Hire a roofer by checking license and insurance, confirming local experience, and reviewing detailed photos of recent work. Get three quotes that break out materials, labor, and decking repairs. Ask for attic ventilation steps. That is the 30 second version. The longer version saves you from callbacks and regrets.
Why local experience in Erie matters more than you think
Snow load, ice dam risk, and wind off the lake are real. A crew that nails the valley metal wrong will fight leaks all winter. A team that knows Erie homes will set better starter rows, seal penetrations with care, and plan for airflow.
If you are talking to residential roofing contractors Erie PA, ask about their last five installs near your street. Names and addresses. Then drive by. The details near chimneys and dormers tell you a lot.
Good roofers talk as much about attic airflow as they do about shingles or panels.
Checklist you can print and use
- Active license and general liability insurance
- Workers’ compensation coverage for every person on site
- Local references with addresses, not only phone numbers
- Photos of flashings, valleys, and penetrations
- Written scope with brand, model, and underlayment type
- Decking repair price per sheet
- Ventilation plan, including intake at soffits and ridge vent
- Start date, crew size, and daily cleanup steps
- Labor warranty in writing
If any roofing companies Erie PA balk at giving these, move on. You are not asking for trade secrets. You are asking for standard practice.
How to compare bids like a pro without the jargon
I like tables for this. Fill one in as you collect quotes.
| Item | Contractor A | Contractor B | Contractor C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material type | Shingle X or Metal Y | Shingle X or Metal Y | Shingle X or Metal Y |
| Underlayment | Brand and thickness | Brand and thickness | Brand and thickness |
| Ice and water barrier coverage | Eaves, valleys, penetrations | Eaves, valleys, penetrations | Eaves, valleys, penetrations |
| Ventilation changes | Ridge vent, soffit vents | Ridge vent, soffit vents | Ridge vent, soffit vents |
| Decking repairs | Per sheet price | Per sheet price | Per sheet price |
| Tear-off and disposal | Included or extra | Included or extra | Included or extra |
| Labor warranty | Years and coverage | Years and coverage | Years and coverage |
| Total price | $ | $ | $ |
Ask for the nailing pattern and starter strip details. It sounds picky. It is how roofs hold or fail in wind.
Metal or shingles for your home
Yes, the metal question comes up again. Many residential roofing contractors Erie PA install both. If they only push one material before seeing your attic, that is a flag.
- Erie metal roofing gives long life and strong snow shedding.
- Erie shingles hit a lower price point with solid curb appeal.
- An Erie metal roof may raise curb attention, which you may like or not.
If you are on a tight budget this year and still want metal someday, ask for a shingle install with a vent and underlayment plan that would also suit future metal. Thinking ahead helps.
What I ask during the attic walk
- Where is the warm air leaking into the attic?
- Do bathroom fans vent outside or into the attic?
- How much insulation is present, and is it even?
- Is the sheathing dry and solid?
A roofer willing to skip the attic is not the partner you want. I might sound pushy here. That is on purpose. Erie houses age in the attic first.
Red flags that save you time
- No written scope. Just a number on a card.
- A huge deposit request before materials are on site.
- No plan for daily cleanup or magnet sweeps.
- Vague answers about ice barrier coverage.
- Poor communication during the quote stage.
If communication is rough before a sale, it rarely gets better after a deposit. There are many roofing companies Erie PA. Pick the one that respects your time.
Ask about crews and training
Some companies run in-house crews. Some use subs. Both can work if supervision is solid. Ask who will be on site, who leads the crew, and how long they have worked together. Names help. You can check in with the same foreman during the job.
Timing your project
Erie weather can squeeze schedules. Summer and fall fill fast. Spring has rain days. Winter installs can work with the right materials and plan. If your roof is urgent, say so. If you can wait, you may get better date options.
What about **roof repair Erie PA** before a full tear-off
It can be smart. A tidy repair buys time to budget for a full roof replacement Erie PA. Just do not fall into the trap of stacking three repairs on a 20 year roof. At that point you are tossing money at a tired system.
Pick repair when the issue is isolated. Pick replacement when age and spread of damage stack up.
Small story from a recent homeowner
A couple in west Erie called for a leak above a bay window. Three quotes came back. Two said replace the whole front half. One said the step flashing behind the siding failed. They picked the third. The repair held through two winters, then they planned a full replacement with the same crew. The difference was slow inspection and clear photos, not magic.
Money talk without pressure
If a bid is way lower than the others, the scope is likely not the same. If a bid is much higher, you might be paying for overhead you do not need. Ask for clarity. I think a fair price is one that includes careful prep, correct materials, and real cleanup. Anything less invites callbacks.
Materials you should see in writing
- Underlayment brand and type, including ice barrier zones.
- Drip edge metal gauge and color.
- Starter strip make and nailing details.
- Flashings around chimneys, skylights, and walls.
- Vent type and count.
If you are buying metal roofing Erie PA, add panel gauge, paint system, and snow guard layout to this list.
Warranty reality check
The best warranty is a contractor that stands by the work. Product warranties cover materials. Labor warranties cover the fix. Ask how they handle a small leak at year two. Who pays for interior paint if it stains? Get that in writing.
Why I nudge you to photograph everything
Take before, during, and after photos. Not to police the crew, but to remember what is under the roof. If you add solar or a vent later, these photos help the next contractor avoid hits to wiring or hidden lines.
When to consider **Erie metal roofing** from day one
- Long-term home, 20 years plus.
- Steep slopes with heavy snow.
- You want fewer future roof decisions.
When to stick with Erie shingles:
- Budget is tight right now.
- You like a classic look on your street.
- You plan to sell in 5 to 10 years.
Both paths work if the install is careful.
The installer you trust beats the product brochure you like. Pick the team, then pick the material.
Finishing Thoughts
Hire with your eyes open. Focus on attic airflow, details at edges, and clear scopes. Shortlist residential roofing contractors Erie PA who answer questions without rush. Compare bids line by line. Use photos and real addresses to verify quality. Whether you land on Erie shingles or metal roofing Erie PA, the right partner makes the process calmer and the result stronger.
