Roofing is one of the highest-scam industries — especially after storms. This guide covers every vetting step before you sign anything.
Typical Cost Range
$5,000–$15,000 for asphalt shingle replacement; $10,000–$30,000 for metal roofing; $300–$1,500 for targeted repairs
Licensing Requirement
Roofing license requirements vary significantly by state. Most states require roofers to hold a general contractor license; some have specialty roofing licenses. Texas, Colorado, and a few others have limited or no statewide roofing license requirements. Always verify at your state contractor board.
Roofing contractors handle shingle replacement, flat roofs, metal roofing, skylights, gutters, chimney flashing, and emergency tarping. After hailstorms and hurricanes, 'storm chasers' — traveling contractors who exploit urgency — flood neighborhoods. They take large deposits, do shoddy work or none at all, and disappear before problems surface. An established local roofer with verifiable history is worth far more than any suspiciously low bid.
Shows up door-to-door right after a storm — 'storm chasers' are a major scam category
Asks you to sign an Assignment of Benefits (AOB) to take over your insurance claim
Can't provide a local business address — only a cell phone number
Requires a large cash deposit (more than 30%) before ordering materials
Gives a price over the phone without inspecting the roof in person
Pushes for same-day contract signing and offers a 'special price if you sign today'
Proposes to work without a permit, citing 'simple repairs'
Has no manufacturer certification and can't name specific shingle brands they install
Established local company with verifiable address, reviews, and years in business
Certified installer for major shingle brands (GAF Master Elite, CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster, Owens Corning Preferred)
Pulls required building permits before starting work
Provides a detailed written contract specifying shingle brand, color, line, tear-off scope, underlayment type, and full cleanup
Provides references who you can call — and recent ones from your area
Offers an extended labor warranty (5–25 years) as a manufacturer-certified installer
Are you licensed in this state? Can I have your license number to verify?
Do you carry general liability AND workers' compensation insurance?
Are you a local company with a verifiable business address?
Will you handle all required permits?
What manufacturer are you certified with (GAF, CertainTeed, Owens Corning)?
What shingle brand, product line, and wind rating do you recommend for my home?
What's your labor warranty, and does it cover water infiltration specifically?
Will your crew handle tearoff, or do you subcontract it?
Can you provide 2–3 references from local jobs completed in the last 6 months?
How will you protect my landscaping and property during the job?
Get 3 in-person quotes only
Roofers must physically inspect your roof to give an accurate quote. Any roofer who quotes over the phone for a full replacement is guessing — and leaving themselves room to change the price on site.
Verify local presence and history
Search the company name plus your city on Google. A legitimate local roofer has reviews going back years, a real physical address, and a history in your community. Zero results is a red flag.
Check manufacturer certification
GAF Master Elite, CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster, and Owens Corning Preferred contractors must meet quality, training, and insurance standards to maintain certification. Look these up on the manufacturer's website independently.
Review the contract line by line
The contract should specify the shingle manufacturer, product line, color, and warranty class. It should include: full tear-off of existing layers, ice and water shield at eaves, synthetic underlayment, drip edge, ridge cap, and complete cleanup and debris removal.
Understand the insurance process
If you're filing an insurance claim, the insurance company pays the contractor directly or reimburses you. You should be present for the insurance adjuster visit. Never sign over your claim to a contractor.
Inspect the finished job
Walk the perimeter. Check that all pipe boots, vents, and chimney flashing are properly sealed. Inspect gutters for leftover nails. Confirm the permit final inspection was completed and the permit is closed out.
How long does a full roof replacement take?
Most residential replacements take 1–2 days for asphalt shingles on a standard home. Complex roofs, steep pitches, or those requiring structural repairs may take 3–5 days. Bad weather can cause delays.
Do I need a permit to replace my roof?
Yes, in most jurisdictions. A permit ensures a licensed inspector verifies the installation meets wind, ventilation, and fastening code requirements. A contractor who skips permits can leave you with an uninsured, uninspected roof.
How long do different roofing materials last?
3-tab shingles: 20–25 years. Architectural shingles: 25–30 years. Premium designer shingles: 30–50 years. Metal roofing: 40–70 years. Slate: 75–150 years. Proper installation and attic ventilation are critical to reaching rated lifespans.
What's the difference between a roof repair and replacement?
Repairs (patching damaged areas) make sense when less than 25% of the roof is damaged and it's under 15 years old. If more than 30% is damaged, the roof is near the end of its life, or insurance is covering it, full replacement is typically the better investment.
What is a manufacturer warranty on roofing?
Shingle manufacturers (GAF, CertainTeed, Owens Corning) offer material warranties of 25–lifetime. But enhanced warranties covering both materials and labor (25–50 years) are only available through certified installer programs. Ask which warranty class your installation qualifies for.
Verified, licensed roofing contractors across the US — select your city:
Request estimates for your project, then review each roofing contractor's credentials, experience, references, and written terms before hiring. Availability and credential status vary by profile.
Find Verified Roofing Contractors Near You