How to Choose a Roofing Contractor After a Storm (10 Questions)

Within 48 hours of a serious hailstorm, out-of-state crews arrive in rented trucks with magnetic door signs. Some are competent. Many collect the insurance check, install fast, and are unreachable when the roof leaks in year two. These ten questions sort it out quickly.

1. What's your physical address here?

Not a P.O. box, not a hotel. A local yard or office means someone to hold accountable in three years.

2. How long have you worked in this specific market?

Panhandle and Eastern New Mexico roofs have particular demands — wind uplift, hail frequency, UV at elevation. Experience in Dallas or Denver isn't the same experience.

3. Can I see your insurance certificate?

General liability and workers' compensation, verified directly with the insurer, not a photocopy. If an uninsured worker is injured on your roof, that can become your liability.

4. Who is actually on my roof?

Subcontracted crews aren't automatically a problem, but you should know whether the company employs its crews or brokers the job to whoever is available that week.

5. What's the workmanship warranty, in writing?

Manufacturer warranties cover material defects — which is rarely what fails. Installation error is what fails, and only a workmanship warranty covers it. Ask for the length and read what voids it.

6. Will you put the full scope in writing before I sign?

Underlayment type, ice-and-water placement, ventilation, flashing replacement, deck repair rate per sheet, cleanup, and permit responsibility. "Replace roof — $18,400" is not a scope.

7. How do you handle deck repair?

Nobody knows how much rotted decking is under there until tear-off. A legitimate contractor names a per-sheet price up front. Vague answers become mid-job surprises.

8. What's the payment schedule?

Never pay in full up front. A deposit at material delivery and the balance on completion is normal. Large cash-only advances are the single clearest warning sign.

9. Will you help with my insurance claim — and how?

Good answer: documentation, adjuster meetings, supplements. Bad answer: any version of "we'll cover your deductible." That's insurance fraud in Texas, and a contractor comfortable committing it is comfortable cutting other corners.

10. Can I see local work from three or more years ago?

Anyone can show a roof they finished last week. Ask for addresses in your area from several years back, and call those homeowners. How a company handles a callback in year three tells you everything.

One more thing

Don't sign anything on the first visit, especially a document that assigns your insurance benefits to the contractor. A legitimate roofer will still be there next week and will tell you to take your time.