How to Choose a Roofer in Raleigh, North Carolina

1. Know North Carolina's license rule

North Carolina requires a general contractor license from the NC Licensing Board for General Contractors when the cost of a project is $40,000 or more (G.S. 87-1). Roofing is its own specialty classification, S(Roofing), and is also covered by the Building and Residential classifications (NCLBGC classifications). Smaller jobs may not require a state license, so ask any roofer whether they hold one and look it up on the board's license search.

2. Ask for proof of insurance

Ask for a certificate of liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage, issued by the insurer or agent and naming you as certificate holder. The NC Industrial Commission offers an employer coverage lookup.

3. Verify manufacturer certifications yourself

Search the roofer's name or your ZIP in Owens Corning's contractor locator (or the locator for the brand they install) and confirm the tier. Some warranty options are only available through certified installers.

4. Look up the BBB profile

Search the company on BBB.org. Check the rating, complaint history and responses, and confirm the address and owners match.

5. Get written, itemized estimates

Compare at least two written estimates with the same scope: tear-off or repair area, underlayment, flashing, ventilation, decking, cleanup, permit responsibility and payment terms.

6. Ask about the permit

Under G.S. 160D-1110(c), some single-family work costing $40,000 or less is exempt from a building permit. The NC Office of State Fire Marshal says that exemption covers replacement of roofing and up to 15% of the existing roof deck (OSFM guidance); more deck or structural work needs a permit. The City of Raleigh lists roofing among residential permit work (How to get a residential permit). Ask your roofer which applies to your job and who pulls the permit.

7. Insurance claim basics

Open the claim with your insurer, document damage with dated photos and keep every estimate. The NC Department of Insurance has consumer help and licenses public adjusters. A roofer can meet your adjuster and show the damage, but the claim is between you and your insurer.

Storm-chaser red flags

• Door-knockers who arrive right after a storm from out of the area, with no local office you can visit.
• Pressure to sign the same day, or a "contingency" form you are told is just paperwork. Under the FTC Cooling-Off Rule, many door-to-door sales can be cancelled within three business days; the seller must tell you about that right.
• Offers to "cover your deductible." Your deductible is part of your insurance contract.
• A contractor who says they will negotiate your claim for you. Only a licensed public adjuster may do that for pay (see your state insurance department below).
• Large cash deposits before materials are delivered, or no written contract.

Questions homeowners ask

Does a roofer need a license in North Carolina?

A North Carolina general contractor license is required when the project costs $40,000 or more (G.S. 87-1). Roofing is a specialty classification, S(Roofing). You can look up licenses on the NC Licensing Board for General Contractors website.

Do I need a permit to replace my roof in Raleigh?

Under G.S. 160D-1110(c), replacing roofing on a single-family home is exempt when the project costs $40,000 or less and replaces no more than 15% of the roof deck, per NC Office of State Fire Marshal guidance. Structural work or larger jobs need a permit. The City of Raleigh lists roofing as residential permit work, so confirm your scope with the city.

How do I check a roofer's Owens Corning certification?

Search the company name or your ZIP in Owens Corning's online contractor locator and confirm the tier shown.

What should a written roofing estimate include?

Scope of work, materials by brand and line, underlayment and flashing, ventilation, how damaged decking is handled, cleanup, permit responsibility and payment terms.

What are signs of a storm chaser?

No local office, same-day pressure to sign, offers to cover your deductible, promises to negotiate your claim, and large cash deposits before materials arrive.

Where Roof Revivers fits

Roof Revivers has been roofing since 2012 and serves the Triangle from 1117 Corporation Pkwy Suite 106, Raleigh, NC 27610, (919) 794-5754, open Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM. We are an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor, our Raleigh branch is BBB A+ accredited (BBB profile), and it holds a 4.8-star Google rating. Run the checklist above on us too.

Related pages

• Raleigh roofing
• Raleigh roof repair
• Raleigh roof replacement
• Cary roofing
• Raleigh service areas
• Comparing roofers in Apex, NC

This guide summarizes public rules as of October 2026 and is not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the linked agencies.