Licensed and Insured Roofing Contractor in Texas
Almost every roofer says licensed and insured. Here is what those words should mean, what to ask for in writing and why it matters to you as the homeowner.
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What licensed means in Texas
Registration and permit rules for roofers vary from city to city in Texas. That means the word licensed can refer to different things depending on the company. Ask which license or registration a contractor holds, who issued it and whether it is current.
That gap is why the rest of the checklist matters. Insurance, manufacturer credentials and a written contract tell you more about a roofer than the word licensed on a truck.
It matters most after a storm, when companies from out of town arrive and leave once the work dries up. A contractor with verifiable insurance and a written contract is one you can still reach if something goes wrong a year later.
Documents to ask for before you sign
Certificate of insurance
Ask for a current certificate showing general liability coverage. It protects your property if something is damaged during the job.
How workers are covered
Ask how the crew is insured if someone is hurt on your roof. Get the answer in writing, not just a yes.
License or registration
Ask what the company holds and who issued it. Then confirm it with the issuer.
Manufacturer credentials
Owens Corning and GAF credential contractors. You can confirm a company on each manufacturer's contractor locator.
A written contract
Scope, materials, payment schedule and cleanup should all be in writing before work starts.
Why it protects you
If a worker is injured on an uninsured job, you may be the one facing the claim.
If the crew damages your siding, landscaping or a neighbor's car, liability coverage is what pays for it.
Manufacturer warranties often depend on the roof being installed to the manufacturer's standards.
A written contract gives you something to point to if the work does not match what was promised.
Texas law prohibits contractors from waiving or paying your insurance deductible. A company that offers it is breaking the law.
How to verify a roofer in four steps
Request the paperwork
Ask for the insurance certificate and any license information before the inspection or estimate.
Call the issuer
Contact the insurance company on the certificate to confirm the policy is active.
Check the manufacturer
Look the company up on the Owens Corning or GAF site if it claims their credentials.
Read the estimate
Make sure the written estimate names materials and scope. Use our estimate guide to see what it should include.
GemSco's credentials
GemSco is family owned, fully licensed and insured, with more than 20 years of experience. We are an elite contractor for Owens Corning and GAF and work on residential and commercial roofs across Houston, DFW, Austin, San Antonio and surrounding areas.
Ask us for our documents when we come out for your free estimate. Then compare us the same way you would any other contractor, using our guide to choosing a roofing company. Whether you need roof repair or a full replacement, call (844) 980-5506.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Texas require roofers to have a license?
Roofing rules in Texas vary, and many cities have their own registration and permit requirements. Because of that, licensed can mean different things from one company to another. Ask any roofer which license or registration it holds and who issued it, then confirm with the issuer. Insurance and a written contract matter just as much.
What insurance should a roofing contractor carry?
At minimum, ask for proof of general liability coverage, which covers damage to your property during the job. Also ask how workers are covered if someone is injured on your roof. Request a current certificate of insurance and call the insurer listed on it to confirm the policy is active.
Can a roofer pay my insurance deductible?
No. Texas law prohibits contractors from waiving, rebating or paying a homeowner's insurance deductible. If a roofer offers to cover it, or to inflate the estimate to hide it, walk away. It is a sign the company is willing to cut corners elsewhere too.
Can I ask GemSco for proof of insurance?
Yes. GemSco is fully licensed and insured, and you can ask for our documents when we come out for your free estimate. We encourage homeowners to verify any contractor, including us, before signing a contract. Call the insurer on the certificate and check our standing with Owens Corning and GAF.
We’re Here to Help!
GemSco Roofing & Solar serves Houston, DFW, Austin, San Antonio and surrounding areas. We’re family owned and fully licensed and insured.