The Best Roofing Contractors in Austin, TX, Compared

It depends on the roof's size, pitch, number of layers to remove, decking condition and the material you choose. In Austin, Class 4 impact-resistant shingles are the most common replacement, with stone-coated steel 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 Travis 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.

Austin's mix of hail, heat and new construction means a wide range of roof ages and a lot of out-of-town crews after storms. The region's usual problems are large hail every spring, tornado-season wind, summer heat that ages shingles fast and ice storms. Hail season peaks April through June. After a storm, expect door-knockers; the roofers worth hiring have a local office, a local phone number and references from the last storm cycle.

Class 4 impact-rated shingles often earn a premium discount. Get the discount paperwork from your contractor before the final invoice. 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. Texas does not issue a statewide roofing license, so check local registration, years at the same address and recent references instead.