The Client-Contractor-Manufacturer Relationship

Roofers generally don't make roofing materials. At the same time, roofing manufacturers don't install or repair their products themselves, unless they also double as a roofer.

Roofing manufacturers like GAF and CertainTeed primarily focus on making the shingles, shakes, and panels homeowners put on their roofs and walls. Though they rarely interact directly with their end clients, the homeowners, manufacturers still have a duty to them. They can avoid gross negligence issues by producing quality products and offering a list of certified contractors.

Roofers—as contractors—are the middlemen in this three-way working relationship. The manufacturer provides the materials while the contractor provides the skills and services necessary to put the materials to good use. Their duty to the client is to fulfill whatever was agreed upon by both the contractor and client.

The distinction is important. Some delays in roofing projects can be attributed to the manufacturer, especially if a contractor doesn't have the materials to work with. In some cases, though, delays might be the fault of another party. This is usually the case for government programs where the program itself can't operate because of lack of funding. This only means that, in the case of trouble during a project, it's not always right to put the blame on the contractor.