Texas does not issue a state roofing license, so choosing a roofer comes down to verification: a certificate of insurance you confirm with the insurer, a detailed written contract, a local address and phone, written warranty terms, reasonable payment terms and references you can call. Walk away from anyone who offers to waive your deductible.
A new roof is one of the largest checks most families write for their home, and in Greater Houston there is never a shortage of people willing to take it. After every storm, the number of trucks and yard signs multiplies. Most roofers are honest; some are not; and the difference is rarely visible from a flyer. This guide is the checklist we would want our own relatives to use. Hold every contractor to it, including us.
Does Texas require roofers to be licensed?
No. Texas has no statewide license for residential roofing contractors, so anyone can print business cards. The Roofing Contractors Association of Texas, a trade association, runs a voluntary licensed roofing contractor program with its own requirements and a directory homeowners can search. It is one useful data point, not proof of quality on its own, and many good roofers do not participate. Some cities require roofing permits or contractor registration, so ask your city or the contractor what applies at your address. Because the state does not screen roofers for you, the rest of this checklist matters more.
What should I check before hiring a roofer?
| Check | How to verify it |
|---|---|
| Liability insurance | Ask for a certificate of insurance and call the insurance company listed to confirm it is current |
| Coverage for workers | Ask whether workers are covered by workers' compensation or another injury policy; Texas does not require most private employers to carry workers' comp |
| Local presence | A physical service area, a local phone number that is answered, and a history in the area |
| Written, itemized estimate | Materials by brand and line, tear-off, decking pricing, flashing, vents, cleanup |
| Written warranty terms | Workmanship warranty length and what it covers, plus the manufacturer warranty |
| References and reviews | Recent local jobs you can drive by; reviews over several years, not just last month |
| Who does the work | Whether the company uses its own crews or subcontractors, and who supervises on site |
| Permits | Who pulls the permit where one is required |
On worker coverage: TDI explains that in Texas private employers can choose whether to carry workers' compensation. That makes it worth asking directly how injuries on your property would be handled.
What should a roofing contract include?
- The company's legal name, address and phone, and yours.
- The full scope: tear-off, number of layers, underlayment, drip edge, flashing, ventilation, shingle brand, line and color.
- How decking replacement is priced, usually per sheet.
- Total price, payment schedule and what triggers each payment.
- Start window, expected duration and cleanup.
- Workmanship warranty terms in writing, plus who registers the manufacturer warranty.
- No blank spaces. TDI's advice after storms is to never sign a contract that has blank spaces, not to pay in full up front, and not to make the final payment until the work is done.
If you prefer to review the contract in Spanish, ask. A contractor should be able to explain every line in the language you are most comfortable with.
What does Texas law say about roofers and my insurance deductible?
It is illegal for a contractor to waive, rebate or absorb your insurance deductible under Texas Insurance Code Chapter 707. A "free roof" or "we'll cover your deductible" offer is a warning sign, not a bargain. Texas also does not allow a contractor to act as a public adjuster on a property it is working on, as TDI explains in Roofing and insurance: know the law. A roofer can document storm damage and write an estimate; your insurer decides your claim.
How do I spot a storm chaser after a Houston storm?
- Knocking doors right after a storm with an out-of-area phone number or truck plates.
- Pressure to sign today, or to sign something that assigns your claim or lets them talk to your insurer for you.
- Large cash deposits before any materials arrive.
- Promises that insurance will pay for a whole new roof.
- No written warranty, or a warranty from a company that may not be here next year.
What questions should I ask a roofer before I sign?
- How long have you worked in this area, and can I see jobs near my home?
- Who will be on my roof, and who is in charge on site?
- What exactly does your workmanship warranty cover, and for how long?
- Will you replace the drip edge, pipe boots and vents, or reuse them?
- What happens if you find rotted decking, and what does it cost per sheet?
- How do you protect my landscaping and clean up nails?
A good roofer answers these plainly and puts the answers in writing.
How do I compare roofing quotes fairly?
Line them up by scope, not just the total. One quote may include new drip edge, pipe boots and ridge vent while another reuses the old ones. For price context, a full asphalt replacement in our preliminary ranges runs about $375 to $650 per roofing square, and repairs run $450 to $1,900 or more; our roof cost guide explains what moves those numbers. If one bid is far below the others, find out what is missing. If you are deciding whether you need a new roof at all, start with our repair-or-replace checklist.
Choosing a roofer questions
Is an RCAT license required to work on my roof?
No. It is a voluntary program run by a trade association, not a state license. Participation can be one helpful data point, but you should still verify insurance, contract terms and references for any roofer.
How much should I pay up front for a new roof?
Terms vary, but avoid paying in full before work begins, as TDI advises, and hold the final payment until the job is complete and you have walked it. Get the payment schedule in writing.
Should I hire a roofer who knocked on my door after a storm?
Not without vetting them like anyone else. Check insurance with the carrier, get a written contract, confirm a local presence and never sign anything that hands over your claim.
Ready to compare? Book a free inspection and ask us every question on this list, or call PL Roofing & Remodeling at 832-860-0354. Read what neighbors say on our reviews page. Hablamos español.
