How to Choose a Roofing Contractor in Pittsburgh: 8 Things to Check
Choosing the wrong roofing contractor in Pittsburgh is one of the most expensive home improvement mistakes homeowners make. With dozens of companies operating in the metro area — ranging from fully certified, locally-established teams to unlicensed storm chasers — knowing what to verify before signing a contract can save you thousands and years of headaches. This guide covers the eight essential checks every Pittsburgh homeowner should complete before hiring a roofing contractor.
1. Verify Pennsylvania Contractor License
Pennsylvania requires roofing contractors to hold a valid Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) registration. You can verify any contractor's license at the Pennsylvania Attorney General's website. Pittsabana holds license PA #138201.
- Ask for the contractor's PA HIC registration number
- Verify at: attorn eygeneral.gov — search Home Improvement Contractor Registry
- Unlicensed contractors have no bond or accountability — never hire them
- Pittsabana's license: PA #138201 — verify directly if you wish
2. Confirm General Liability and Workers' Compensation Insurance
Any legitimate Pittsburgh roofing contractor carries both general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage. Hiring an uninsured contractor exposes you to personal liability for any worker injuries on your property.
- Request a Certificate of Insurance before signing any contract
- Verify the policy is current — call the insurer directly to confirm
- General liability minimum: $1 million per occurrence for residential work
- Workers' compensation is legally required for all employees in Pennsylvania
3. Check Manufacturer Certification
Manufacturer certification — CertainTeed, GAF Master Elite, or Owens Corning Preferred — verifies that the contractor has completed factory training and meets ongoing quality standards. Only certified contractors can offer extended labor+materials warranties.
- CertainTeed certification: Verifiable on CertainTeed's contractor locator
- GAF Master Elite: Verifiable on GAF's website
- Non-certified roofers can only offer materials-only warranties — labor issues are your cost
- Pittsabana is CertainTeed certified — activates SureStart PLUS 15-year labor+materials warranty
4–8: Additional Essential Checks
Beyond licensing, insurance, and certification, these five additional checks separate reliable Pittsburgh roofers from problematic contractors.
- 4. Local reviews (Google, Yelp, Angi): Look for 4.7+ stars with 20+ reviews — volume matters as much as rating
- 5. Physical business address: Storm chasers have no local presence — verify the contractor has a real Pittsburgh-area office
- 6. Written, itemized estimate: Any legitimate contractor provides a detailed written quote — refuse verbal estimates
- 7. No full payment upfront: Standard practice is 10-30% deposit; full payment upon completion
- 8. Pulls required permits: Ask explicitly if the contractor will pull permits — never sign with one who refuses
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I verify a roofing contractor is licensed in Pennsylvania?
Search the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Home Improvement Contractor Registry at attorneygeneral.gov. Enter the contractor's name or license number to verify current status. Pittsabana's PA HIC license number is PA #138201.
What is a CertainTeed certified roofing contractor?
A CertainTeed-certified contractor has completed CertainTeed's factory training program and meets ongoing installation quality and customer satisfaction standards. Certification is verified annually. Only certified contractors can offer the SureStart PLUS warranty — CertainTeed's enhanced 15-year labor+materials coverage. Pittsabana is CertainTeed certified in Pittsburgh.
Need Expert Advice for Your Roof?
Pittsabana's CertainTeed-certified team provides free inspections and honest assessments for Pittsburgh-area homeowners.