Choosing a Roofing Contractor: 10 Essential Questions for Alabama & Tennessee

Hiring the right roofing contractor can save you thousands of dollars and years of headaches. This guide walks through ten questions every Alabama and Tennessee homeowner should ask before signing a contract.

I’ve worked on roofs from Huntsville to Fayetteville for over a decade, and I’ve seen what happens when homeowners skip the vetting process. They end up with leaks, denied insurance claims, and contractors who disappear after the first payment. Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen to you.

Before you start calling around, it helps to understand what separates a professional roofing company from someone who just bought a truck and a ladder. National manufacturers like IKE recommend asking specific questions to vet contractors before any work begins, and that advice applies whether you’re in Athens, Alabama or somewhere across the state line in Tennessee.

Are You Licensed and Insured in My State?

Alabama and Tennessee handle contractor licensing differently. Alabama requires general contractors to hold a state license for jobs over $50,000, but roofing work often falls under specialty contractor rules. Tennessee has stricter licensing through the Board for Licensing Contractors. Your roofing contractor needs to show proof of both their license and insurance coverage before you sign anything.

Ask to see their certificate of insurance. It should list general liability and workers’ compensation. If someone gets hurt on your property and the contractor doesn’t carry workers’ comp, you could be liable. I’ve watched homeowners in Madison County get stuck with medical bills because they hired an unlicensed crew.

Check roofing license requirements in Alabama and Tennessee through your state board to verify what credentials apply in your area. Licensing rules change, and a contractor working legally in Huntsville might need different paperwork to work in Tennessee.

What Certifications Do You and Your Crew Hold?

Licensing covers legal requirements. Certifications show skill level. A certified roofer has completed manufacturer training on specific products and installation methods. When a contractor holds NRCA roofing certification or similar credentials, it means they’ve invested time in learning proper techniques.

Ask which manufacturers they’re certified with. GAF, Owens Corning, and CertainTeed all offer contractor certification programs. These certifications matter because they qualify you for better warranties. A standard shingle warranty might cover materials, but an extended warranty that includes labor only applies when a certified roofer does the installation.

How Long Have You Been in Business?

Experience matters in roofing. A company that’s survived ten Alabama summers and twenty Tennessee winters has proven they can handle the work and the business side. Storm chasers show up after every hail event, do quick repairs, and vanish before problems surface.

Ask for their business registration date and check with the Better Business Bureau. A roofing contractor who’s been around for five or ten years has a track record you can verify. They have past customers you can contact and completed jobs you can inspect.

Can You Provide Local References?

Any best roofing contractor will hand you a list of recent projects in your area. Ask for at least three references from jobs completed in the last two years. Call those homeowners and ask specific questions about timeline, communication, and cleanup.

Drive by those addresses if possible. Look at the roof from the street. Does it look professionally installed? Are the lines straight? Is the flashing sealed properly around chimneys and vents? You can spot sloppy work without climbing a ladder.

What Does Your Warranty Cover?

Roofing warranties come in two parts: manufacturer warranty on materials and contractor warranty on labor. Read both carefully. Some manufacturers offer lifetime warranties on shingles but exclude labor after the first year. Your roofing contractor should provide a separate workmanship warranty that covers installation mistakes.

Here’s a breakdown of typical warranty coverage:

Get everything in writing. A verbal promise means nothing when your roof starts leaking three years down the road.

How Will You Protect My Property During the Project?

Roofing tears up your yard. Nails fall into grass, debris lands on driveways, and heavy equipment leaves ruts. A professional roofing company in Huntsville or anywhere else will explain their protection plan upfront.

They should use tarps under the work area, magnetic sweepers to collect nails, and plywood sheets under dumpsters. I always walk the property with a magnet roller after every job. One nail in a tire costs more than the time it takes to clean up properly.

What’s Your Timeline and Payment Schedule?

Legitimate contractors provide written estimates with start dates, completion dates, and a payment schedule tied to milestones. Never pay the full amount upfront. A typical schedule looks like this:

• Deposit: 10-20% to secure materials
• Mid-project payment: 40-50% when old roof is removed and deck is repaired
• Final payment: Remaining balance after inspection and cleanup

Weather delays happen. Summer storms roll through Alabama and Tennessee without warning. Your contract should address how weather affects the timeline and who handles unexpected repairs if the crew uncovers rotted decking or structural problems.

Will You Pull the Required Permits?

Licensed roofing contractors handle permits. The permit process ensures work meets local building codes. In Alabama and Tennessee, most roof replacements require permits. Some cities like Huntsville have specific requirements for historic districts.

If a contractor suggests skipping permits to save money, walk away. Unpermitted work causes problems when you sell your house or file an insurance claim. Building inspectors can require you to tear off a new roof and start over if the work wasn’t permitted properly.

How Do You Handle Unexpected Repairs?

Every roof replacement uncovers surprises. You might have rotted decking under the shingles, damaged flashing around vents, or soffit damage from squirrels. These repairs cost extra, but you need them done right.

Ask how the contractor handles change orders. They should inspect the decking as they remove old shingles and give you a price for repairs before proceeding. I photograph damaged areas and show homeowners exactly what needs fixing. No surprises, no arguments about cost.

What Happens If There’s a Problem After Installation?

Problems pop up even with perfect installation. High winds can lift shingles, ice dams can form in valleys, or flashing can separate during temperature swings. Your roofing contractor should explain their callback policy.

Most professional companies offer free service calls during the warranty period. They’ll inspect the roof, determine if the problem stems from installation or weather damage, and handle repairs covered under warranty. Get this policy in writing before you sign the contract.

Red Flags to Watch For

Some warning signs tell you to keep looking:

• Asking for full payment upfront
• No physical business address
• Pressure to sign immediately
• Significantly lower bid than other contractors
• No proof of insurance or licensing
• Unwilling to provide references
• Suggesting you file a fraudulent insurance claim

Trust your gut. If something feels wrong, it probably is. A licensed roofing contractor won’t rush you or make the process feel uncomfortable.

Conclusion

Choosing a roofing contractor in Alabama or Tennessee requires more homework than picking the lowest bid. Ask these ten questions, verify licenses and insurance, check references, and read every word of the contract before signing. The right contractor will welcome your questions because they know thorough homeowners make the best customers.

Ready to start your roofing project with confidence? Contact a local licensed roofing contractor who can answer these questions and provide documentation to back up their claims.

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