A new roof costs thousands of dollars and protects your home for decades. The contractor you choose matters as much as the materials — a poorly installed roof will leak regardless of quality. Unfortunately, the roofing industry has more than its share of unscrupulous operators. This guide helps you choose a reputable, qualified roofing contractor and avoid common scams.
Verify Credentials
Before considering any roofing contractor, verify these credentials:
License: Most states require roofing contractors to be licensed. Look up the license number on your state's licensing board website. Verify it's active and in good standing. Some states have specific roofing licenses; others use general contractor licenses.
Insurance: Roofing is dangerous work. Your contractor must carry:
- Workers' compensation insurance: Protects you if a worker is injured on your property. Without it, you could be liable.
- General liability insurance: Protects you if the contractor damages your property. Minimum coverage should be $1 million.
Ask for certificates of insurance — don't just take their word. Call the insurance company to verify the policy is current.
Physical address and local presence: A legitimate roofing company has a physical address (not just a PO box) and an established local presence. Be cautious of contractors who just arrived in the area after a storm.
Manufacturer certification: Major roofing manufacturers (GAF, Owens Corning, CertainTeed) certify contractors who meet installation standards. Certified contractors can offer enhanced warranties. Check the manufacturer's website for certified contractors in your area.
Get Multiple Detailed Quotes
Get at least 3 quotes for any roofing project. A good quote should include:
- Specific material brand, type, and color
- Underlayment type (synthetic vs. felt)
- Ice and water shield areas (valleys, eaves, around penetrations)
- Flashing work (new, reused, or repaired)
- Tear-off details (how many layers, disposal)
- Decking repair allowance (per-sheet cost for damaged decking found during tear-off)
- Ventilation work (if any)
- Gutter work (if any)
- Cleanup and disposal
- Warranty information (material + workmanship)
- Permit cost and who pulls the permit
- Total price and payment schedule
- Estimated timeline
Compare quotes line by line. A quote that's significantly lower may be cutting corners on underlayment, flashing, or other components that aren't obvious but affect performance and longevity.
Watch for These Red Flags
The roofing industry attracts some unscrupulous operators. Watch for these warning signs:
Storm chasers: Contractors who follow storms from state to state, offering quick repairs. They often:
- Have out-of-state license plates or addresses
- Pressure you to decide immediately
- Ask for large upfront payments
- Disappear after taking payment or if problems arise
- Offer prices that seem too good to be true
High-pressure sales tactics: "This price is only good today" or "We have leftover materials from a job down the street" are common pressure tactics. A reputable contractor gives you time to decide and compare quotes.
Demands for full payment upfront: Standard practice is a deposit (10-30%) with the balance due upon completion. Never pay the full amount before work begins. In some states, it's illegal for contractors to demand more than a certain percentage upfront.
Cash-only requests: While some businesses prefer cash, a contractor who insists on cash only may be avoiding taxes, insurance, or accountability. Pay by check or credit card for your protection.
No written contract: A verbal agreement is not a contract. Everything — scope of work, materials, price, timeline, warranty — should be in writing.
Unmarked vehicle: A professional roofing company's vehicle should have business branding. An unmarked truck with a ladder is a warning sign.
Evaluate Experience and Reputation
Beyond credentials, evaluate the contractor's experience and reputation:
Years in business: A company that's been in business for 10+ years has a track record and a reputation to protect. New companies aren't necessarily bad, but a longer history provides more assurance — and means they'll likely be around to honor their warranty.
Local references: Ask for references from recent local projects. Call them and ask about the experience: Was the work done on time? Was the price as quoted? Was the site cleaned up? Would they hire the contractor again?
Online reviews: Check Google, Yelp, BBB, and other review sites. Look for patterns — multiple reviews mentioning the same issue are a warning sign. Pay attention to how the company responds to negative reviews.
Portfolio: Ask to see photos of recent projects, especially ones similar to yours (same material, similar roof style). A quality contractor is proud to show their work.
Manufacturer certifications: As mentioned above, manufacturer certifications indicate the contractor meets specific installation standards. This is a meaningful differentiator.
Understand the Warranty
Roofing warranties have two parts — understand both:
Material warranty (from the manufacturer): Covers defects in the roofing materials. Typically 20-50 years depending on the product. Enhanced warranties (often called "system" warranties) cover all components of the roof system, not just the shingles. These are usually only available through certified contractors.
Workmanship warranty (from the contractor): Covers installation errors. This is critical — most roof leaks are caused by installation problems, not material defects. Workmanship warranties range from 1 year to lifetime. A longer workmanship warranty indicates the contractor's confidence in their work.
What to ask about the warranty:
- What exactly is covered? (Materials, labor, or both?)
- What's excluded? (Storm damage, improper maintenance, etc.)
- Is the warranty transferable to a new owner if you sell?
- What's the process for making a warranty claim?
- Is the contractor likely to be in business for the full warranty period?
Get all warranty terms in writing. A warranty is only as good as the company behind it — a contractor who goes out of business leaves you with no workmanship coverage.
The Contract: What It Must Include
Before signing, make sure your contract includes:
- Contractor's name, address, phone, and license number
- Specific materials (brand, type, color, quantity)
- Complete scope of work (tear-off, installation, flashing, cleanup, disposal)
- Total price and payment schedule
- Start date and estimated completion date
- Permit responsibility
- Warranty terms (material and workmanship)
- Change order process (how changes are handled and priced)
- Cleanup expectations (magnet for nails, debris removal)
- Right to cancel (most states give you 3 days to cancel without penalty)
Never sign a contract with blank spaces or vague terms. If something isn't clear, ask for clarification. A reputable contractor wants you to understand exactly what you're agreeing to.
Key Takeaways
Choosing the right roofing contractor is as important as choosing the right roofing material. Verify credentials, get multiple detailed quotes, watch for red flags, and understand the warranty. The cheapest contractor is rarely the best value — a poorly installed roof will leak and need premature replacement, costing far more than choosing a quality contractor from the start. Take your time, do your research, and choose a contractor with the credentials, experience, and reputation to do the job right.
