How to Find a Roofer You Can Trust (and Avoid Storm Chasers)

Start local

Roofers with a long local track record have a reputation to protect and will be around to honor their workmanship warranty. Ask neighbors who've recently re-roofed, check local review sites, and look for a physical business address in your area.

Verify credentials before you get a bid

Any good roofer will hand these over without hesitation.

• License: check your state or county contractor licensing board. Requirements vary by state.
• Insurance: ask for certificates of general liability and workers' compensation, and call the insurer to confirm they're active.
• Manufacturer certification: certified installers can often offer longer system warranties.
• Reviews and complaints: look for patterns, not just star ratings.

Compare quotes line by line

The lowest bid often leaves out work the others included. Make sure every quote spells out:

• Full tear-off or an overlay on top of the existing roof
• Underlayment type and ice-and-water shield coverage
• New flashing, drip edge, and ventilation
• Allowance and price per sheet for replacing rotted decking
• Debris removal, permits, and cleanup
• Manufacturer and workmanship warranty terms, in writing

Red flags: how to spot a storm chaser

Storm chasers often do fast, cheap work and are gone before leaks show up.

• Knocking on doors right after a hail or wind storm
• Pressure to sign today or a "limited-time" discount
• Asking for a large cash deposit before any materials arrive
• Out-of-state plates and no local office
• Offering to "cover" or waive your insurance deductible, which is illegal in many states
• Asking you to sign an assignment of benefits that hands your insurance claim to them

Questions to ask before you sign

Who will be on my roof: your crew or subcontractors? What happens if you find rotted decking? How long will the job take, and how do you protect my landscaping? What exactly does your workmanship warranty cover, and for how long? Get every answer written into the contract.