How to hire a roofer you can trust

Three things that matter before you hire roofers

1. Verify state roofing contractor licensing (where required) or specialty contractor registration, along with high-limit roofing-specific general liability and workers' compensation insurance.
2. Require a comprehensive scope detailing tear-off of existing shingle layers, underlayment specs (synthetic underlayment, self-adhering ice & water shield), drip edge, pipe boots, and flashing details.
3. Never sign an insurance Assignment of Benefits (AOB) or pay a large deposit upfront; legitimate roofers work on milestone draws and collect final payment after municipal permit sign-off.

The two-minute verification routine

1. Step 1. Verify the contractor's state roofing or specialty contractor license on state licensing board portals (e.g., CSLB in CA, DBPR in FL, Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation).
2. Step 2. Demand a Certificate of Insurance (COI) sent directly from the insurance carrier showing roofing-specific general liability ($1,000,000+) and active workers' compensation.
3. Step 3. Confirm manufacturer certification credentials (e.g., GAF Master Elite, CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster, Owens Corning Preferred Contractor).
4. Step 4. Verify local municipal business license and permit registration with your city building department.
5. Step 5. Check physical commercial business address and verify trade references with local roofing material suppliers.

State licensing guides with lookup links: Licensing by state

Licence, insurance and bond expectations

Licensing for roofers varies from strict dedicated state roofing licenses (e.g., Illinois, Florida, California) to general contractor registration. Because roofing carries the highest injury rate in construction, verifying workers' compensation insurance is critical — without it, an injured worker can sue the property owner directly. General liability must cover storm exposure and water damage during construction ($1M+ limit). State contractor bonds ($10,000–$25,000) protect against abandoned jobs or code violations.

What a fair quote must itemize

• Shingle manufacturer, product line, color, wind speed rating, and Class A fire rating (e.g., GAF Timberline HDZ, CertainTeed Landmark)
• Tear-off scope specifying complete removal of all existing shingle layers down to bare wood decking
• Underlayment specification: synthetic underlayment brand and ice & water leak barrier self-adhering membrane locations
• Drip edge metal spec: gauge, color, eaves, and rake edge installation details
• Flashing detail: step flashing at walls, chimney cricket/flashing, valley lining (metal vs woven), and pipe boots
• Wood decking repair terms: fixed replacement cost per 4'x8' sheet of CDX plywood or OSB revealed during tear-off
• Roof ventilation calculations: net free vent area, ridge vent specs, soffit intake vent verification, and static vent counts
• Site protection and cleanup protocol: magnetic nail sweep, gutter protection, dumpster placement, and permit inclusion

Fair price orientation

National planning ranges for common roofer jobs — use these to sanity-check a written quote, not as a bid target.

Red flags specific to roofers

• Storm-chasing contractors knocking on doors after hail or wind events pushing you to sign an insurance Assignment of Benefits (AOB).
• Offers to 'absorb', 'waive', or pay your insurance deductible, which is illegal insurance fraud in most states.
• Asks for 50% or more upfront deposit in cash before roofing materials are delivered to your property.
• Quotes a new roof over existing shingles (overlay) without inspecting decking or removing damaged layers.
• Refuses to provide a written per-sheet price for OSB/plywood decking replacement prior to tear-off.
• Cannot provide a Certificate of Insurance showing active roofing workers' compensation coverage.
• Omits drip edge metal, ice & water shield, or new pipe boot flashings from the written estimate.
• Refuses to pull a municipal building permit or submit for required windstorm/ice barrier inspections.

Questions to ask, by stage

Contract must-haves

• Exact shingle manufacturer, product line, color, wind rating, and warranty documentation.
• Explicit requirement to tear off all existing roof layers down to bare wood sheathing.
• Pre-agreed price per 4x8 sheet for OSB/plywood decking replacement if rot is discovered.
• Specification of synthetic underlayment, ice & water shield, metal drip edge, and flashing details.
• Requirement for daily magnetic nail sweeps and driveway/landscaping protection protocols.
• Payment draw schedule linked to material delivery, completion of installation, and passed city inspection.

Payment schedule and deposit norms

Roofing deposit norms require 10% to 20% upon contract execution to reserve crew scheduling. Upon material delivery to your driveway (shingles, underlayment, dumpster), a material progress draw of 40% to 50% is standard. The final retainage (30% to 40%) should be paid only after the roof is fully installed, magnetic nail sweep is completed, and the municipal building inspector passes the final permit inspection.

Who pulls the permit

The licensed Roofing Contractor MUST pull the building permit. Municipal roofing permits enforce building code requirements like wind-resistance nailing patterns, drip edge installation, ice barrier protection in freezing zones, and proper attic ventilation calculations.

Warranty expectations

Standard architectural shingle manufacturer warranties run 30 years to Limited Lifetime for materials. Certified contractor programs (e.g., GAF System Plus, CertainTeed SureStart) offer non-prorated system material warranties for 20 to 50 years. Contractor workmanship warranties typically range from 5 to 10 years (up to 25 years from top-tier certified installers).

If it goes wrong

1. Issue a formal written notice of defect detailing leaks, poor flashing, or shingle misalignments to contractor management with photos.
2. Withhold final milestone payment until all leaks and defective flashings are corrected and passed by inspector.
3. Contact the shingle manufacturer's technical representative to conduct a site inspection if material defects are suspected.
4. File a complaint with your state roofing licensing board or state attorney general consumer protection division.
5. File a claim against the contractor's state surety bond or local municipal performance bond.

Emergency hiring vs scheduled work

Emergency roofing calls (tree branch through roof, severe storm leak actively dripping into home) require emergency tarping and mitigation ($300–$800). Tarping prevents further interior water damage while waiting for insurance adjusters. Scheduled roof replacements allow time to gather 3 competitive quotes, compare manufacturer warranty tiers, and verify insurance coverage.

Find roofers near you

Browse by metro for local licensing notes and verified listings where we have them. We do not rank or sell placement — filter by what you need.

Tools before you hire

Frequently asked questions

Sources

• National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA)
• GAF Certified Contractor Portal
• CertainTeed Roofing Credential Directory
• California Contractors State License Board (CSLB)