Hiring a roofer is one of those decisions that feels straightforward until you start getting quotes. Prices swing wildly, the jargon piles up, and every roofing company promises “top quality” and “best warranty.” The stakes are real. A roof keeps water out, protects structure and insulation, and influences energy efficiency for decades. A poor choice can mean leaks, mold, denied insurance claims, or a warranty that dissolves the moment you need it. The good news: with the right checks, you can sort solid professionals from risky bets without needing to become a contractor yourself.
I’ve spent years walking roofs with homeowners, inspectors, and adjusters. The pattern is consistent. The roofer who does the quiet, unglamorous things right - clear documentation, correct licensing, verifiable insurance, manufacturer training, site supervision - usually delivers durable work and fewer surprises. Let’s unpack how to vet a roofing contractor so you can hire with confidence.
Start with your “roof story” before you call anyone
Before you invite a roofer to the property, get clear on the problem you want solved and the roof you actually have. Gather the last roof installation or roof replacement date if you know it, the type of shingles or membrane, attic ventilation details, and any history of leaks or previous roof repair attempts. Photograph trouble spots from ground level. If you can safely peek in the attic, look for water stains, rusted nails, or daylight around penetrations. These small details will help an estimator zero in on cause, not just symptoms.
Equally important is understanding local conditions. In hail-prone regions, look for bruised shingles and granule piles in gutters. Coastal zones have tougher wind codes and often require enhanced nailing patterns and sealed deck systems. Snow belts demand attention to ice dam protection and ventilation. If you live under tree cover, expect a conversation about algae-resistant shingles, overhanging branches, and maintenance. A good roofer will ask these questions. If they don’t, that’s a red flag.
Licensing, registration, and the quiet differences that matter
Roofing rules vary by state and municipality. Some places require a dedicated roofing license. Others fold roofing into a general contractor license. A few require only business registration. The type of credential matters because it reflects the minimum bar for knowledge, bonding, and disciplinary oversight.
Ask for the exact license classification and number, then verify it with the state licensing board or local building department website. Matching names and addresses on the license, proposal, and insurance certificate should be consistent. Watch for contractors borrowing another company’s license or operating under a dissolved entity.
In strict jurisdictions, licensed status also ties to permits and final inspections. If your roofer pulls the permit under the correct license, you benefit from code enforcement acting as a second set of eyes. That inspection will not catch everything, but it deters the worst shortcuts. In looser jurisdictions, licensing may feel like a formality. Still, it creates a paper trail that becomes valuable if there is a dispute.
Insurance: what to request and how to read it
Ask for two distinct certificates: general liability and workers’ compensation. Then look closely at policy limits, expiration dates, and the named insured.
- General liability should typically be at least 1 million dollars per occurrence. This responds if a ladder smashes a picture window, a falling shingle injures a passerby, or water intrusion damages interior finishes due to workmanship negligence. Verify that roofing is not excluded in the policy classifications. Workers’ compensation covers medical expenses and lost wages if a worker is injured on your property. If a roofer claims exemption because they are a sole proprietor with no employees, treat that as a risk signal. Roof work often involves small crews and subcontractors. If one person on your roof lacks coverage and gets hurt, your homeowner’s policy can be dragged into the claim. When in doubt, ask the insurance agent of record to email you a certificate that lists you as certificate holder for the specific project address. This takes ten minutes and prevents policy swapping or expired coverage.
Some reputable firms use subcontractor crews. That can be fine, provided the subcontractors carry their own workers’ comp and liability and are listed as additional insureds under the prime contractor’s policy, or the prime’s policy explicitly covers them. Ask how the company vets and documents this. The strong ones know this drill cold.
Manufacturer credentials and what they actually guarantee
Many shingle manufacturers run certification programs. You will hear labels like Master Elite, Platinum Preferred, or Select ShingleMaster. These indicate that a roofer met training and volume thresholds and can offer enhanced warranties. That is useful, not decisive.
Enhanced warranties fall into two broad buckets. The first covers materials at a higher level and for a longer term. The second, which is the real value, includes some period of manufacturer-backed workmanship coverage. Read the language. Most “lifetime” shingles are pro-rated after a defined period, and hail or wind coverage varies by product and region. Some upgrades require specific components - starter strips, underlayments, ventilation - installed as a system. If the roofer mixes brands or skips a component, the warranty may be void.
Ask the roofer to identify the exact shingle line, underlayment, ice and water shield, flashing metals, and ventilation products they plan to install, along with their manufacturer credentials. Request sample warranty documents. If you ever need to file a claim, having that paperwork aligned with the actual materials on your roof reduces friction.
Permits and code compliance are not optional
If your municipality requires a permit for roof replacement, make sure the roofing company pulls it. The permit should be visible or at least available on request. For roof repair, permits are less consistent, but structural changes, decking replacement beyond a certain square footage, and adding skylights usually trigger permits.
Code compliance influences key details you can’t see from the yard. Nailing schedule, shingle exposure, drip edge at eaves and rakes, ice barrier in cold climates, kickout flashing at wall intersections, and proper pipe boot installation are all code-focused items that protect against water intrusion. Inspectors won’t catch everything. Still, a permit and inspection framework strongly correlates with better outcomes. When I see a roofer resist permits or ask you to pull an “owner-builder” permit, I start asking why.
Bids that tell a story, not just a price
A strong proposal reads like a plan. It identifies scope with specificity, explains what is included and excluded, and spells out the brand and model of major components. It should reference tear-off and disposal, decking inspection and replacement per sheet or per square foot price, starter courses, ridge caps, ventilation changes, flashing approach, and site protection. Vague bids create change-order friction and invite corner cutting.
Look for photos or diagrams in the proposal if there are tricky details: chimneys, sidewall-to-roof intersections, low-slope sections that might need a membrane, skylights, cricket requirements, or dead valleys. If your roof has multiple pitches or transitions, ask how they will separate materials - for example, shingles on the main slopes and a self-adhered modified bitumen or TPO on a shallow porch roof. Roofers who name the detail and the product typically perform better.
The payment schedule should be balanced. A modest deposit is common where allowed by law, with a substantial portion paid once materials are delivered and work begins, and the final payment after completion and your walk-through. If a roofing contractor pushes for a large upfront payment, especially before materials are on site, pause.
Comparing apples to apples without getting lost in jargon
Homeowners often collect three bids and discover a baffling range. In my experience, the lowest price frequently omits something essential. Sometimes the highest price is padded for overhead that doesn’t benefit you. To compare fairly, line up a short matrix of essentials: tear-off layers, underlayment type, ice and water shield coverage, shingle brand and line, ventilation approach, flashing scope, deck replacement unit price, warranty type, and permit handling.
If one roofer proposes reusing existing flashing and another proposes replacing all step and counter flashing, ask why. There are cases where reusing heavy-gauge, well-embedded counter flashing in masonry makes sense. In most residential settings, replacing flashings during a roof replacement is the durable choice. This is where judgment from experience comes in. A roofer who explains exceptions clearly tends to be the one you want on your property.
Residential gutters, downspouts, and the roof-to-gutter handshake
Many roof problems masquerade as roofing failures but start with water management. If your gutter system overflows at inside corners or downspouts dump onto short splash blocks, expect foundation and fascia trouble. When you are getting a roof installation or replacement, ask the roofer to assess gutter capacity, outlet sizing, and the need for additional downspouts. Some firms operate as a combined gutter company and roofing company, which can streamline coordination. Whether integrated or separate, the trades need to agree on drip edge, gutter apron, and hanger placement so that shingles kick water cleanly into the trough.
A note on gutter guards: they are helpful in certain leaf conditions and not in others. Micro-mesh products can reduce maintenance under deciduous trees, but pine needles and seed pods still require cleaning. Avoid guard systems that tuck under the shingle in a way that voids the manufacturer warranty. If a guard is specified, get the detail in writing.
References, reviews, and how to read them like an insider
Online reviews are noisy. Five-star raves often reflect the friendliness of the sales rep or the speed of a roof repair during an emergency. One-star blasts may be about a scheduling delay, not workmanship. Read for patterns. If several reviews mention poor cleanup or nails in the driveway, that is not a fluke. If multiple reviews praise clear communication during weather delays, that suggests solid project management.
Ask for two to four recent references that match your roof type and size. Recent is key because crews and management change. When you call, ask what surprised them, what went wrong and how it was handled, and whether the final invoice matched the proposal. Drive by at least one completed home to see flashing lines, ridge alignment, and how valleys were cut. You do not need to climb anything to spot careless workmanship.
If you can, talk to an insurance adjuster, home inspector, or real estate agent who routinely sees roofing outcomes in your area. They can name two or three roofers who consistently pass scrutiny. That back-channel intel is often more valuable than a hundred online ratings.
Red flags that earn a hard pass
You can forgive a busy office missing a phone call during storm season. Some issues, though, track with trouble down the road. Be wary of high-pressure tactics that promise a “today-only discount,” requests to sign over your insurance claim or AOB paperwork without clear scope and numbers, cash-only bids, drastically low estimates compared to the field, refusal to provide insurance certificates, or vague answers on materials and installation methods.
Storm-chasing outfits descend after hail or wind events. Some are legitimate, some vanish after the tailgate closes. If you pursue a claim-based roof replacement, insist that the roofer documents damage thoroughly with date-stamped photos, explains code upgrades that may affect your scope, and coordinates with your adjuster without taking over your policy rights. You want a partner, not a gatekeeper.
Walk-throughs, site protection, and how a professional job looks in motion
Jobsite behavior reveals as much as paperwork. On day one, materials arrive in the right quantities and get staged safely. Crews set tarps and plywood to protect landscaping and siding. Magnetic sweepers run more than once. Ladders are tied off. If there is a pool, extra care appears around it. Good crews assign a working foreman who speaks with you daily, explains surprises, and asks about pets or special access needs.
Decking evaluation is a moment of truth. After tear-off, the crew should replace rotted or delaminated sheathing before underlayment goes down. A fair contract specifies a per-sheet or per-square-foot price and a threshold for automatic replacement. Expect photos of problem areas. Rushing past soft decking is the origin of many future leaks and warranty headaches.
Details make or break a roof. Ice and water shield belongs at eaves in cold climates, at valleys, and around penetrations. Drip edge should be present at eaves and rakes. Step flashing should be layered properly with shingles at sidewalls, and counter flashing should be inserted into masonry cuts, not caulked to the face. Nail heads should be flush, not overdriven, and hidden under the shingle seal strip, not in the exposed area. Ridge vents, if used, should match the ventilation strategy and be installed with compatible caps.
Warranties you can actually use
A trustworthy roofer explains two warranties: manufacturer and workmanship. Manufacturer covers defects in the shingle or membrane; workmanship covers installation errors. A workmanship warranty of at least five years is reasonable in many markets. Premium firms offer ten years or more, sometimes backed by the manufacturer if the contractor holds top-tier status.
Ask how to file a claim, what response time you can expect, and whether warranty service is handled by the original crew or a service department. Keep your contract, material invoices, permit documents, and final inspection results in a single digital folder. If you later sell the home, this packet calms buyer nerves and can be transferred if the warranty allows.
The repair versus replace judgment call
Not every leak requires a new roof. A focused roof repair often solves pipe boot failures, a single bad valley, or a poorly flashed chimney. The rule of thumb: if a roof is in the back half of its service life and shows wide-spread granule loss, curled edges, or pervasive nail pops, repairing may only buy months. If the overall field is healthy and the leak traces to an identifiable detail, a skilled roofer can fix it cleanly.
Where roof age is uncertain, inspect the underside of the decking at multiple attic locations. Fresh resin odor or clean plywood suggests recent replacement. Darkened sheathing or past water staining near valleys or vents may hint at systemic issues. In borderline cases, ask for a repair price and a separate price to replace now, along with what would change if you waited a year. A serious roofer will talk about risk, not just revenue.
Special cases: low-slope sections, metal details, and mixed roofs
Many houses carry a small low-slope section over a porch or addition that was shingled to match the main roof. That often fails early. Shingles shed water well at 4:12 and above. Between 2:12 and 4:12, enhanced underlayment and careful lapping are required, and even then you are near the edge of the product’s comfort zone. Below 2:12, consider a dedicated low-slope product like modified bitumen, TPO, or PVC. A qualified roofer will explain these transitions and use appropriate termination bars and counter flashing.
If your home has standing seam metal or aluminum-clad details, confirm the crew’s experience with metal flashings and soldered seams when needed. The skill set differs from standard shingle work. Mixing metals can also cause galvanic corrosion. Ask what metal will be used for drip edge and flashings, and whether it is compatible with the fasteners and Roof replacement other metals on the roof.
Price ranges that make sense and where they flex
Homeowners often ask for a single number. Roofing is too tied to geometry and access for a universal price. Instead, think in ranges. As of recent years in many US markets, asphalt shingle replacement sits roughly between 4 and 9 dollars per square foot installed, with steep, complex roofs or premium shingles pushing higher. Repairs can range from a few hundred dollars for a simple pipe boot replacement to several thousand for valley reconstruction and new flashing.
The big drivers are tear-off layers, steepness and height, complexity of details, decking condition, material tier, and regional labor costs. Add-ons like upgraded ventilation, skylight replacement, or full flashing replacement are worth measuring in both cost and risk reduction. If one bid is dramatically lower than peers, identify the missing scope. There is almost always a “why.”
How to choose when the finalists both look good
If you do your homework, you may end up with two strong candidates with comparable prices. That is a good place to be. Now weigh communication style, scheduling clarity, and your sense of whether the company will stand behind the work. The person who sells you the job is often not the person running your crew. Ask to meet or at least speak with the project manager or foreman who will be on site. A short conversation about staging, access, and tricky areas tells you a lot about how they think.
Below is a tight decision checklist you can run through before you sign.
- License verified against state or local database, names and addresses match the contract. Active general liability and workers’ compensation certificates received directly from the agent, with you listed as certificate holder. Clear written scope with materials specified by brand and line, including flashings and ventilation. Permit responsibility in writing, with inspections planned where required. Workmanship warranty terms, length, and process for service calls documented.
If both candidates pass that test, choose the team that communicates with precision and respects your questions. Projects rarely go perfectly. The difference between a headache and a good story is how your roofer handles the curveballs.
After the last nail: verifying the work and staying ahead of maintenance
Once the crew calls it complete, walk the property with the foreman in daylight. Look at ridge lines for straightness, shingle courses for consistent exposure, and valleys for clean, tight cuts with no exposed fasteners except where required by system design. Confirm that pipe boots are seated flush, that chimney counter flashing is stepped and inserted, and that kickout flashing exists where roof lines die into vertical walls. Ask for photos of replaced decking and any hidden details.
Run a magnet sweep yourself along driveways and paths. Check attic spaces after the first hard rain and again after the first heavy wind. A new roof should be quiet in wind, without rattles or lifted tabs. Keep a small maintenance log with dates of cleaning gutters, trimming overhanging limbs, and any service visits. A good roofer will sometimes schedule a quick post-storm check for their recent customers. If yours offers it, take it.
Where a gutter company and a roofer should meet again
One year after a roof installation or replacement, gutters often tell you how water is moving. If you see streaking on fascia, black lines on siding below corners, or downspouts that gurgle instead of run clean, invite your roofer or a trusted gutter company back for a short assessment. Adjusting a downspout outlet or adding an inside miter diverter can prevent the kind of overflows that stain shingles and saturate soffit boards. This small follow-up habit extends roof life and keeps the building envelope dry.
Final thought born of many attics and ladders
Vetting a roofer is not about memorizing every code detail or policing a crew. It is about building a short stack of verifications and conversations that reveal how a company behaves when you are not looking. A solid roofing contractor is transparent with documents, specific with materials, disciplined with site protection, and humble enough to explain trade-offs without condescension. When you find that mix, price becomes just one factor among many, and the roof over your head becomes one less thing to worry about when the weather turns.
<!DOCTYPE html> 3 Kings Roofing and Construction | Roofing Contractor in Fishers, IN
3 Kings Roofing and Construction
NAP Information
Name: 3 Kings Roofing and Construction
Address: 14074 Trade Center Dr Ste 1500, Fishers, IN 46038, United States
Phone: (317) 900-4336
Website: https://3kingsroofingandgutters.com/
Email: [email protected]
Hours:
Monday – Friday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
Plus Code: XXRV+CH Fishers, Indiana
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https://3kingsroofingandgutters.com/3 Kings Roofing and Construction delivers experienced roofing solutions throughout Central Indiana offering commercial roofing installation for homeowners and businesses.
Homeowners in Fishers and Indianapolis rely on 3 Kings Roofing and Construction for customer-focused roofing, gutter, and exterior services.
Their team handles roof inspections, full replacements, siding, and gutter systems with a community-oriented approach to customer service.
Reach 3 Kings Roofing and Construction at (317) 900-4336 for storm damage inspections and visit https://3kingsroofingandgutters.com/ for more information.
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Popular Questions About 3 Kings Roofing and Construction
What services does 3 Kings Roofing and Construction provide?
They provide residential and commercial roofing, roof replacements, roof repairs, gutter installation, and exterior restoration services throughout Fishers and the Indianapolis metro area.
Where is 3 Kings Roofing and Construction located?
The business is located at 14074 Trade Center Dr Ste 1500, Fishers, IN 46038, United States.
What areas do they serve?
They serve Fishers, Indianapolis, Carmel, Noblesville, Greenwood, and surrounding Central Indiana communities.
Are they experienced with storm damage roofing claims?
Yes, they assist homeowners with storm damage inspections, insurance claim documentation, and full roof restoration services.
How can I request a roofing estimate?
You can call (317) 900-4336 or visit https://3kingsroofingandgutters.com/ to schedule a free estimate.
How do I contact 3 Kings Roofing and Construction?
Phone: (317) 900-4336 Website: https://3kingsroofingandgutters.com/
Landmarks Near Fishers, Indiana
- Conner Prairie Interactive History Park – A popular historical attraction in Fishers offering immersive exhibits and community events.
- Ruoff Music Center – A major outdoor concert venue drawing visitors from across Indiana.
- Topgolf Fishers – Entertainment and golf venue near the business location.
- Hamilton Town Center – Retail and dining destination serving the Fishers and Noblesville communities.
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway – Iconic racing landmark located within the greater Indianapolis area.
- The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis – One of the largest children’s museums in the world, located nearby in Indianapolis.
- Geist Reservoir – Popular recreational lake serving the Fishers and northeast Indianapolis area.