Hiring a roofer: storm chasers, insurance and licenses

A roof protects everything under it, so when it leaks or a storm tears off shingles, you want it fixed fast and fixed right. That urgency is exactly what dishonest contractors count on. After big storms, some show up at the door, push for a quick signature and a deposit, and do poor work or none at all.

This page covers what a roofer does, how to check one out, what to know about insurance claims and how to stay safe if you're tempted to climb up yourself.

What a roofer does, and doesn't do

Roofers repair and replace roof coverings and the parts that keep water out:

Shingles, metal panels, tile and flat-roof membranes
Flashing around chimneys, vents, skylights and walls
Roof decking that has rotted or been damaged
Roof vents and ventilation
Storm, wind and hail damage repair
Many also handle gutters

Roofers usually don't fix the water-damaged ceiling inside, repair chimneys beyond flashing (that may need a mason) or move electrical or plumbing vents. A good roofer will tell you when another trade is needed.

Roof jobs you shouldn't DIY

Anything on a steep roof or above the first story.
Full or partial reroofing. Underlayment, flashing and nailing patterns matter, and manufacturer warranties may require proper installation.
Chasing an active leak. Water often enters far from where it drips inside.
Work near the service drop. That's the power line coming into the house.
Anything on a wet, icy or windy day.

Ground-level or low, one-story tasks like cleaning gutters safely are reasonable for many homeowners with the right ladder.

Ladder safety basics

From OSHA's portable ladder safety card:

Inspect the ladder before every use, and read its labels.
Look for overhead power lines first. Don't use a metal ladder near them.
Set it on stable, level ground. Place the base about one foot out for every four feet of height to the support point.
To reach a roof, the ladder must extend at least 3 feet above the roof edge.
Keep three points of contact and face the ladder. Don't stand on the top three rungs of an extension ladder.

Storm chasers: what to watch for

After a storm, the Better Business Bureau warns that some roofers claim they "just happened" to notice damage on your street, or offer leftover shingles from another job at a discount, per its roofing tips. California's Department of Insurance adds other warning signs: no local office or phone number, no references, cash up front, very general estimates and bids far below others, in its disaster scam guide.

You may be able to cancel a contract signed at your door. The FTC's Cooling-Off Rule generally gives you until midnight of the third business day to cancel many home sales, though it has exceptions, including emergency repairs and repairs you asked the seller to come do. See contractor red flags for more.

Insurance claim basics

If a storm damaged your roof, California's Department of Insurance recommends these steps. Your own policy's terms come first, so read it or ask your agent:

Report the loss to your insurer promptly. Keep a log of who you spoke with and when.
Photograph the damage from the ground, plus any interior leaks.
Prevent further damage. A tarp or temporary patch is fine. Keep receipts.
Don't start permanent repairs or throw out damaged items until the adjuster says so.
Ask the adjuster for their repair estimate and use it as a benchmark when comparing roofers.

Be cautious of anyone pushing large payments for temporary repairs, since you may need that money for the permanent fix. Read anything a roofer asks you to sign about your insurance claim carefully before signing.

Roofing licensing

Roofing rules vary widely. Some states license roofers, some require registration above a dollar amount, and some leave it to cities and counties. In South Carolina, the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR) requires residential roofers to register as specialty contractors for work over $500, according to LLR's registration page. You can check a registration with LLR's online Licensee Lookup. See how to check a contractor license for your state.

What drives the cost

Repair or replacement, and whether old layers are torn off
Roof size, pitch and height
Material: asphalt, metal, tile or flat membrane
Damaged decking found once shingles come off
Flashing, vents and skylights
Permits, debris removal and demand after storms

Questions to ask before hiring

What's your license or registration number, and your local office address?
Can I see certificates for workers' compensation and liability insurance?
Is this a repair or a full replacement? Will you tear off the old roof?
Will you protect my gutters, landscaping and home, and haul away debris?
Are you certified to install the roofing product you're proposing?
What warranties come with the materials and your workmanship?
Who pulls the permit?

How to describe the problem for an accurate quote

Where the leak or damage is, inside and out, with photos taken from the ground
When it leaks: every rain, only wind-driven rain, or only after snow
Roof age and material, if you know
Whether there's an insurance claim, and the adjuster's estimate
Number of stories and anything unusual, like skylights or a steep section

After the job is done

Ask for photos of the work in progress, especially of any decking that was replaced and the flashing before it was covered. Check that debris and stray nails were cleaned up from the yard and driveway. Keep the contract, the final invoice, the permit and both the manufacturer's and the roofer's warranty papers together. If insurance is involved, your insurer may need the final invoice before releasing the rest of the payment.

If you rent, report roof leaks to your landlord right away and in writing. The roof is the owner's responsibility, and quick notice helps limit damage to your belongings.

Next steps

Get at least three written estimates for big jobs (see how to compare quotes), or send a free match request to hear from local roofers. Preparing for storm season? See our hurricane prep checklist.

Common questions

Should I call my insurance company or a roofer first after a storm?

Report the damage to your insurer promptly, take photos, and make only temporary repairs to stop further damage until the adjuster inspects. You can get a roofer's estimate too, but don't sign a contract on the spot with someone who knocked on your door.

What is a storm chaser?

A contractor, often from out of the area, who shows up after a storm and goes door to door offering roof inspections or repairs. Some are legitimate, but many leave poor work or take deposits and vanish. Hire someone local you've checked out.

Do roofers need a license?

It depends on your state. Some license or register roofers, sometimes above a dollar threshold, and some leave it to local governments. In South Carolina, residential roofers must register with LLR for jobs over $500.

Can I cancel a roofing contract I signed at my door?

Under the FTC's Cooling-Off Rule, many sales made at your home can be canceled until midnight of the third business day. There are exceptions, including emergency repairs and repairs you invited the seller to do, so read your contract and act quickly.