4 Scary Facts About the Roofing Industry in Metro Detroit (And How to Protect Your Home)

It’s Halloween season here in Metro Detroit, and while ghosts and goblins are fun, there are some truly frightening things lurking in our very own industry. As homeowners, you deserve transparency. Inspired by Marcus Sheridan’s philosophy of addressing customer concerns head-on, I want to pull back the curtain on the roofing industry. We are bringing you some scary facts about roofing contractors so you can make the most informed decision for your home.

Here are four scary facts about the roofing industry you need to know before hiring your next contractor.

1. The Shocking Rate of Roofing Company Failures

The number one most terrifying fact is the rate at which roofing companies go out of business. According to data from the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), it is estimated that between 97% and 98% of all roofing contractors fail and go out of business within five years or less.

What does this mean for you? If you buy a roof with a standard warranty from a fly-by-night contractor, that warranty carries absolutely no weight once the company disappears. You are left holding the bag.

2. A Crowded and Confusing Market

There are over 1,000 roofing contractors operating right here in Metro Detroit. Believe me, not all roofing contractors are created equal. With so many options—many of them inexperienced or cutting corners—it becomes incredibly difficult for you as a consumer to know if you are working with the right contractor. Publications like Roofing Contractor Magazine constantly highlight the vast differences in training and professionalism between top-tier roofers and storm-chasers.

3. The Licensing Loophole

Did you know that for flat roofing or commercial roofing, there is no required state license? While there is a builder’s license required for residential roofing, many homeowners fail to verify it. You must always ask: Does the contractor I’m hiring have a valid builder’s license? Even for commercial projects, I highly recommend asking the exact same question to ensure accountability.

4. The Warranty and Ventilation Trap

Here is where most homeowners get tricked: Your standard manufacturer’s warranty does not cover the installation of the roof. You need to be very discerning when purchasing a warranty to be clear on exactly what is covered. There are a small number of premium warranties, like CertainTeed’s 5-Star Full System Warranty, that will cover both the installation from the contractor and the product itself. Trusted brands like GAF and Elevate also offer premium tiered protections, but only if installed by certified professionals.

Even scarier? Most contractors don’t actually know how to properly ventilate your roofing system. Every single manufacturer puts in writing that if the roof is not ventilated properly, their warranties may be completely voided. Improper ventilation is also a code violation.

The Solution: Always ask your contractor to document and show you exactly how they calculated the required exhaust and intake ventilation for your specific home. If they can’t show you the math, run.

Don’t Take Our Word For It

We pride ourselves on doing it the “Kanga Way”. Just look at what our customers are saying: “Four Seasons Kanga Roof was incredible. They didn’t just sell me a roof; they explained the ventilation process, showed me their licenses, and gave me a premium warranty. I finally have peace of mind!” – A Satisfied Metro Detroit Homeowner

STOP GAMBLING WITH YOUR BIGGEST ASSET!

Your home is your most valuable asset. Don’t leave its protection to a statistic. If you want a roof installed perfectly, with proper ventilation calculations, and backed by guarantees that actually mean something, you need to call us right now.

Pick up the phone and dial 586-566-0308 to schedule your comprehensive roof assessment, or hop on over to kanga-roof.com. Don’t wait until a leak destroys your ceiling—take action today and ensure you have a Kangarific day!

Citations & Trusted Sources:

1. National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) – Industry failure rate statistics. NRCA Standards & Statistics
2. CertainTeed – Warranty Guidelines & Brochures: 2026 Asphalt Shingle Warranty, SureStart PLUS 4-STAR Warranty, and SureStart PLUS 5-STAR Warranty. Also see CertainTeed Profile.
3. GAF – Manufacturer installation and warranty requirements. GAF Certified Contractor Directory
4. Elevate – Commercial roofing installation and warranty requirements. Elevate Contractor Directory
5. Roofing Contractor Magazine – Industry standards and contractor vetting. Roofing Contractor Magazine Article