10 Questions to Ask a Roofing Contractor Before Signing
The 10 Questions — and Why Each One Matters
A contractor who answers these confidently, with specifics, is demonstrating the transparency and competence that separates good work from mediocre work.
“Are you licensed, bonded, and carrying $1M+ general liability and workers' compensation insurance?”
Why this matters: Ask for certificates of insurance naming you as an additional insured. Workers' comp is critical — roofing is one of the highest-injury trades, and without it, a worker injured on your roof could hold you liable. Verify the policy is current, not expired.
“Are you a certified installer for the shingle manufacturer — GAF Master Elite, Owens Corning Preferred Contractor, or equivalent?”
Why this matters: Manufacturer certification programs require training, background checks, and minimum installation standards. More importantly, certified installers can offer extended manufacturer warranties (50-year, transferable) that non-certified installers cannot. Ask to see the certification.
“What shingle line are you proposing — specific product name, warranty class, and impact resistance rating?”
Why this matters: There's a wide gap between 3-tab shingles (15–20 year life), standard architectural (25–30 year), and premium architectural or impact-resistant (30–50 year). Many bids just say "architectural shingles." Ask for the specific product name and look up its warranty independently.
“Will you replace damaged decking, and at what price per sheet?”
Why this matters: Rotted or damaged OSB/plywood decking is discovered during tear-off and must be replaced before new shingles go down. Get a per-sheet price in writing before signing. Contractors who say "we'll figure it out" are a risk; a clear price of $80–$120/sheet is reasonable.
“What underlayment are you using — felt or synthetic — and what weight/grade?”
Why this matters: Synthetic underlayment is more durable than 30# felt, more resistant to UV during installation delays, and better at preventing wind-driven rain infiltration. This is a detail that disappears once the shingles go on — verify the specific product.
“How much ice-and-water shield are you installing, and where?”
Why this matters: IWS is a self-adhering membrane applied at eaves, valleys, and around penetrations. Building codes typically require 24" at eaves in most climates; cold climates require more. Some contractors minimize IWS to save cost. Ask for specifics.
“Will you install new flashing at all penetrations, skylights, and the drip edge — or reuse existing?”
Why this matters: Reusing worn or improperly installed flashing is one of the leading causes of post-installation leaks. New flashing should be standard on any full replacement. If a contractor plans to reuse existing, ask why — and what happens if those flashings fail.
“How do you handle permits — do you pull them, or does the homeowner?”
Why this matters: You should never pull permits for contractor work. Permits pulled by the homeowner may shift liability for code compliance to you. A licensed contractor pulls their own permits.
“What is your payment schedule?”
Why this matters: A fair schedule: deposit at signing (no more than 30–40%), second payment at material delivery, balance at job completion and inspection. Contractors demanding 50%+ upfront (especially storm chasers) are a significant risk.
“How do you protect my landscaping, vehicles, and property during tear-off?”
Why this matters: Tear-off generates thousands of pounds of shingle debris and thousands of nails. Ask specifically: magnetic nail sweep after completion, plywood over landscaping, tarps over HVAC equipment, dumpster placement. Get protection commitments in writing.
Red Flags to Watch For
Any of these during your contractor search should prompt closer scrutiny or disqualification:
- Door-knocking immediately after a storm without scheduling
- Asks you to sign an AOB (Assignment of Benefits) for insurance claims
- Can't produce insurance certificates within 24 hours
- No local address or reputation — "out of town for the storm"
- Significantly lower bid without clear explanation
- Pressures immediate signing before you can get competing bids