How Do You Pick a Good Roofer in Texas?
Finding a good roofer in Texas is a bit different than in other states. You might expect that someone needs a state license to work on your home, but that is not how it works here. Since Texas does not require a state-issued license for roofing, you have to be extra careful when you hire a contractor.
This guide will help you understand the rules, avoid common tricks, and find a professional who will do the job right.
Before You Hire a Roofer
Use this checklist as a quick reference to help you avoid hiring the wrong contractor.
- Verify insurance coverage
- Check RCAT membership or certification
- Ensure the contractor handles the required permits
- Get at least three written estimates
- Avoid storm chasers
- Never accept offers to cover your deductible
- Review the completed work before making the final payment
The Truth About Texas Roofing Licenses
Many homeowners assume that a contractor must pass a test or have a state background check to work on a roof. In Texas, anyone with a ladder and a truck can legally call themselves a roofer. Because the state does not manage these workers, the responsibility for checking their backgrounds falls on you.
However, there is a voluntary program you should know about. The Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT) offers a voluntary license. To get this, a roofer must show they have been in business for at least two years and have a real office address. They also have to pass exams and show they carry the right insurance. While this is not a law, it is a great way to identify contractors who are committed to professional standards.
City Rules and Permits
Even if the state does not license roofers, your local city might have rules. Many cities require contractors to register with them before they can start work. For example, Dallas and Austin require contractors to register and pay a fee. In San Antonio, roofers even have to pass an FBI background check.
Always ask your contractor if they are registered with your city. You also need to make sure they pull a building permit for the job. If a roofer tells you that you don’t need a permit, you should probably find someone else. Permits ensure that the city inspects the work so it meets safety codes.
work. For example, Dallas and Austin require contractors to register and pay a fee. In San Antonio, roofers even have to pass an FBI background check.
Essential Credentials for Your Shortlist
Before you sign any contract, you should ask for specific documents. You can use this table to check off what a roofer provides you.
Document | What It Is | Why It Matters |
General Liability Insurance | Coverage for your house | This pays for damage if a crew member accidentally breaks something on your property. |
Workers’ Compensation | Coverage for the workers | This protects you if a worker gets hurt while they are on your roof. |
RCAT License | A professional credential | This shows the roofer passed tests and has a solid history in Texas. |
Written References | Past customer names | You should talk to people who had their roofs done by this company in the last year. |
Local Office Address | A physical shop | A real office means you can find the roofer if something goes wrong later. |
How to Spot “Storm Chasers”
Texas is famous for its wild weather. After a big hailstorm or a tornado, out-of-town workers often show up in damaged neighborhoods. These people are called “storm chasers”. They often use high-pressure tricks to get you to sign a contract right away.
You can spot a storm chaser by looking for a few simple things:
- Out-of-state license plates on their trucks.
- No local office address you can visit.
- Pressure to sign before you can even talk to your insurance company.
- Suspiciously low bids that seem too good to be true.
These contractors might do the work quickly, but they often disappear once the storm season ends. If your roof leaks a year later, your warranty will be useless because you won’t be able to find them.
The Law on Insurance Deductibles
It is very important to know about a law called HB2102. This law makes it illegal for a roofer to waive or “cover” your insurance deductible. In the past, some roofers promised “free roofs” by paying the deductible for the homeowner. Now, doing this is a crime in Texas.
If a contractor offers to cover your deductible, they are asking you to take part in insurance fraud. You could face fines or even jail time for this. Legitimate roofers will always expect you to pay your deductible, and your insurance company may ask for proof that you paid it before they give you the final check.
Your Right to Cancel the Contract
If a roofer comes to your door and you sign a contract, Texas law gives you a 3-day right to cancel. This is called the “Right of Rescission”. You have until midnight on the third business day to change your mind for any reason.
The roofer must give you a form that explains this right when you sign. If you decide to cancel, you should send the notice by certified mail so you have proof that you sent it on time. However, this right is much harder to use once the work has started. This is why you should never let a crew start work until you are 100% sure about your choice.
Getting and Comparing Bids
You should try to get at least three written bids from different local companies. A good bid should be very detailed. It should list exactly what shingles they will use, the cost of labor, and the brand of the materials.
Be careful with bids that are much lower than the others. This could mean the contractor is using cheap materials or does not have insurance. A professional roofer will give you a fair price that covers all their costs and ensures the job is done safely.
Understanding Payments and Deposits
A major red flag is a roofer who asks for all the money upfront. A small deposit of 10% to 20% is common once the shingles arrive at your house. You should never pay the full amount until the job is finished and you have inspected it.
Reputable companies usually have enough credit with their suppliers to start the job without using your money as a “bank”. If they need your insurance check just to buy materials, they might be in financial trouble.
The Final Inspection
The work is not done just because the crew left your driveway. Before you hand over the final payment, you should walk around your home with the contractor. Use this checklist to make sure everything is right:
- Check the yard: Look for stray nails or old shingles left behind.
- Inspect the roof edges: Make sure the drip edges and flashing are secure.
- Check the permits: Contact your local city building department or permitting office to verify that the permit has been finalized and officially closed.
- Collect your paperwork: Get copies of the labor warranty and the manufacturer’s material warranty.
The Bottom Line
Since Texas does not require a state-issued roofing license, it’s important to do your research before hiring a roofer. Verifying insurance, checking local registration, comparing multiple bids, and avoiding storm chasers can help you choose a contractor you can trust.
Planning a roof replacement? Learn more about what to expect by reading our guide: How Often Should a Roof Be Replaced in Texas?
FAQs
No. Texas does not require a state-issued roofing license. Before hiring a roofer, check their insurance, RCAT membership or certification, and any required local registration.
No. In Texas, it is illegal for a contractor to pay or waive your insurance deductible. You are responsible for paying it yourself.
Avoid paying the full amount before work begins. A reasonable deposit is usually 10% to 30%, with the remaining balance due after the job is completed.
No. A roofer can discuss the repair work with your insurance company, but they cannot negotiate or settle your insurance claim on your behalf.