Currently, the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation is not administering licensure for roofing contractors.
This means anyone can pose as a roofer in Texas since they are not required to be licensed, insured, registered in the state, or even knowledgeable about the roofing trade.
This legal situation has given rise to numerous unscrupulous roofers or storm chasers who often scam homeowners by enticing them with cheaper quotes. Roofing installation is a highly skilled trade better left to the professionals. Besides, your roof is structurally the most critical component which protects the contents and integrity of your home. So, you should never let anyone without the right licenses and certifications touch your roof even if they are not legally required to hold such licensing.
Important Licenses and Certifications in Texas
Texas residents deserve the highest quality standards when it comes to roofing work. Fortunately, the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT) initiated a licensing program to increase consumer protection and promote public confidence in the roofing industry. The program is designed to elevate the roofing contractors’ professionalism and knowledge through voluntary self-regulation.
Although individual roofers are the ones to be licensed, the license holder must have owned, operated, or managed a qualifying roofing firm to participate in the certification program. Upon certification, the company may market itself as a “licensed” roofing contractor. Roofing companies have the options to register as a residential roofing contractor or commercial roofing contractor, or both.
Some of the qualification requirements for each person include:
- The person must be a principal in a roofing firm domiciled in the State of Texas for a minimum of three continuous years prior to the date of application.
- The roofing contractor must have a fixed address and a physical location.
- They must be actively engaged in the day to day running of the business.
Benefits of Working with Licensed and Certified Roofers
Any reputable roofing contractor passionate about offering high-quality roofing services will undoubtedly undergo the available self-regulatory options in Texas. It’s a great way to determine if your roofer meets certain standards and will do the job right the first time.
Always work with a contractor who adheres to the National Roofing Contractors Association standards. The roofer should additionally be bonded and fully insured to handle your roofing project.
Being bonded means the bonding financial institution or company has investigated the contractor’s background and ensured it is trustworthy. Your roofer should also carry both workers’ compensation insurance and general liability insurance to help protect their business and your home respectively. A certified and licensed roofer often knows the industry and what your roofing system needs.
Overall, certified and licensed roofers help ensure the roofing work will be completed successfully and that you’re working with professionals. Besides, licensed roofers are more likely to issue a legally binding contract for the project to be performed and give a written estimate to the customer.
Dangers of Working with Unlicensed Roofers
Hiring a roofing contractor who lacks the right licenses and certifications has dangerous consequences. With fewer government regulations in Texas, there is a greater potential for the contractor to provide shoddy workmanship or scam you outright.
Without an objective filter for qualified and unqualified contractors, it is easy to end up with a substandard roof who will give in to the elements soon after the contractor has gone. Even worse, some unscrupulous individuals can pose as roofers and collect your hard-earned money, then disappear and never do any work!
Moreover, many roofing material manufacturers often void their warranties if they discover the roofing materials were not installed correctly. This means if anything goes wrong with the roof after the installation, you will have to finance a fresh new roof out of pocket. This is something you don’t want to imagine, given the high cost of roof replacement.
Work with Texas Traditions for Your Peace of Mind!
Texas Traditions is a locally owned roofing company serving Georgetown and surrounding communities. As a GAF Master Elite Contractor (the highest certification attained by only the top 2% of all roofing companies), we are able to offer the GAF Golden Pledge Warranty for your roofing system.
Some of our other certifications and credentials include GAF 2019 President’s Club Award Winner, GAF Advisory Council, CertainTeed 5 Star Select Shingle, Roofing Contractors Association of Texas License, and more. All our workers and vehicles are fully insured and bonded. Contact us today with any questions about roofing licensing and certification in Texas or to schedule a free roofing consultation or inspection.