are paid on commission only. This can lower costs for a roofing company, but it also encourages the salesman to oversell for a higher commission.

When a roofing company has actual employees, those employees do not feel the need to sell something that a customer doesn’t need. They are getting paid either way.  Because of that, customers can feel comfortable talking with their roofing contractor openly and honestly and not feel that they are being taken advantage of.

At Advantage Roofing our salesmen are employees. Our pricing may be slightly higher, but you can feel confident that you are receiving the best overall roofing solution to suit your needs.

4) Costs of Running a Successful Roofing Company

There are a lot of costs that go into running a successful professional roofing company. Skimping on these costs can hurt a company’s employees and customers in the long run, and end up costing a company more if something isn’t up to a standard. 

Professional roofing companies must be able to afford:

• Taxes (Payroll, federal and state)
• Employee Benefits (Company match 401k, PTO, paid holidays, bonuses, company team building, etc.)
• Insurance (liability, umbrella insurance, workman’s comp, and health)
• Licensing and bonding
• Continuing education and training
• Fully stocked Trucks & Fuel
• Repairs and Maintenance
• Materials & Equipment to do the work
• Labor (support staff in addition to the actual roofer if needed)
• Advertising
• Telephone & Internet
• Accountant 
• Warehouse

Why is Advantage Roofing the Best Choice?

A statement from our President, Victor Maya:

"As a growing professional roofing company, our goal is to create a business in which we have the best team in Oklahoma working for us. 

We do this by hiring the best people in the roofing industry. As you know it costs to hire the best. We see ourselves as an all star team that has been created in the roofing industry. 

Our pricing is not the most expensive or the least expensive, however, we stay competitive in the market by doing a lot of research and comparing our rates to others. We would go over & above to save you time & money. 

As a result, we will be able to continue to provide for our team members and their families that rely on them. We want our customers to be proud to support our business and feel good about it!"