That dreaded moment has come, and you’ve noticed signs that your roof may not be protecting you the way it did when it was new. Maybe a few shingles are curling, part of the roof went missing in a storm, or a leak has shown up indoors. Either way, the signs point to having your roof looked at by an experienced professional.
A well-installed roof should protect your home for many years. Along the way, though, accidents, storm damage or some other unexpected event can shorten its life and even create a need for emergency repairs.
You may spend some time looking at DIY repairs or watching online guides, but your roof is one place where an experienced professional is usually the best choice. In the Dallas-Fort Worth area, a quick search for roofing contractors brings up pages of results, and the range of options can feel confusing. Catchy names, fancy websites and broad promises are everywhere, and it is easy to feel stuck trying to decide which one to choose.
To make this easier, our team at Roof Experts has put together the things worth checking before you hire a roofer. A few factors make all the difference between a dependable contractor and one who leaves you needing more repairs sooner than expected.
Texas Does Not License Roofers
Many homeowners assume a roofer must hold a state license. In Texas, that is not the case. There is no statewide license for roofing contractors, no state exam and no state license to look up. That means anyone with a ladder and some tools can call themselves a roofer and do shoddy work.
Some cities require roofing contractors to register with the city, and Roof Experts is registered with the City of Arlington. There are also voluntary industry credentials, such as the program run by the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT). These are useful signals, but none of them is a state license, so be wary of anyone who leans on the word "licensed" without explaining what it means. Our licensing and insurance page explains exactly what Roof Experts carries.
What To Check Instead
Because there is no state license to rely on, you have to look at other evidence. These are the checks that tell you the most:
- Proof of insurance. Ask for a certificate of general liability insurance. Also ask whether the crew is covered by workers’ compensation, since Texas does not require most private employers to carry it.
- City registration and permits. Ask whether your city requires the contractor to register and whether your job needs a permit. Our roof permit guide for Arlington and Fort Worth explains how it works locally.
- Manufacturer certifications. Shingle and membrane manufacturers certify contractors who complete their installation training, and some manufacturer warranties are only available through certified installers. Roof Experts is CertainTeed certified for residential roofing, and Elevate (Holcim), GACO and GenFlex certified for commercial roofing.
- Reviews and references. Read Google reviews, ask neighbors who they used, and ask for addresses of recent jobs you can drive by.
- A written contract. It should list the scope of work, materials, price, payment schedule, how damaged decking is handled, and both the workmanship warranty and the manufacturer warranty. Our workmanship is covered by a 5-year labor warranty.
Ask For A Physical Address
A simple but effective way to check a company’s trustworthiness is to ask for the physical address of its office. If you get deflected, or they offer you only a PO box, there is a good chance something is being hidden. A company that is happy to share its office address cares about its reputation, and more importantly, it gives you somewhere to turn if you have questions or need warranty work later. Ours is 4275 Little Rd #202 in Arlington.
Why Workmanship And Code Knowledge Matter
Your roof is part of the structure that holds everything else together. Even a small leak from poor workmanship can lead to rotted decking, mold and damage that is expensive to fix, so the cheapest bid is rarely the best value.
A good roofer also knows the building codes and permit requirements in your city. Work that does not meet code can fail inspection and cause problems when you sell the house or file a future claim. Ask how the contractor handles ventilation, flashing, underlayment and decking, and whether the installation follows the manufacturer’s specifications. Quality materials only perform as promised when they are installed the way the manufacturer requires, and manufacturer training is one way contractors keep up with changes in products and techniques.
Never Accept An Offer To Waive Your Deductible
After a hailstorm, some contractors offer to “cover,” “eat” or “absorb” a homeowner’s insurance deductible. In Texas that is illegal. Chapter 707 of the Texas Insurance Code prohibits contractors from waiving, rebating or paying a deductible, or promising to. A roofer who makes that offer is asking you to take part in insurance fraud, and it says a lot about how they run the rest of the job. Roof Experts never waives or covers deductibles. Our page on roof insurance deductibles explains how deductibles work and what is allowed.
Be equally careful with door-knockers who show up right after a storm, push you to sign on the spot or ask for a large payment before any work begins. The good ones will still be answering the phone a year later.
Always Have A Conversation First
Before you hire a roofing contractor, talk with them about their experience, insurance, certifications, office address and how they handle problems that come up during a job. That conversation shows whether they know the industry, hold their work to a standard and take responsibility for mistakes. Once the work starts, keep talking; our tips on communicating with your roofing contractor can help. Your roof is one of the most important systems in your home, and having it handled by trained professionals is the best way to make sure it keeps protecting you. To have Roof Experts take a look, call (817) 754-9484 or request a free inspection.