The Best Roofing Contractors in Raleigh, NC, Compared

It depends on the roof's size, pitch, number of layers to remove, decking condition and the material you choose. In Raleigh, 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 Wake 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.

The Triangle gets hurricane remnants from the coast and spring hail from the west, with a large stock of 1990s and 2000s roofs due for replacement. 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.