# 10 Questions to Ask a Roofing Contractor Before Signing

> 10 questions to ask a roofing contractor — licensing, shingle grade, decking, flashing, and what separates a 25-year roof from a 10-year one.

![10 Questions to Ask a Roofing Contractor Before Signing](/images/roofing/shutterstock_2071286543.jpg)

Reviewed by the Remodel Your Home editorial team · Updated August 19, 2026

Roof replacement is a high-stakes purchase: $8,000–$20,000, completed while you're often away, by crews working where you can't observe the details. The questions below reveal whether a contractor is cutting corners on underlayment, decking, and flashing — the components that determine long-term performance.

## 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.

1

### “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.

2

### “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.

3

### “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.

4

### “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.

5

### “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.

6

### “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.

7

### “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.

8

### “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.

9

### “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.

10

### “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

## Related Guides

- [Roof Replacement Cost Guide — what to budget](/roof-replacement-cost/index.md)
- [Best Roof Replacement companies — how we rate contractors](/best-roofing-companies/index.md)
- [Signs it’s time to replace, not repair](/roof-replacement-signs/index.md)

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Source: https://remodelyourhome.com/roofing-contractor-questions/