Your roof is the single most important system protecting your home — and in Texas, it takes a beating. Between hailstorms in the Hill Country, hurricane winds along the Gulf Coast, and that relentless Dallas-Fort Worth sun, most Texas roofs don’t make it to their warrantied lifespan. So when it’s time to replace yours, the contractor you choose matters more than the shingles you pick.
The problem? After every major storm, out-of-state “storm chasers” flood Texas neighborhoods with door-knockers and inflated promises. Some are legitimate. Many disappear the moment your check clears. The questions below will help you separate professional roofers from the fly-by-nights.
Why Vetting a Roofer Matters More in Texas
Texas does not require a state license for roofing contractors. That’s right — anyone with a truck and a ladder can call themselves a roofer here. The Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT) offers voluntary credentialing, but you, the homeowner, are the real gatekeeper.
A bad roof job can cost you twice: once when you pay for it, and again when leaks, denied insurance claims, or premature failure force a re-do. The right questions up front prevent both.
The 10 Roofing Contractor Questions Every Texas Homeowner Should Ask
1. Are you based locally, and how long have you been in business?
Storm chasers often roll into Houston, Austin, or San Antonio after a hailstorm with out-of-state plates and a P.O. box. Ask for a physical Texas office address, ask how long they’ve operated under that exact business name, and verify it on the Texas Secretary of State website. A roofer with 10+ years in your metro area has a reputation to protect.
2. Can you provide proof of general liability and workers’ comp insurance?
Don’t accept a verbal “yes.” Ask for a Certificate of Insurance (COI) sent directly from their insurance carrier to you. You’re looking for:
- General liability: at least $1 million
- Workers’ compensation: required if they have employees on your roof
If a roofer doesn’t carry workers’ comp and a crew member falls, you can be held liable. This single question filters out a huge share of low-budget operators.
3. Are you a manufacturer-certified installer?
Major shingle brands — GAF, Owens Corning, CertainTeed, Atlas — certify contractors who meet training and quality standards. Certifications like GAF Master Elite or Owens Corning Platinum Preferred also unlock enhanced warranties (often 25–50 years on materials and workmanship) that uncertified roofers literally cannot offer.
4. Will you pull the permit?
Most Texas cities — including Austin, Dallas, Houston, Fort Worth, and Plano — require a permit for a full roof replacement. A pro pulls the permit in their own name. If a roofer asks you to pull it, that’s a red flag: it means the city won’t be tracking their work history, and you’ll be on the hook for code violations.
5. What’s your detailed scope of work, in writing?
A real proposal should specify:
- Tear-off vs. overlay (always tear-off in Texas, ideally)
- Decking inspection and replacement cost per sheet (typically $70–$95 installed)
- Underlayment type (synthetic vs. felt)
- Ice & water shield in valleys and around penetrations
- Drip edge, flashing, and ridge vent details
- Shingle brand, line, and color
- Cleanup and magnetic nail sweep
Vague proposals lead to “surprise” charges halfway through the job. If you’ve shopped other big projects, you already know the drill — the same principle that applies to a kitchen remodel budget or HVAC replacement applies here: get every line item on paper.
6. How do you handle decking replacement?
When the old shingles come off, rotten or warped decking sometimes appears underneath — common in older homes in Houston and along the coast where humidity is brutal. Ask: what’s your per-sheet price, and will you notify and photograph before replacing? Honest roofers document everything. Shady ones invent damage to inflate the bill.
7. What warranties come with the job?
You should get two warranties:
- Manufacturer warranty on materials (25 years to lifetime, depending on shingle)
- Workmanship warranty from the contractor (look for at least 5 years; 10+ is excellent)
Ask what voids each warranty and what the claims process looks like. A roofer who can’t clearly explain their own warranty probably won’t honor it.
8. Can I see three local references from the last 12 months?
Not testimonials on their website — actual phone numbers of recent customers in your metro. Call two of them. Ask: Did the crew show up when promised? Was the final price the same as the estimate? How was cleanup? Would you hire them again? Five minutes on the phone can save you $15,000.
9. How do you handle insurance claims?
If you’re filing a hail or wind claim, your roofer should be willing to meet your insurance adjuster on-site — but they should never offer to “waive your deductible,” “eat the deductible,” or sign over your claim through an Assignment of Benefits. That’s illegal in Texas under the Insurance Code and is a hallmark of fraud rings.
10. What’s your payment schedule?
Reasonable structure for a Texas roof replacement:
- 0–10% deposit (many established roofers ask for nothing until materials are delivered)
- Progress payment when materials arrive or work begins
- Final balance only after the job passes city inspection and you’ve walked the property
Anyone demanding 50% upfront — or cash only — is a hard no.
A Few Bonus Tips for Texas Homeowners
- Get 3 quotes. Pricing for asphalt shingle replacement in Texas typically runs $4.50–$7.50 per square foot installed, with metal roofs running $10–$17. Wildly low bids usually mean corners are about to get cut.