Roofing has the highest concentration of bad actors of any home service in Texas. The combination of hail damage, insurance proceeds, and high-ticket transactions attracts people who shouldn't be in business.
Here's the actual filter we'd run if we were hiring a roofer.
1. Local address — not just a local phone number
Storm-chasers buy local phone numbers. Real local roofers have local addresses, local trucks, and local employees. Verify the address. If their "office" is a UPS Store or a residential property, that's a red flag.
2. Years in business — five minimum
The roofing industry has high turnover. Companies pop up after big storms and disappear. Look for at least five years in business under the current LLC. This isn't perfect (some good roofers are newer), but it screens out 90% of fly-by-night operations.
3. Real warranty, in writing
Two warranties matter:
- Manufacturer warranty on the materials. Tied to the brand. Standard.
- Workmanship warranty from the roofer. This is the one that matters most. A real workmanship warranty is 5–25 years on labor. "Lifetime" sounds great but is meaningless if the company doesn't exist in five years.
4. BBB accreditation and online reviews
BBB accreditation requires a real address, real responsiveness to complaints, and a process for resolution. It's not perfect, but it's a meaningful filter. Check Google reviews too — look for volume (50+) and recency (consistent reviews over time, not all from one quarter).
5. Workers compensation and liability insurance
Ask for proof of both. If a roofer's worker is hurt on your property and they don't carry workers comp, you can be liable. Reputable roofers will email you the certificates immediately.
6. Manufacturer certifications
Atlas Pro Plus, IKO ShieldPRO Plus, CertainTeed Select ShingleMaster — these are real credentials. They require ongoing training, performance standards, and warranty access. Roofers with these credentials offer warranties that uncertified roofers can't.
7. The bid itself
A real bid is detailed and itemized. Decking allowance, underlayment type, ice & water shield specification, pipe boots, drip edge, ventilation. If a bid is one line on a single page that says "new roof: $X," walk away.
8. Communication style
Pay attention to how the salesperson behaves on the inspection. Red flags:
- "Sign today and I'll discount $2,000"
- "We can waive your deductible"
- Refusing to give a written quote
- Pressure to call insurance from their truck
- Vague answers about timeline, materials, or warranty
Green flags:
- Walks the roof and shows you photos
- Explains what they see and what they don't
- Provides written documentation
- Doesn't pressure for a same-day decision
- Will give you references from your zip code
9. Get three bids — but don't just pick the cheapest
The lowest bid is almost always the worst install. Roofing margins are thin; if someone is significantly under the others, they're either skipping line items or planning to change-order you later.
The right bid is rarely the cheapest. It's the one with the most detail, the longest workmanship warranty, and the company you'd want to call back in five years.
What we offer
RoadRunner Roofing is BBB A+ accredited, family-owned and based in Boerne, fully insured, and offers manufacturer-backed warranties with workmanship terms in writing. We'll give you a written, itemized bid with photos. We won't pressure you into a same-day decision. Get a free inspection →
