Best roofing companies in Rhode Island: Key takeaways
Rhode Island has about 224 roofing companies to choose from, according to IBISWorld.
The average cost of a roof replacement in Rhode Island is $22,212.
Rhode Island roofing contractors can help repair weather-related damage, fix leaks, or complete full roof replacements.
When hiring a roofing contractor, look for a company you can trust to deal with your insurance adjusters and complete your project promptly, professionally, and cost-effectively. Here are a few tips for choosing a quality roofing company in Rhode Island.
Not all roofing contractors provide the same services or work with the same materials. If you need a specific repair completed, you’ll want to seek a company specializing in that type of work. For instance, if you have a roof leak but are unsure what’s causing it, you can have a roofer come out and find where the water is coming from. If you experienced a recent hail storm and want to inspect the roof for hail damage, they can check it.
Also, if you have anything other than a shingle roof, you'll want a company specializing in alternative roof types, like tile roofing or flat roofs. Some materials, like metal, require specialized tools not all roofers possess. And not all have experience installing solar shingles. Ask for a consultation to determine if a company has the expertise your roofing needs require.
Common Rhode Island roofing services include:
Roof flashing repairs or replacements
Shingle repairs or replacements
Soffit and fascia repairs or replacements
Waterproofing and weatherproofing
Skylight repairs or replacements
Insulation and ventilation
Online reputation can tell you a lot about a company. Do some digging into the companies you’re considering and see what other Rhode Island homeowners have to say about the quality of the job and the service they experienced. Sites like Fixr, Yelp, Google Reviews, Trustpilot, and the Better Business Bureau are good places to start when gauging customer satisfaction.
Finding reviews with photos of the company’s work can be especially helpful. If the company has a national presence, ensure the reviews you’re reading are RI-specific so you can vet your local roofing team.
To find the best company for your roofing job, always try to get several quotes. Of course, you'll compare the quotes for price. But you'll also want to compare the companies' warranties and the time frame for completing the job.
When securing quotes, you'll want to ask the roofer several questions. After clarifying the company's legal name, address, and phone number and ensuring that it's licensed and insured to perform work in the Ocean State, consider the following questions:
How many years of experience do you have?
How much workers' compensation and general liability insurance coverage do you have?
What is your workmanship warranty?
Who will be at the job site during the roof installation?
Will you remove my old roof?
How will you dump my old roofing material?
How will you protect my property from damage?
Rhode Island requires all home improvement contractors to register with the state. However, licensing is only required for a select few, not residential roofers.
To register, the applicant must provide proof of completion of a 5-hour course dictated by the Contractors' Registration and Licensing Board or proof of graduation from an accredited technical or vocational school or college within two years of registration.
Applicants must also carry $500,000 of liability insurance, workers' compensation insurance if they employ other workers, and have a business ID number provided by the Rhode Island Secretary of State.
Always confirm license numbers with your city or county’s building department. Also, ask what the licensing requirements are for your area.
If your roof needs replacing, you may wonder how much it will cost. The average cost to replace a roof in Rhode Island is $22,212, including labor. The average labor cost for roofers in Rhode Island is $121 per hour. Costs vary depending on the materials, type of roofing system, and size and complexity of the roof. They will also vary by locality, so we average in places like Providence, Smithfield, and Newport. Here are a few highs, lows, and averages for you to remember when shopping for roofing professionals.
Low-End Cost | Average Cost | High-End Cost | |
Average Rhode Island roof replacement* | $21,896 | $22,212 | $22,528 |
Roof replacement with asphalt shingles | $8,409 | $8,537 | $8,652 |
Metal roof replacement | $25,085 | $25,450 | $25,808 |
*The average cost is calculated using the size of an average 1,700 square foot roof. The low-end cost is for a 1,000-square-foot roof. The high-end cost is for a 2,200-square-foot roof.
There are multiple reasons to hire a roofing company. First, having a professional perform a yearly roof inspection is a good idea. Ensuring your roof is in good condition each year helps prevent some emergencies. However, winds blow, and trees fall. And when they impact your roof, it's good to have a standing relationship with one in your area.
Rhode Island is the least likely state to have tornadoes, ranking 50 on the WiseVoter website. However, that doesn't mean it's without the risk of high winds from coastal storms. And this tiny state can expect an average of up to 55 inches of snow each year. These weather events can cause significant damage to your roof.
When something happens to compromise the integrity of your roof, or if you have water leaking into your home, you have an emergency situation.
Non-emergency roof problems you may notice in Rhode Island include evidence of poor ventilation or insulation. High energy bills, missing shingles, loss of shingle granules, and algae growth are indications for you to schedule a roof inspection. A professional will let you know if the symptoms warrant emergency repair or if you can wait.
Only climb on a roof if you feel secure and have the coordination to walk safely on the slope. Most roofing repairs are best left to the professionals. Even if you are capable, a pro will do a better job. That said, the determined DIYer can handle some minor roof repairs. Things like caulking, patching minor leaks, replacing a shingle, or cleaning gutters are all DIY-friendly jobs. For anything more complicated, hire a pro.