Get Quotes from Top Roofing Contractors in Houston, TX

Are You Licensed to Practice as a Roofing Contractor in Houston?

When seeking a professional for your roofing project, it is of great importance to ensure that you hire a fully licensed roofing contractor so as not to run afoul of the law. Roofing contractors in Texas are not required to have a license in order to work. As such, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation does not currently issue roofing contractor licenses. However, the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT), a statewide trade association that certifies roofers' knowledge and professionalism, regulates the roofing license process and requirements in Houston.

The Roofing Contractor Association of Texas only issues out licenses to individuals, not companies. However, in order to be eligible for a license, applicants must own, operate, or manage a roofing company that is physically located in Houston and has been operational for at least three years. A completed, signed, and notarized application, along with the necessary fees, must be submitted by the applicant, who must also meet all requirements on the application form. Lastly, a 70 percent or higher score is required on both a residential or commercial roofing exam and a basic business and safety knowledge exam before licensing.

Since roofing licenses are not issued by the government, there are no regulatory penalties for operating without one. However, hiring a roofer who has proven their ability to perform a quality roofing job can help ease your concerns and prevent risky or expensive errors, as improper roofing carried out by unqualified professionals can cost you thousands of dollars in damages. To find out if your roofer is a licensed member of the Roofing Contractor Association of Texas, use the advanced search option on their website.

For additional information about roofing licensing in Houston, contact the RCAT at (512) 251-7690 or (800) 997-6631. You can also send a message to their mailing address at:

How Much Do You Charge Compared to Other Roofers in the City?

The price of roofing in Houston depends on a number of factors. These factors include the size of your house, the type of roofing you have, the steepness of your roof, as well as the project's accessibility and complexity. The type of roofing project will also have an impact on the final price; replacing your entire roof, for instance, will be more expensive than just fixing a section. By requesting bids or quotes from at least three different roofing contractors in the city, you can get a good idea of the average cost of your roofing project. Watch out for bids or quotes that stand out significantly from the rest when you receive them because this is typically a sign that the contractor is dishonest or fraudulent.

Roofers in Houston earn an average wage of $41,140 annually. The average hourly wages of roofers in Houston and those of roofers in other areas of Texas, as well as other major cities in the country, are compared below:

Will You Get the Roofing Permits Required as per the Houston Building Code?

According to the Houston Construction Code, a residential or commercial roofing permit, depending on the situation, is required for residential or commercial roofing in Houston. These must be issued by the Houston Permitting Center of the Houston Public Works. For any re-roofing or roofing overlay involving residential structures, you will require the following in order to apply for a residential roofing permit:

• a building permit application
• a declaration in support of the application for a City of Houston Building Permit
• Roofing Overlay Only Form (CE-1104) or Residential Re-Roof Only Worksheet (CE-1109)

A commercial roofing permit is necessary for projects involving new roofs or roof overlays for commercial structures. To apply for a commercial roofing permit, you must possess:

• a building permit application
• a Commercial Re-Roof Only Worksheet (CE-1076) or Roofing Overlay Only Commercial or Residential Worksheet (CE-1104), and
• Two complete sets of plans (if applicable)

Keep in mind that both residential and commercial roofing permits require plan review and inspection. For information regarding roofing permits in Houston, contact Houston Public Works at:

What Kind of Roofing Services Do You Offer?

It is crucial to confirm that the roofer you want to hire has the skills and equipment necessary to perform the type of service you require on your particular type of roofing system. Different roofing systems are used by buildings in Houston, and each one has special characteristics that necessitate a certain level of expertise and specialized equipment on the part of the roofer to ensure proper service delivery. Metal roofing, asphalt shingles, and tile roofing are a few examples of typical roofing materials in Houston.

One type of roofing may be the area of expertise for some of the city's roofing contractors. Others may limit their services to those in a specific field, such as roofing remodeling, roofing maintenance, repairs, and waterproofing. As such, before hiring a roofing contractor, make sure to ask what kinds of services they offer. This will help you avoid any misunderstandings later on and ensure that you hire the right professional for the job.

The approximate costs of a few roofing services that Houston property owners frequently ask for are listed below. Be aware that these costs could be impacted by factors like your location within the city and the reputation of the roofer you choose:

Estimates based on task:

Estimates based on roof pitch (per square feet):

Estimates for roof repair/replacement based on roofing material (per square feet):

Estimates for roof repair/replacement based on shape (per square feet):

Do You Carry the Necessary Insurance Policy for Roofing Companies in Houston?

Roofers are at risk for a variety of workplace hazards, including falls from great heights that can result in injuries. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that falls, slips, and trips accounted for 96 of the 608 workplace injuries that were reported in Houston and other Texas cities in 2019. As a result, all city-licensed contractors must maintain general liability insurance coverage and, where necessary, workers' compensation and disability insurance.

Always verify that the roofer you intend to hire possesses the necessary insurance; otherwise, you run the risk of being held responsible for any accidents or other unfavorable circumstances that occur while they are working on your project.

Roofing contractors of Houston who wish to hold a residential license must fulfill all general RCAT requirements in order to do so, including some insurance requirements. Residential roofers are required to be covered by $300,000 in combined single-limit general liability insurance as part of this process. They can also offer a $100,000 contractor's surety bond as an alternative.

Similar to general residential RCAT requirements, commercial license holders must also fulfill insurance requirements, albeit with more stringent standards. Commercial roofers are required to carry $100,000 in contractor's surety bonds or $500,000 in combined single-limit general liability insurance.

While worker's compensation is not required in Houston, hiring a roofing contractor with one is an added benefit. For additional information on insurance requirements for roofers in Houston, contact the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas at: