Posted on 2026-02-15 18:47:42

Hiring a roofer feels high stakes because it is. A roof replacement is one of the biggest checks a homeowner writes, matched only by the consequences when the job goes wrong. Reviews help, but they don’t always tell the whole story. After two decades in and around roofing contracts and warranty claims, I’ve learned that the truth sits in the seams, not the stars. The best roofing company isn’t just the team with the most five-star ratings; it’s the crew that earns trust before, during, and long after the shingles go down.

This guide shows you how to dissect roofing company reviews with a contractor’s lens. You’ll see what signals matter, what patterns hide problems, and how to pair reviews with on-the-ground verification so you don’t get burned. Whether you’re searching “roofing contractor near me,” planning a roof replacement after a hailstorm, or comparing the best roofers in a calm market, a better read on reviews translates into a stronger roof over your head.

Why star ratings don’t tell the whole story

Star ratings are a summary, not an assessment. A company with 4.7 stars across 500 reviews might be extraordinary or simply excellent at asking happy customers for feedback while leaving problem cases to simmer. Conversely, a roofer with 4.2 stars could be honest about supply delays, tough inspections, and picky punch lists, which prompt more “good but not perfect” ratings. Roofing has more variables than a typical home service job: weather windows, attic ventilation, structural surprises, and municipality-specific code updates. All can shift schedules and expectations, and that complexity shows up in reviews.

What matters more than a single number is distribution and trend. A burst of five-star ratings in the last three months after a quiet year often means a new focus on collection, not necessarily better workmanship. A long tail of older reviews that describe the same issues unresolved over time tells you something the score hides. You want consistency, transparency, and specific praise for project management, crew behavior, cleanliness, and post-job support.

Read the text, not just the tone

Scan the content of reviews as you would a site inspection report. Look for the nouns and verbs that indicate what actually happened. Generic praise like “great job, fast and friendly” is pleasant but not useful in isolation. Strong reviews, good or bad, include details:

Scope clarity: Did the reviewer mention underlayment type, flashing replacement, decking repairs, or ventilation upgrades? Specifics suggest the company educated the homeowner and executed a full system, not a cosmetic shingle swap. Communication rhythm: Do reviewers note daily updates, weather calls, and documented change orders? Roofing contractors who manage communication well tend to manage crews and materials well. Cleanup and protection: Mentions of magnet sweeps for nails, tarps over landscaping, and attic dust control speak to process and respect for the property. This is the difference between a decent job and a professional one. Punch list handling: When something wasn’t perfect, did the crew return quickly and fix it without wrangling over blame? That’s the test that separates the best roofing company from the merely capable.

If many five-star reviews include similar concrete details, the company likely follows repeatable systems. If most praise is vague, they may be coasting on charm.

How to spot review manipulation

A few red flags show up over and over:

Velocity spikes and gaps: If a roofing company collects 60 reviews in two weeks, then nothing for six months, you’re seeing solicitation campaigns, not organic feedback. Not fatal, but it calls for deeper reading. Repeated phrasing: Templates are common when a team texts customers a suggested review. Phrases that recur verbatim such as “timely and professional service at a great price” across dozens of reviews indicate coached language. Focus on the outliers that sound like real people. Stock photos and mismatched details: If reviewers mention services the company doesn’t list, or post images of a type of roof the contractor never installs, something’s off. Likewise, names that don’t correspond to local customers and strange city references can signal outsourced review work. Owner responses that dodge specifics: A thoughtful reply to a negative review addresses the project facts and next steps. A defensive wall of boilerplate is a bad sign. Watch how the owner communicates under pressure; that’s likely how they’ll communicate with you.

The difference between storm-chaser praise and local reputation

After a hail or wind event, new roofing companies flood search results and ads. They may have excellent short-term reviews because the jobs are simple insurance replacements done at scale. But storm-chaser operations often lack a local presence for callbacks, and they may use crews hired per project with inconsistent supervision.

When reviews emphasize speed and insurance handling but say little about workmanship details, ventilation, or warranty support, assume you’re reading a snapshot of early project phases. For long-term confidence, I look for:

A local address tied to a physical office, not a mailbox or co-working space. Reviews and photos spanning multiple years and roof types, including steep-slope, low-slope tie-ins, and chimney flashing work. Mentions of follow-up after heavy rain or winter, not just “job done in one day.”

Roofing contractors who live with their work seasons later take different care with flashing, terminations, and attic airflow. Local accountability shows up in reviews that reference years, not days.

Volume, age, and platform matter

Not all review platforms weigh the same in roofing. Google tends to have the most volume, which helps with patterns. But industry-specific sites like Angie, HomeAdvisor, or Houzz can skew toward lead-gen customers who may have different expectations. Better Business Bureau complaints reveal conflict handling, not quality, but they are a window into Roof replacement how the company manages disputes. Facebook reviews often skew positive among friends and neighbors; Nextdoor has hyperlocal notes that can confirm whether crews actually operate in your area.

Age matters because roofing failures sometimes surface a season or two later. A company with 200 reviews from the last year and almost nothing older might be rebranded or newly aggressive in marketing, which isn’t bad, but calls for warranty proof. A review from three years ago that describes a minor leak repaired under warranty this spring is worth five generic five-stars from last week.

What negative reviews can teach you

The best roofers have negative reviews. When you tear off layers of old roofing, you find rotten decking, hidden chimneys with no cricket, misaligned rafters, or aluminum wiring for old attic fans. Surprises cause change orders, longer timelines, and sometimes tense conversations. Look for how the story resolves. I put real weight on negative reviews where the company:

Owns a mistake without dancing around it. “We missed the drip edge at the back porch. We installed it the next day and extended the warranty on that section.” Explains constraints clearly. “Wind kept us off the roof three afternoons in a row, so we tarped the deck and shifted the schedule. We added an extra cleanup day.” Documents and proposes options. “Two sheets of decking were punky; we showed photos and gave the price per sheet as listed in the contract. Homeowner approved before we continued.”

Bad reviews that hang unanswered are a problem. So are replies that blame the homeowner without evidence. You want to see a track record of respectful solutions.

Price talk inside reviews: decoding numbers

Roofing prices vary widely by region, pitch, materials, access, and code requirements. Ten thousand dollars might cover a simple 1,600-square-foot, low-slope, single-layer asphalt tear-off in a low-cost market. The same square footage with a steep 12:12 pitch, two layers of tear-off, new ridge vents, 2 skylight replacements, and copper flashing can hit 25,000 to 40,000 in a high-cost metro. When reviews mention prices, I check whether the scope matches the number.

Signs of fair pricing in reviews often include line-item clarity. Homeowners who say “the estimate broke down underlayment, ice and water shield, flashing, ventilation, and decking” typically felt informed. Vague, lump-sum bids feed dissatisfaction later. When reviewers complain about “nickel and diming,” I look for whether the original proposal excluded decking replacement allowances or detailed disposal fees. Fair bids are explicit about contingencies, especially sheets of rotten decking at a set price per sheet.

Warranty language: what reviewers reveal and what to verify

Roofing warranties come in two flavors: manufacturer and workmanship. A strong manufacturer warranty depends on proper installation and sometimes an upgraded component package, like matching underlayments, ridge caps, and starter strips. Workmanship warranties are only as good as the company that stands behind them.

Reviews that mention a successful warranty claim carry weight. Phrases like “They returned in heavy rain two years later to reseal a vent boot and inspect the valley flashing, no charge” tell me both the crew did careful work and the company kept records. Vague reassurances such as “lifetime warranty” without details are marketing, not protection. Always confirm:

Whether the company is credentialed with the shingle manufacturer to offer enhanced warranties. The length and transferability of both warranties. The process for service calls, fees, and response time.

If reviews complain about slow or denied warranty work, ask the contractor to explain those cases. Good companies know their blemishes and can contextualize them.

Photos and project portfolios in reviews

Images tell on the work. When reviewers post photos, look at the details: straight course lines, closed cut valleys without wandering seams, proper end laps on ridge caps, and step flashing tucked correctly behind the siding. Pay attention to penetrations such as plumbing stacks and attic fan housings. A well-done stack has a new boot properly centered with shingles cut tight and sealed, not a smeared ring of caulk trying to rescue old flashing.

Before-and-after photos from the company can be useful, but polished marketing hides the messy middle. Candid homeowner photos often show true site protection, decking condition after tear-off, and whether the crew replaced rotten fascia. If you see the same few glamour shots repeated across many projects, ask for addresses you can drive by.

Patterns by roof type and material

Asphalt shingle jobs dominate reviews, which helps, but if you have tile, metal, or a flat section over a porch, the review pool narrows. The best roofing company for a steep asphalt roof may not be the right choice for a standing seam metal or TPO membrane. In reviews, look for material-specific terms:

For metal: talk of clip spacing, panel gauge, underlayment types like high-temp synthetics, and hand-folded hems. For tile: mentions of battens, underlayment rated for high temperatures, proper headlap, and flashing compatible with tile profiles. For low-slope: descriptions of tapered insulation, perimeter terminations, and leak testing.

If none of the reviews touch your roof type, ask the contractor for three local addresses of similar projects and call those homeowners.

Timing and communication: the rhythm that keeps jobs clean

A roofing contractor’s calendar tells you about their process. Reviews that mention a clear start date, material delivery the day prior, a morning safety briefing, and a site walk with the homeowner show organization. You’ll also see notes about weather calls. A pro will delay a tear-off if wind threatens, even if that means upsetting the schedule. If multiple reviews complain that crews didn’t show and no one called, you’ll likely face the same silence under a dark sky.

Project managers are the unsung heroes in these stories. When reviews name their PM and praise specific actions, it means you’ll have a person shepherding details like valley metal stock, chimney counterflashing bends, and an on-time dumpster swap. Good PMs also resolve neighbor issues, such as highly rated roofing company where to park trucks and how to share a driveway without damage.

Insurance claims and the review fog

Insurance-funded roof replacement reviews often focus on the adjuster dance: “They handled the claim, we paid the deductible, no hassle.” That can be great, but it doesn’t reflect the craftsmanship under the shingles. Some contractors lean hard on supplementing claims to increase scope. This isn’t inherently bad, since many adjusters miss code-required items, but it can frustrate homeowners and slow timelines. Reviews that celebrate a fast check while saying little about the final roof are half the picture.

If your project is insurance-driven, seek reviews that describe code upgrades like drip edge, ice and water membrane at eaves, and ventilation adjustments. These elements bring the roof to current standards and protect your policy standing. The right roofing contractors educate homeowners on these points in both estimates and reviews.

How to triangulate reviews with real-world checks

Reviews can narrow a list, but verification closes the gap. Here’s a simple, tight process that keeps momentum without getting you lost in research.

Ask for three similar, local addresses completed in the last 12 months. Drive by. Look at lines, flashing details, and cleanliness around the property. If possible, knock and ask the homeowner about communication, schedule, and post-job service. Request a certificate of insurance sent directly from the agent, not a PDF forwarded by the contractor. Confirm general liability and workers’ comp. Roofing without comp coverage puts your home at risk. Verify licensing where your state or city requires it. Cross-check the business name on the license, the estimate, and the insurance certificate. Read two or three negative reviews and ask the estimator to walk you through those cases. Gauge how candid and specific the responses are. Compare a detailed, line-item estimate against a lump-sum bid. The lowest price with vague scope often costs more once decking, flashing, or ventilation changes emerge.

This is one of two lists allowed, kept concise because it functions as a field checklist.

Finding the balance between value and lowest bid

Reviews frequently praise “best price,” but that phrase can mislead in roofing. You’re not buying a commodity, you’re buying a system plus accountability. The best roofing company balances price with process: correct nail patterns, proper fastener length for decking thickness, new flashings instead of reusing painted, bent metal, and ventilation sized to your attic volume. None of those show up in the shingle bundle price.

When you see reviews celebrating a one-day turnaround on complicated roofs, take a breath. Speed is good on a simple gable with clear weather, but a complex roof rushed in a day can hide bad habits: high-nailing that voids warranties, underlayment shortcuts, or skipped step flashing on dormers. Look for reviews from homeowners who mention the crew slowed down at valleys, around skylights, or on tricky pitches. That’s where leaks start if corners are cut.

What “professional” actually looks like on site

Reviews often use the word professional. On a roof, that translates into a dozen concrete behaviors. Tarps under tear-off, ladders tied off, harnesses worn, materials staged to avoid crushing eaves, and daily magnet sweeps for nails around driveways and play areas. Crews that show up in company-branded trucks and speak with one site lead you can find when there’s a question. If a review mentions the team using woven valleys where closed cuts would be stronger for your shingle brand, or reusing rusted step flashing instead of replacing it, that’s not professionalism, that’s a shortcut.

I remember a homeowner who chose a mid-priced roofer with modest but specific reviews. She called me months later after a spring deluge, worried about a damp spot on the ceiling near a vent stack. The contractor arrived the same afternoon, pulled back shingles, replaced a boot, and added an ice and water patch around the penetration. No charge, no paperwork battle. She left a four-star review with a long note praising the response. That’s a better indicator than ten five-star one-liners from the lowest bidder.

Reading between local culture lines

Reviews sit inside a regional culture. In coastal areas with hurricanes, homeowners talk about peel-and-stick underlayment, starter strips rated for high wind, and six-nail patterns. In snow country, you’ll see discussion of ice dams, membrane coverage up the eaves at least 24 inches past the warm wall, and heat cables where needed. In hot, dry regions, attic ventilation and radiant barriers get more attention. If a roofing contractor’s reviews don’t reflect the local issues, either they’re new to the area or not tuned to your climate.

Similarly, roofers in HOA-heavy neighborhoods get reviews that discuss architectural approvals, shingle color-matching, and coordinating with property managers. If your situation involves an HOA or historic district, read reviews for those scenarios. The “best roofers” for one street may be a headache in a regulated neighborhood.

When a single bad review should make you walk

Most negative feedback has context. A few do not. Walk away if you see credible reviews that describe unlicensed work cited by inspectors, liens filed on the home because the contractor didn’t pay a supplier, or insurance lapses where an injury occurred on site and the homeowner got pulled in. You can forgive schedule slips and miscommunications. You can’t forgive risk that follows your property for years.

Another nonstarter is a pattern of “cash discount” pitches that come with requests to misstate the scope for insurance or skip permits. Reviews that praise these tactics might feel thrifty, but they also flag a contractor willing to put you in a bind when you sell or file a claim later.

How “roofing contractor near me” searches fit with reviews

Local search is the starting line, not the finish. The top results may be paid ads or companies with strong SEO, not necessarily better craftsmanship. Reviews help sort the pile if you overlay them with geography. Look for clusters of projects within 10 to 15 miles of your home and reviews that mention your city by name. That signals real proximity, faster service calls, and crews familiar with your building department. “Near me” saves travel time; strong reviews tied to your actual neighborhoods save headaches.

If you’re comparing two roofing companies with similar ratings, choose the one whose reviews show depth in communication, warranty service, and your roof type. The best roofing company is the one you can still reach in five years, run by people who sign their names to a job they know you’ll see every morning when you back out of the driveway.

Bringing it all together when you’re ready to choose

When the estimates arrive and your tabs are full of reviews, filter your shortlist using a simple, transparent rubric anchored to what you’ve learned:

Relevance: Do the reviews reflect your roof type, your climate, and your neighborhood constraints? Specificity: Do reviewers describe scope, materials, and workmanship details beyond pleasantries? Accountability: Do negative reviews end with respectful, timely fixes? Are warranty stories present and credible? Consistency: Do praise and process sound similar across multiple jobs over years, not months? Verification: Do licensing, insurance, and local references line up with the review story?

This is the second and final list, kept focused to respect the constraints and to make decision-making faster.

From there, trust your conversations. A roofing contractor who explains why your low-slope transition needs a membrane instead of shingles, who shows photo evidence for decking replacement, and who can articulate how their crew handles weather and cleanup is a contractor who will likely deliver. The best roofers don’t hide behind five-star veneers. They earn respect through process, communication, and roofs that stay dry when the season turns nasty.

Roof replacement is a noisy, messy day or two that should lead to quiet years. Read reviews like a builder reads plans, note the joints where problems often start, and check whether the company shows up strong when something goes sideways. Do that, and the reviews stop being a popularity contest. They become a map to a roof you can forget about, which is exactly the point.

The Roofing Store LLC (Plainfield, CT)

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Name: The Roofing Store LLC

Address: 496 Norwich Rd, Plainfield, CT 06374
Phone: (860) 564-8300
Toll Free: (866) 766-3117

Website: https://www.roofingstorellc.com/

Email: [email protected]

Hours:
Mon: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tue: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wed: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thu: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Fri: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sat: Closed
Sun: Closed

Plus Code: M3PP+JH Plainfield, Connecticut

Google Maps URL:
https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+Roofing+Store+LLC/@41.6865305,-71.9184867,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x89e42d227f70d9e3:0x73c1a6008e78bdd5!8m2!3d41.6865306!4d-71.9136158!16s%2Fg%2F1tdzxr9g?entry=tts

Coordinates: 41.6865306, -71.9136158

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Primary Category: RoofingContractor

Core Services (from site navigation & service pages):
• Residential Roofing
• Commercial Roofing
• Residential Siding
• Commercial Siding
• Residential Windows
• Commercial Windows
• Home Additions

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The Roofing Store is a trusted roofing contractor in Plainfield, CT serving Windham County.

For residential roofing, The Roofing Store helps property owners protect their home or building with trusted workmanship.

Need exterior upgrades beyond roofing? The Roofing Store LLC also offers window replacement for customers in and around Central Village.

Call +1-860-564-8300 to request a free estimate from a local roofing contractor.

Find The Roofing Store LLC on Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+Roofing+Store+LLC/@41.6865305,-71.9184867,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x89e42d227f70d9e3:0x73c1a6008e78bdd5!8m2!3d41.6865306!4d-71.9136158!16s%2Fg%2F1tdzxr9g?entry=tts

Landmarks Near Plainfield, CT

Moosup Valley State Park Trail (Sterling/Plainfield) — Take a walk nearby, then call a local contractor if your exterior needs attention: GEO/LANDMARK
Moosup River (Plainfield area access points) — If you’re in the area, it’s a great local reference point: GEO/LANDMARK
Moosup Pond — A well-known local pond in Plainfield: GEO/LANDMARK
Lions Park (Plainfield) — Community park and recreation spot: GEO/LANDMARK
Quinebaug Trail (near Plainfield) — A popular hiking route in the region: GEO/LANDMARK
Wauregan (village area, Plainfield) — Historic village section of town: GEO/LANDMARK
Moosup (village area, Plainfield) — Village center and surrounding neighborhoods: GEO/LANDMARK
Central Village (Plainfield) — Another local village area: GEO/LANDMARK

Best Roofing Company Reviews: How to Read Between the Lines