Getting a new roof isn’t something most of us do very often, so when the time comes, you want to make sure you’re working with people who know what they’re doing.
Your roof protects everything in your home, from your family to your furniture.
Making a bad choice can lead to leaks, damage, and headaches that last for years.
Today I’m walking you through how to pick the right roofing company in Dallas, where the weather can throw everything from scorching heat to hail the size of golf balls at your home.
These seven tips will help you avoid the common mistakes homeowners make when hiring roofers.
Choose The Right Dallas Roofing Professionals
So why does picking the right roofer matter so much? Because a good roof installation can last 20+ years, while a bad one might not make it through the next big storm.
And in Dallas, we know those storms can be fierce.
Let’s break down exactly what you need to look for when hiring someone to work on your roof.
Look for Local Experience in the Dallas Area
First up, local experience. This is huge when you’re looking for a roofing company.
Dallas has unique weather patterns that affect roofs differently than other parts of the country.
A roofer from another state might not understand how our summer heat can warp certain materials or how our spring hailstorms can damage different types of roofing. Dallas roofing professionals with years of experience are invaluable because they’ve seen it all before.
Ask potential companies how long they’ve been working in Dallas specifically.
Have they handled homes in your neighborhood? Do they understand the local building codes and permit requirements? These questions will help you figure out if they truly know what works best for Dallas homes.
Local companies also tend to care more about their reputation since they’re part of the community.
They’re not going to disappear after finishing the job – they’ll still be around if you need them later.
Check Licenses, Certifications, and Insurance
Now let’s talk about paperwork.
Not the most exciting topic, but maybe the most important.
A legitimate roofing company should have proper licensing for Dallas and Texas. Ask to see their business license and any roofing-specific certifications.
Manufacturers like GAF or Owens Corning have certification programs for installers – these show the company has proper training on specific durable materials.
Insurance is non-negotiable.
Your roofer needs both liability insurance and workers’ compensation.
Without these, guess who might be on the hook if someone gets hurt on your property? That’s right – you could be. Ask for proof of insurance and actually call the insurance company to verify the policy is active.
Some companies might say they have insurance when they don’t, or they might have a policy that expired.
Taking five minutes to verify could save you thousands of dollars and major stress down the road.
Review Reputation and Customer Feedback
How do other people feel about working with this company? This tells you a lot about what your experience might be like.
Check online reviews on Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau. But don’t just look at star ratings – actually read what people say.
Are there patterns in the complaints? Do the company owners respond to negative reviews professionally?
Ask the company for references from recent customers in your area.
Any good roofer should be happy to provide these.
Did the crew clean up properly? Were there unexpected charges? Would they hire this company again?
You can also drive by homes where they’ve recently completed work.
Does the roof look clean and even? Are there signs of quality workmanship visible even from the street?
Evaluate Their Roofing Expertise and Service Range
Different roof problems need different solutions.
Make sure the company you’re considering has experience with your specific type of roof.
Do you have asphalt shingles? Metal roofing? Tile? Each requires different skills and knowledge. Ask about their experience with your roof type and what special considerations they make for it.
A quality company should start with a thorough inspection before giving you any recommendations.
They should explain exactly what they found and why they suggest certain repairs or replacement.
Be wary of anyone who pushes for a complete replacement without showing you clear evidence of why that’s necessary.
Also check what other services they offer.
Can they handle gutters, ventilation, or skylight installation? Having one company that can address all your roofing needs usually works better than hiring multiple contractors.
Ask for Detailed Written Estimates
Never accept a verbal estimate or a handshake deal. Always get it in writing.
A proper estimate should include details about materials, labor costs, timeline, payment schedule, and warranty information.
It should spell out exactly what will happen if they find additional damage once work begins.
Get estimates from at least three different companies and compare them carefully.
If one quote is much lower than the others, that’s usually a red flag – they might be cutting corners or planning to hit you with “surprise” fees later.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions about anything in the estimate you don’t understand.
Good contractors want you to feel comfortable with what you’re paying for and won’t mind explaining line items.
Assess Communication and Professionalism
Pay attention to how the company treats you from the very first phone call.
Do they return calls promptly? Do they show up on time for appointments? Do they listen to your concerns?
Notice how they present themselves too.
Do they have professional uniforms or branded vehicles? Do they send proper paperwork or just scribbled notes? These small details often reflect how they’ll handle your actual roofing project.
Ask who will be your point of contact during the project.
Will you have a project manager you can reach directly? How quickly do they typically respond to questions or concerns during a job?
Trust your gut feeling here.
If something feels off in your early interactions, it probably won’t get better once work starts and your money is involved.
Check Warranty and Post-Project Support
A roof is a long-term investment, so you need to know the company will stand behind their work years down the road.
Ask about both manufacturer warranties on materials and workmanship warranties on installation.
Material warranties typically range from 20-50 years depending on what you choose, while workmanship warranties might be 2-10 years.
Get warranty details in writing and understand exactly what’s covered.
Some warranties become void if you don’t perform regular house maintenance, so ask about that too.
Find out what happens if you have a problem later.
Will they come out for free to inspect warranty issues? How quickly do they typically respond to warranty claims? A company that’s been in business for many years in Dallas is more likely to honor long-term warranties than one that just opened up shop.
Conclusion
Choosing the right roofing professional might seem overwhelming at first, but breaking it down into these seven areas makes the process much more manageable.
Take your time making this decision – rushing is how mistakes happen.
Remember that the cheapest bid rarely equals the best value.
Focus on finding a local Dallas company with proven experience, proper credentials, strong references, clear communication, and solid warranties.
Your roof cleaning protects everything you own.
It deserves the attention of true professionals who will treat your home with the same care they’d give their own.
By following these guidelines, you’ll be much more likely to find a roofing company that delivers quality work you can count on for years to come.
