When your roof shows wear from hail, wind, age, or leaks, choosing the right contractor is pivotal—not just for your home’s protection, but for long-term value, peace of mind, and minimal headache. For homeowners in Central and Western Illinois, this post offers a reference guide on what to look for, how to compare bids, and what to expect from a quality roofing partner.
Holthaus Roofing—with roots in Canton, IL and over 30 years of family service—is a useful benchmark. They combine technical certifications, local climate understanding, and a claims-support approach.
Below is a detailed reference you or your readers can rely on when assessing roofing contractors.
Why Picking the Right Roofer Is Crucial
Roofing isn’t just about shingles—it’s about protection. A roof shields against water intrusion, structural damage, energy loss, and even health hazards (mold, rot). A poor installation or inferior materials can lead to recurring leaks, compromised insulation, or failure in storms.
In Illinois, particular challenges arise:
- Hail, wind, and storms can damage shingles or flashing
- Freeze–thaw cycles stress materials and cause gaps or cracks
- Seasonal rainfall and ice dams test drainage and underlayment
- Insulation and ventilation must work properly to prevent moisture buildup
By selecting a contractor who understands these stressors and builds accordingly, you safeguard your home and reduce repair costs down the road.
Core Attributes of a Trustworthy Roofing Contractor
1. Credentials, Certifications & Insurance
- Licensing & bonding: Confirm the contractor holds required state or municipal licenses. Holthaus lists its Illinois license number (104.007039).
- Liability & worker’s compensation insurance: Protects you if accidents happen during work.
- Manufacturer certifications: These show a contractor has passed training and quality audits.
- Holthaus is a CertainTeed ShingleMaster™ certified firm.
- They are also a Duro-Last Elite Contractor for commercial and flat roofing systems.
- These affiliations often provide access to enhanced warranties and stricter installation standards.
2. Transparent, Detailed Proposals
A strong proposal should include:
- Line-item breakdown (labor, materials, disposal)
- Scope of work (what’s included and excluded)
- Timeline & milestones
- Warranty info (materials, workmanship)
- Permitting responsibilities
- Cleanup and post-job inspection
Comparing such quotes is easier when each bidder provides clarity rather than a bare lump sum.
3. Process & Quality Controls
A reputable roofer will follow a structured process:
- Inspection & assessment – Evaluate existing roof, structure, leaks, ventilation.
- Material selection & consultation – Help you choose suitable types for your climate and budget.
- Scheduling & prep – Protect property, plan logistics, secure material delivery.
- Installation – Certified crews, proper flashing, adherence to manufacturer specs.
- Final walkthrough & inspection – Ensure satisfaction, address touch-ups.
- Documentation & warranty issuance – Provide written guarantees and maintenance guidelines.
Holthaus describes a similar workflow in their “Approach” pages.
4. Claims & Storm Damage Handling
In regions vulnerable to storms or hail, a solid roofer also helps with insurance processes:
- Photograph and document damage
- Liaise with insurance adjusters
- Provide estimates aligned with code and material standards
- Restore both function and appearance
Holthaus explicitly states they assist with claims during storm responses.
5. Local Experience & Climate Insight
A roofer who works regularly in your area will know:
- How local storms and hail typically impact roofs
- Building codes and permit requirements
- Suitable materials for heat, wind, snow, and freezing
- Reliable local suppliers and crews
The fact Holthaus has operated for decades in Illinois and highlights community roots enhances their credibility.
6. Portfolio, References & Reviews
Request past project photos, read testimonials, and check third-party reviews. Look for roof types similar to yours (slope, size, materials) so you can see how they perform over time.
Holthaus’ website features a gallery and customer feedback praising workmanship, cleanup, and professionalism.
Roof Types, Materials & Design Considerations
Understanding basic roofing options and design principles helps you converse confidently with contractors and spot red flags.
Common Roofing Types & Their Characteristics
- Architectural / Dimensional Asphalt Shingles
- Mid-to-upper tier shingles with better aesthetics and durability
- Favorable performance in wind and hail
- Backed by certifications like CertainTeed when properly installed
- Metal Roofing
- Excellent longevity (30–50+ years), snow shedding
- Higher upfront cost, but often least maintenance in severe climates
- Slate / Tile / Synthetic Slate
- Premium, elegant, extremely durable
- Requires strong structural support and careful flashing design
- Flat / Commercial Systems (e.g. Duro-Last, TPO, EPDM)
- Suited for low-slope roofs
- Need proper drainage, flashing, and membrane installation
- Holthaus is qualified to install Duro-Last systems.
Design & Installation Best Practices
- Ventilation & insulation balance: Keeps the roof deck cool, reduces condensation and ice dams
- Flashing & transitions: Roof-to-wall joints, chimneys, valleys, and edges must be sealed properly
- Snow & ice mitigation: In snow-prone areas, consider snow guards, ice-and-water shield, attic exhaust
- Substrate & decking integrity: Rotten or weak roof decking should be replaced before new roofing
- Slope & drainage design: Roof slope and run-off planning reduce standing water stress
A well-executed design accounts for all these elements; shortcuts can lead to leaks or early failure.
Maintenance & Longevity Strategies
A roof isn’t “set and forget.” Proactive care helps it last longer and catch small issues before they escalate.
- Annual inspections: Especially post-winter or after severe storms
- Gutter cleanouts: Avoid clogged gutters causing water backup
- Trim overhanging branches: Prevent mechanical damage and debris accumulation
- Address leaks promptly: Small leaks often hide bigger problems
- Monitor attic conditions: Ensure insulation is adequate and ventilation is functioning
- Document changes: Before/after photos, service records, and contractor reports
Even the best roofs need occasional care; maintenance is an investment in durability.
How to Approach Contractor Selection (Step-by-Step)
Here’s a suggested method:
- Define your need (repair, replacement, inspection, material upgrade)
- Compile a list of 3–5 roofers in your service area
- Check credentials, certifications, insurance
- Request site visits and written proposals
- Compare line-item details, warranties, timelines
- Ask for references and past project samples
- Contact local building departments to verify their permit history
- Monitor work, inspect upon completion, keep all documentation
This level of diligence helps ensure value, safety, and quality.
External Resource You Can Rely On
Before engaging any contractor, homeowners in Illinois can verify licensing and contractor registration through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. This is a non-competitor source that helps confirm legitimacy and standing.
Summary & Soft Contact Invitation
Choosing a roofing contractor is one of the more consequential decisions a homeowner will make. Beyond aesthetics, a proper roof installation or repair protects your investment from structural damage, water infiltration, and energy loss. Use the attributes and questions above as your reference checklist when vetting contractors.
If you’d like help evaluating a roofing bid, comparing material options, or understanding what materials and methods are ideal for your region, feel free to reach out. Contact us to get started and explore roofing solutions backed by experience, quality, and integrity.