To stay competitive as a roofing contractor in 2025, you must stay current with the latest best practices. This includes learning about new technology that helps you do your job more efficiently and accurately.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything from conducting a thorough inspection to accurate estimation.
We’ll also show you how cutting-edge digital tools can make your life easier, especially when communicating clearly with your customers and securing repeat business.
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1. Conduct Thorough Roof Inspections Before Every Job
Before you start planning a roofing job, you need to get an overview of what you’re dealing with. This usually involves a visual roof inspection to check various features and components. You should carefully record any problems and take photos to show the client and for future reference.
Structural Framework
First, inspect the roof deck, as it is the foundation of the whole roof. Look for dips in the roof surface, which might indicate water damage or weakened support. Also, feel for soft spots, which are a sure sign that moisture has gotten in and started causing damage.
Inspect the joint assembly thoroughly and highlight problems like gaps or poorly sealed areas. If possible, inspect the underside of the roof from the attic. If you see dark spots, mold, or faint water stains, flag them up.
Roofing Components
Methodically check each individual element of the roofing system and components for water-tightness and signs of wear or damage.
Shingles: Look out for curling, cracking, blistering, bubbling, missing shingles, loose shingles, or loss of granules.
Flashing: Check for dents, tears, corrosion, loose edges, warping, or loss of sealant.
Gutters: Ensure they’re attached and free of debris and holes.
Chimneys: Inspect caulking, mortar, bricks, and chimney crickets for cracks or spalling (bricks flaking off due to moisture). Check the flue cap is in place and undamaged.
Vents: Verify proper seals, no blockages, and correct placement and alignment.
Skylights: Check for missing caulking or leakage and ensure the glass is free of cracks, chips, or scratches.
Underlayment: Confirm there are no tears or punctures. Ensure that ice and water barriers are present, especially in areas prone to ice dams.
Workmanship
Check the quality of the installation. Start by checking that the nails are placed correctly. If they’re too high, the shingle can work loose; if they’re too low, the shingle might get punctured. The nails should also be evenly spaced and straight, as crooked or overdriven nails can damage the roof's integrity.
The shingles should be lined up properly, as not doing so can lead to water penetration. Check the overhang, too. If it’s too short, water might wick back into the fascia. If the overhang is too long, the wind might catch the edges and rip them off.
Interior Spaces (Attic and Crawl Spaces)
Ventilation: Confirm balanced and functional ventilation systems.
Insulation: Check for water damage or inadequate depth.
Water Damage: Look for dark spots or mold on the roof deck and rafters.
Air Leaks: Identify leaks that compromise insulation and add unwanted moisture.
Structural Elements: Ensure all joint clips are in place and sheathing panels and joists are in good condition.
Pest Control: Check for signs of rodents or bats in the attic, such as droppings or gnawed wood.
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Use of Advanced Technology
Some roofers use tech tools to do an initial inspection without setting foot on the roof, such as satellite imagery for a rough idea of square footage and slope.
Aerial drones are helpful in capturing close-up images of hard-to-access areas like chimneys, vents, and skylights. They’re also ideal for steep or high roofs where physical access might be unsafe without scaffolding.
Infrared scanners are handy for spotting trapped moisture under the surface. Leaks or insulation issues usually appear as cooler spots on the temperature scan.
You can use ServiceTitan's mobile app to document inspection findings and share them directly with the customer. This helps build trust, as it shows you’re being completely transparent.
The app also syncs with office phone systems, giving techs instant access to past estimates and call recordings before arriving on-site. Digitizing all relevant paperwork, forms, and automated checklists also reduces errors.
2. Choose the Right Roofing Materials for Each Project
The choice of roofing materials depends on the type of roof you’re dealing with.
Residential Roofing
Residential roofs tend to be steep-sloped or pitched and made from materials that shed water and snow well. For a professional roofing job, the way the material looks is also important and should fit with the home's overall character. Typical residential roof materials include the following.
Asphalt Shingles: Most popular, affordable, and easy to install. Typical lifespan is 20 to 30 years. It’s worth considering reflective shingles that bounce the heat away in hot climates.
Wood Shingles/Shakes: Used for aesthetic appeal and insulation in specific climates.
Slate or Clay Tiles: High-end, durable, and heavy options. Typical lifespan is 50+ years.
Metal Roofing: Gained popularity for its longevity and energy efficiency. It lasts for an average of 80 years.
Solar Roofs: Innovative option that generates electricity from solar panel tiles, reducing your bills and carbon footprint. They typically last between 20 to 30 years.
Commercial Roofing
These flat or low-slope roofs are designed not only to collect water in pools but to withstand foot traffic for maintenance of HVAC units and other utilities. Typical commercial building roof materials include the following:
TPO, EPDM, or PVC Membranes: Durable and waterproof, ideal for flat roofs. Typical lifespan is 20 to 30 years.
Built-Up Roofing (BUR): Layers of tar and gravel that provide excellent waterproofing and durability. Typical lifespan is 20 to 30 years.
Modified Bitumen: Asphalt-based material with added reinforcement for strength, lasting around 20 to 30 years.
Metal Roofing: Often used for durability and to cover large surface areas, lasting up to 80 years.
A busy roofing company might struggle to monitor its material stock and ensure it has enough to meet demand. Inventory management software helps you save time and effort by tracking material availability.
Roofers can use barcode scanning and real-time tracking features to easily check stock levels and automatically trigger replenishments when inventory runs low.
3. Prioritize Accurate Roof Estimates and Clear Communication
Accuracy is the most important factor when estimating roofing repair or replacement.
Follow the steps below to ensure your estimate is as thorough and accurate as possible:
Roof Measurements: Even minor errors add to the cost, so take precise measurements. Measure the roof manually or use tools like EagleView to get exact square footage, roof slope, and even ridge and valley measurements.
Calculate Materials: Calculate the exact amount needed for the job, remembering to include accessories like ridge caps and vents. Account for waste upfront so you’ll have enough to cover the whole job.
Document Accessories: Include easily overlooked features and details, such as flashing for chimneys or boots for vents.
Calculate Material Costs: Use an up-to-date price book for base materials and upgrades. Look for software that syncs with suppliers so prices are accurate and you don’t underquote.
Determine Disposal Costs: Remember to include debris removal in your estimate. Local dump fees can vary greatly. If you’re tearing off older materials, like asbestos or cedar shingles, you might have to pay for extra handling and disposal.
Estimate Labor Costs: Factor in your crew size and hourly rates. You’ll also have to allow for job complexity, as steep slopes or multiple stories will increase labor costs.
Account for Extra Costs: Make sure to include permit costs and safety equipment, like harnesses and guardrails. You might also need specialized tools for specific projects. It’s usually better to overestimate than be hit with surprise costs halfway through.
Plan for Contingencies: Talk to the customer and set pre-agreed rates for replacing plywood or fixing structural issues.
Factor Overhead Costs: Add a markup for business expenses like insurance, office rent, utilities, and worker’s comp. You should review those numbers regularly to account for fluctuations.
Add Profit Margin: Apply a 10 to 20% markup for profit, depending on the project and the rates charged by local competition. Aim to find the sweet spot without undervaluing or overvaluing your services.
Include Upsell Opportunities: Offer your customers upgrades, such as better materials, improved ventilation, more effective insulation, gutter systems, or maintenance packages. You can present them as “good, better, best” options.
It’s easier to use digital estimating software than to calculate your estimate with pen and paper. ServiceTitan produces more accurate and efficient estimates by automatically converting measurements into material volumes. It also factors in waste and extras such as chimney flashing. You can sync your price book with suppliers like SRS Distribution to keep your estimates up-to-date with the latest prices.
4. Follow Manufacturer Guidelines for Installation
To maintain warranty and building code compliance, adhere to specific installation guidelines for asphalt shingles, metal roofs, and other roofing systems.
Most roofing product manufacturers have specific installation guidelines. Consistently following these guidelines will ensure a higher-quality job that lasts longer.
That’s why it’s essential to train your roofing crew to follow the process and not cut corners, even when things get busy.
ServiceTitan offers custom checklists that ensure guidelines are followed, standardizing the process. You can create dynamic forms for each type of roofing installation, such as new shingles and metal roofs. Your roofing crew can access and complete these checklists on their mobile devices, giving you a complete digital work record.
5. Establish a Robust Roof Maintenance Program
A properly maintained roof lasts longer and avoids costly issues like leaks, mold, and interior damage. As a professional roofing contractor, you should tell the customer that it’s easier (and cheaper) to catch problems early than to deal with significant repairs later. Consider offering a preventative roof maintenance program as part of your service.
Guardian Roofing’s motto is "Customer for Life," and they mean it. They have built their business around giving customers long-term roof care, not just one-time replacements.
Co-founder Lori Swanson emphasized the importance of having real-time access to client history provided by ServiceTitan’s software: “Now if a client called, we could actually answer the question with the correct answer and not say, ‘Oh, we have to wait until we get the paper in and talk to the tech.’”
To provide structured maintenance options, consider offering tiered plans.
Immediate Repairs: Storm damage or urgent fixes.
Annual Maintenance: Routine tasks like re-caulking.
Multi-Year Maintenance: Bigger jobs like base flashing repairs or applying roof coatings.
You can also consider a membership program, like the one offered by Laing Roofing, which provides property managers with priority service and scheduled maintenance visits. VP Robert Maier explained, “The goal for us is to own the life cycle of that roof. If it's 10 years down the road and the client needs a replacement, it only makes sense that the company maintaining it gets the job.”
ServiceTitan's scheduling features help you organize and automate the process of keeping track of inspections and maintenance appointments. They ensure no appointment or follow-up is missed. You can set recurring reminders for seasonal inspections, prioritize urgent repairs, and even track the progress of ongoing maintenance tasks in real time.
6. Ensure Proper Ventilation and Insulation
Whenever you install a new roof or repair an old one, ensure it’s well-ventilated and properly insulated.
It’s usually best to start in the attic. Check for airflow, especially intake at the eaves and exhaust near the ridge. If the airflow isn’t balanced, it can cause problems, such as trapped hot air that cooks the shingles.
If so, consider installing ridge and soffit vents to create continuous airflow. A good rule of thumb is one vent for every 30 square meters, but you might need double the vents if there's no vapor barrier.
Depending on the roof type and accessibility, you can opt for rigid boards, mineral or glass wool, or reflective foil insulation. It’s also a good idea to insulate the attic hatch door, which people often forget, and it becomes a heat escape route.
Before installing insulation, check for gaps and signs of moisture. Make sure the insulation has the proper R-value.
Insulating material with a high R-value will slow down heat transfer, keeping your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
Materials with a low R-value don't insulate as well and allow more heat to pass through.
7. Optimize Jobsite Safety and Efficiency
Keeping your roofing crew safe is just as important as doing a high-quality job for your customers. The roofing industry is a dangerous place to work, especially on steep residential roofs and in high winds, so don’t ever cut corners regarding safety.
The first thing to do is ensure that your safety protocols and procedures are all in place and up-to-date. Make sure everyone has a working harness and fall protection gear.
Start each job with a safety briefing, reviewing the basics like fall protection, ladder safety, and tool securing. For steep slopes, ensure you have roof anchors and guardrails set up.
One way to improve your safety procedures is to use ServiceTitan’s mobile app. You can set it up so that it provides roofers with job details and safety information. You can also provide checklists your crew completes on their device to ensure they’re briefed correctly and following protocols.
8. Deliver Excellent Customer Experience
Happy customers turn into loyal customers. They also tell their friends, and word-of-mouth referrals are one of the best ways to find new work.
Good communication is everything, so ensure every customer knows exactly what to expect before you start.
Take plenty of photos and document everything before, during, and after the job. When the reports are ready, share them with the customer. Being transparent about the project from start to finish will increase their trust in you.
Since adopting ServiceTitan, Guardian Roofing has improved customer interactions and responsiveness. Now, techs have instant access to complete job histories on their iPads, allowing them to handle customer inquiries efficiently. “We were able to… deliver even better service because we could resolve any questions,” said Lori Swanson.
ServiceTitan’s customer communication tools allow you to send real-time updates via SMS or email to inform customers when the crew is arriving, how the job is progressing, and any changes to the timeline.
You can share inspection reports directly from the app, along with pictures and a detailed breakdown of what needs fixing. That way, it’s not just you saying, “You need this repair,” as they can see it for themselves.
9. Document Work and Offer Comprehensive Warranties
As a roofing contractor, you’re obliged to cover yourself and your customers by keeping detailed records.
Keep photos of the work before, during, and after the project, along with notes on the materials used and any specifics about the job, such as addressing any hidden damage.
Most roofing contractors offer warranties. It’s essential to be upfront with customers about what’s covered.
Residential roof warranties are often split into two parts — the manufacturer’s warranty and the contractor’s workmanship warranty. The manufacturer’s warranty typically covers defects in materials, such as faulty shingles or prematurely failing underlayment.
The contractor’s workmanship warranty ensures that any errors during installation, such as improper flashing or misaligned shingles, are corrected at no extra cost to the homeowner.
Commercial roof warranties are often more complex and include cover for things like ponding water. They might also cover membrane damage, such as tears or punctures in single-ply TPO or EPDM systems. They usually specify limits for certain conditions too, such as the thickness of the roof system and wind uplift resistance.
Be clear about what actions might void the warranty, such as skipping regular maintenance or using unapproved repair methods.
You can integrate accounting and invoice management with ServiceTitan to keep all reports and warranties together. It organizes all your documents and automatically links them to the relevant customer. You can pull up the records in seconds if the customer calls about a problem two years later.
10. Continuously Train and Educate Your Team
Roofing is always evolving with new materials, better tools, improved methods, and stricter safety regulations.
Keep up with newer systems and train your team regularly. For instance, if you work primarily on commercial projects, you should train your crew to install TPO and reflective roofing.
Certifications are also good for building customer trust, as people like to hear, “We are certified by XYZ manufacturer.”
Over to You
When starting a new roofing project, the main areas to focus on are conducting thorough inspections and recording any problems. Take plenty of photos and record everything to show the customer and for future reference.
Next, you should compare quality materials and choose the right ones for the job. For example, a reflective asphalt shingle roof works well for hot climates or a TPO for flat roofs.
Once you have all the details ready, present an accurate estimate to the customer. Include measurements, material calculations, labor costs, and any other relevant information.
Digital tools can streamline the whole process, from the initial inspection to offering regular maintenance programs.
ServiceTitan empowers you to create recurring job schedules, assign the right crew, and give them inspection checklists tailored to the job that they can complete through the mobile app. It’s an all-around communication tool, keeping customers and your roofing crew in the picture at all times.
ServiceTitan Software
ServiceTitan is a comprehensive software solution built specifically to help service companies streamline their operations, boost revenue, and substantially elevate the trajectory of their business. Our comprehensive, cloud-based platform is used by thousands of electrical, HVAC, plumbing, garage door, and chimney sweep shops across the country—and has increased their revenue by an average of 25% in just their first year with us.
