Editorial Policy

At Roof Mason, our purpose is simple: help people care for roofs with confidence. Clear. Accurate. Actionable. From small leaks to full replacements, we publish guidance grounded in fieldwork and verified know‑how. The web changes fast. Roofs face wind, sun, and time. Trust is our bedrock. This policy explains the ethics, standards, and processes behind every word we publish on roofmason.com.

1. Independence and Integrity

Editorial Firewall

Editorial decisions at Roof Mason are made by editors and subject-matter experts—never by advertisers, sales, or affiliate partners. No sponsor previews copy. No pay-to-play. Coverage, rankings, and recommendations are determined solely by our research, testing, and service history. When content is sponsored or contains paid placement, it is labeled clearly and treated under separate, transparent guidelines. Our newsroom choices remain independent. Always.

Gift & Sample Policy

Our contributors do not accept cash gifts—ever. We may receive short-term access to tools, software, or roofing materials solely for testing. Samples are returned when feasible, consumed in testing, or responsibly donated. Travel, lodging, and field test costs are paid by Roof Mason unless explicitly disclosed. Receiving a sample never ensures coverage and never guarantees a positive review. No exceptions.

Affiliate Transparency

Some articles include affiliate links so that, if you choose to buy, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We disclose this clearly at the article level. Commissions do not decide what we recommend. Our picks come from independent testing, long-term performance data, manufacturer documentation, and real-world serviceability. If the best guidance conflicts with potential revenue, we choose the best guidance.

2. Fact-Checking and Accuracy

Accuracy is a craft. We build it layer by layer, like a roof system. Our process includes:

  • Primary Sourcing: We rely on first-hand inspections, in-house testing, manufacturer technical documents and warranties, and official code or standard references. Secondary reports are supplemental, not foundational.
  • Verification: All technical claims—wind ratings, fire classifications, fastener schedules, slope limits, coverage rates—are cross-checked against manufacturer data and recognized industry standards or official documentation.
  • Expert Review: Articles with technical implications are reviewed by senior editors with field experience before publication.
  • Climate & Code Context: When guidance depends on local climate, code jurisdiction, or roof assembly type, we state those conditions explicitly and offer alternatives as needed.
  • Visual Integrity: Photos, diagrams, and test images are captioned with accurate context. If an image is staged or illustrative, we say so.
  • Update Cadence: Maintenance guides and product roundups are reviewed on a regular schedule and after major storms, code changes, or significant product updates.
  • Correction Policy: We do not stealth edit. If we find a substantive error, we correct it and append a dated “Correction Log” that explains what changed and why. For critical corrections, we add a prominent note at the top of the article.

See something we should fix or clarify? Tell us. Reader feedback is vital to accuracy and safety. Contact the editors at https://roofmason.com/contact-us/.

3. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy

Roofing is tactile. It demands judgment you earn on ladders, not in prompts. We use tools, but people are the point.

  1. Drafting & Writing: All final articles are written by human authors with relevant experience. We do not publish content that is fully generated by AI.
  2. Assistance: We may use AI to outline, check grammar, structure data, or expedite routine tasks. Human editors review and approve all outputs.
  3. Disclosure: If any visual asset or dataset involved AI assistance, we disclose that in the caption or notes.
  4. Accountability: Bylines indicate the author and editor. Humans are responsible for every claim we publish.

4. Conflict of Interest

Every contributor at Roof Mason signs a conflict-of-interest statement. If a writer, editor, or reviewer has a financial stake in, prior employment with, or close relationship to a company or product under coverage, they must disclose it and recuse themselves from that assignment. When appropriate, we include a disclosure note for readers. Editorial influence by vendors, sponsors, or partners is not permitted.

Prohibited activities include undisclosed investments related to covered companies, non-disclosed paid consulting, and accepting compensation that could bias coverage. Speaking engagements or training sessions are allowed only with prior editorial approval and clear separation from editorial decisions.

Have a concern about potential conflicts or bias? Reach out at https://roofmason.com/contact-us/.

E‑E‑A‑T at Roof Mason is lived, not claimed. Our writers and editors bring field experience, we apply rigorous sourcing, we publish with independence, and we correct our mistakes in the open. Real roofs. Real weather. Real accountability.