The Best Roofing Contractors in Charlotte, NC, Compared

It depends on the roof's size, pitch, number of layers to remove, decking condition and the material you choose. In Charlotte, algae-resistant architectural shingles are the most common replacement, with metal roofing as the step-up option. Get at least two itemized written estimates from the contractors on this page; a serious estimate lists the underlayment, flashing, ventilation and decking price per sheet, not just a lump sum.

In most of Mecklenburg County a full replacement requires a building permit and at least one inspection; small repairs often do not. The contractor should pull the permit in their name. If a roofer asks you to pull it as the homeowner, treat that as a warning sign about their license or insurance.

Charlotte sees hail, tropical-storm remnants and rapid suburban growth. North Carolina requires a state license for roofing jobs over the general-contractor threshold. The region's usual problems are heavy summer rain, humidity, moss and algae, tropical-storm remnants and occasional hail. The wet season is long. Flashing, valleys and attic ventilation fail before the shingles do, so a good inspection spends more time on those than on the field of the roof.

Many policies here pay actual cash value on older roofs. Ask your agent before you file, and have the contractor photograph everything before tear-off. Document everything with photos before any work starts, and never sign an assignment of benefits or a contract contingent on an insurance approval without reading it.

Ask for the certificate of insurance directly from the insurer, not a copy from the contractor, and confirm it lists both general liability and workers' compensation. Look the license up on the North Carolina contractor licensing board site, and check the local address matches what the board has on file.