Here’s something a lot of homeowners don’t know: Texas does not require roofing contractors to hold a state license. Anyone with a truck and a ladder can call themselves a roofer. After a big hail storm, plenty of people do exactly that.
That puts the job of checking a contractor on you. It doesn’t take long, and it’s worth doing whether the roof costs you a deductible or the full price.
Start with how long they’ve been local
A roof warranty is only as good as the company behind it. Ask how long they’ve worked in Rockwall County and where they’re based. Then look them up. A real local company has a history: a Google Business Profile with reviews going back years, jobs in your area and a phone number that is answered by the same people next year.
Read the reviews, not just the star rating. Look for details about how problems were handled, whether the crew cleaned up and whether the company came back when something needed fixing.
Ask to see insurance
A roofer should carry general liability insurance, and ideally workers’ compensation or a similar policy for the crew. If someone gets hurt on your roof or a ladder goes through a window, you want their insurance paying for it, not yours. Ask for a certificate of insurance and check that the company name matches the one on your contract.
Ask about manufacturer certifications
Shingle makers like Owens Corning and GAF certify contractors who meet their standards. Those certifications matter for more than bragging rights. The best manufacturer warranties are only available through certified installers. Ask which certifications they hold, then confirm on the manufacturer’s website.
Get the warranty in writing
There are two warranties on a new roof. The manufacturer covers defects in the shingles. The contractor covers workmanship, meaning how the roof was installed. Ask how long the workmanship warranty lasts, what it covers and who you call to use it. If the answer is vague, that tells you something.
Check how they handle insurance work
Most roofs in this area get replaced through a hail or wind claim, so ask how the contractor handles that. A good one will inspect and photograph the roof, meet your adjuster and walk you through the estimate. Our post on how a roof insurance claim works in Texas explains what that should look like.
They should not offer to negotiate your claim for you. In Texas, only a licensed public adjuster or an attorney can do that. They should also never offer to cover your deductible. Texas law prohibits it.
Red flags
- Knocking on doors right after a storm with an out-of-state plate and no local address
- Offering to pay or waive your deductible, or promising a “free roof”
- Pressure to sign today, especially anything that assigns your insurance money to them
- Asking for a large payment up front before materials are even delivered
- No written contract, or a contract that doesn’t spell out materials, scope and price
- Pushing you to skip the inspection and file a claim right away
Questions to ask before you sign
- Will you tear off the old roof down to the decking, and how do you price decking repairs?
- What shingle brand, line and color are we using, and what underlayment?
- Who will be on site, and who do I call with questions during the job?
- How do you protect landscaping, and how do you clean up nails?
- Will you pull a permit if the city requires one?
- What happens if it rains in the middle of the job?
Get more than one opinion
It’s reasonable to get two or three inspections, especially on a big job. Compare what each one found, not just the price. A much lower bid usually means something was left out, whether that’s decking, flashing, ventilation or cleanup.
We’re happy to be one of those opinions. Fate Roofing Group is a local, family-owned company based in Fate, and our inspections are free. You can see our recent work and read reviews from homeowners, or call (972) 569-7012.
Matthew Martin
Matthew Martin is the founder of Spade Design and part of the Fate Roofing Group team, where he runs the website and online marketing. He writes these guides with the crew so homeowners in Fate, Rockwall and Heath can get straight answers about storms, insurance and roof care before they ever pick up the phone.