How to Vet a Houston Roofer After a Storm (and Spot Storm Chasers)

By the HomePro Finder Guides team ·

The short answer
After a storm, slow down before you sign. Texas has no state license for roofers, so there's no license number that proves a roofer is legitimate. Vet them yourself: a local address, proof of insurance, a written, itemized estimate, references, a written warranty and a city permit. Walk away from anyone who knocks right after the storm and pushes you to sign today, offers to cover your deductible, or wants a big deposit up front. The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) and the Texas Attorney General both warn about these tactics. Ready to compare? Browse roofers in Houston and request a quote from any listing.

Video

5 red flags of a storm-chaser roofer

After a Houston storm, vet roofers before you sign: 6 storm-chaser red flags, Texas deductible law, insurance proof, written estimates and permits.

Video includes AI-generated imagery.

Transcript

Hail just hit Houston? Here are five red flags of a storm-chaser roofer. One: they knock right after the hail. Two: they offer to "cover your deductible." In Texas, it's illegal for a contractor to waive or cover your insurance deductible. Three: they want a big deposit up front. Four: they push you to sign today, before anyone else sees the roof. Five: no written, itemized estimate. Instead, call your insurer first, and get your own inspection from a roofer you chose.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. For questions about a contract or claim, talk to your insurer, TDI (800-252-3439) or an attorney.

Why storm chasers show up in Houston

Big wind and hail events bring roofing crews from all over. During the May 16, 2024 derecho, NWS instruments in Houston measured gusts of 74 mph at the Houston Ship Channel and 71 mph at the University of Houston (NWS Houston/Galveston statement). Less than two months later, Hurricane Beryl brought gusts of 84 mph at Hobby Airport (NWS Houston/Galveston; preliminary). After storms like those, TDI warns that "out-of-town scam artists may be the first to arrive at your front door" (TDI).

Plenty of out-of-town crews do honest work. The point isn't where they're from. It's whether they'll still be reachable when a leak shows up next spring.

First, know the license situation

Texas doesn't license roofers. TDLR doesn't issue a roofing license, and RCAT, the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas, says plainly that "anyone can call themselves a roofer in Texas." RCAT runs its own voluntary licensing program for companies that apply and meet its requirements (RCAT). It's one data point, not a state credential, and plenty of roofers don't carry it.

That's different from HVAC, plumbing and electrical work, where Texas does issue licenses you can look up. See How to Check a Texas Contractor's License Before You Hire.

6 red flags of a storm-chaser roofer

1. They knock on your door right after the storm. TDI's advice is to avoid contractors going door to door for damage repair work (TDI). The Attorney General adds: don't be pushed into signing right away, and take your time (Texas Attorney General).

2. They offer to cover, waive or "work in" your deductible. This is against Texas law. Under Business & Commerce Code §27.02(c), a seller paid from insurance proceeds commits an offense if they advertise or promise to pay, waive, absorb or rebate the deductible, or help you avoid paying it, without the insurer's consent. It's a Class B misdemeanor (Tex. Bus. & Com. Code §27.02). Separately, Insurance Code §707.002 says the insured must pay the deductible on a claim (Tex. Ins. Code §707.002). TDI says to find a different contractor and report the offer to the Attorney General at 800-621-0508 (TDI).

3. They want a large deposit or full payment up front. TDI says to be wary of a large or full down payment, and that after a disaster it's against the law for out-of-town contractors to ask for a down payment before they start (TDI). Don't make the final payment until the work is done.

4. They pressure you to sign today. Be suspicious of a salesperson who won't leave a contract overnight so you can review it, the Attorney General says. If you sign at your home, the contract must include a notice giving you three business days to cancel (Texas Attorney General). Also watch for papers labeled an "estimate" or "release" just to get on your roof. TDI warns some turn out to be contracts (TDI).

5. There's no written, itemized estimate. TDI says bids should be on company letterhead with a phone number and address, and you should get at least three (TDI). Never sign a contract with blank spaces. And don't sign one that says you agree to the repairs "for the value of insurance proceeds," which hands the contractor your whole insurance payment.

6. They have no local address or proof of insurance. TDI lists contractors who only have out-of-state references or no physical address in your area, only take cash, or have no insurance or bond as ones to watch out for (TDI). The Attorney General notes that if a contractor isn't insured, you could be liable for accidents on your property.

How to vet a roofer, step by step

  1. Get the insurer's view first. If you're filing a claim, the adjuster's estimate gives you a benchmark to compare bids against (Texas Attorney General). For the claim process itself, see Hail Hit Your Roof? Repair vs. Replace in Houston.
  2. Collect three written bids that price the same scope: tear-off or overlay, decking, underlayment, flashing, vents, cleanup.
  3. Confirm the business is real and local. Visit the street address. Look up reviews and complaints, and ask for two or three recent local references you can call.
  4. Ask for a certificate of insurance sent straight from their insurance agent, showing liability and, if they have a crew, workers' comp.
  5. Ask who pulls the permit. Inside Houston city limits, a residential re-roof needs a city permit with plan review and an inspection (Houston Permitting Center).
  6. Read the contract. For a job of $1,000 or more paid from insurance, Texas law requires the contract to include, in bold type, a notice that the insured must pay the deductible (Tex. Bus. & Com. Code §27.02(b)). If it's missing, ask why. Check that the materials, warranty terms, start date and payment schedule are written in, and that there are no blanks.
  7. Keep copies of everything: bids, contract, insurance certificate, photos, receipts and proof you paid your deductible.

Before you sign: quick checklist

  • Local physical address you've confirmed
  • Certificate of liability insurance (and workers' comp if they have a crew)
  • Written, itemized estimate on letterhead
  • Deductible notice in the contract (insurance jobs of $1,000+)
  • No deductible "deal," no blanks, no "value of insurance proceeds" clause
  • Permit: who pulls it
  • Written workmanship warranty, plus the manufacturer's warranty terms
  • Deposit is modest; final payment only after the work is done

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Frequently asked questions

Do roofers need a license in Texas?

No. Texas has no state roofing license, and TDLR doesn't license roofers. RCAT offers a voluntary license. Check for a local address, insurance, references and a written, itemized estimate instead.

Is it illegal for a roofer to pay my deductible in Texas?

Yes. Business & Commerce Code §27.02 makes it an offense for a contractor paid from insurance proceeds to pay, waive, absorb or rebate your deductible without the insurer's consent. It's a Class B misdemeanor. Report offers to the Texas Attorney General at 800-621-0508.

How much deposit should a roofer ask for?

Texas doesn't set one number for every job. TDI says to be wary of a large or full payment up front, and after a disaster, out-of-town contractors can't ask for a down payment before they start work.

Can I cancel a roofing contract I signed at my door?

The Texas Attorney General says a contract signed at your home must include a notice giving you three business days to cancel. Read the notice for the exact steps, and act quickly.

What is a storm chaser roofer?

It's a contractor who follows major storms into an area, often knocking on doors right after the damage. Some do honest work, but the red flags are pressure to sign fast, deductible offers, big deposits and no local address or proof of insurance.

Where do I report a roofing scam?

Call the Texas Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-621-0508 or file a complaint online. You can also report insurance fraud to TDI.

Ready to compare bids? Browse roofers in Houston and request a quote from any listing.

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