Roofing is one of the home improvement categories most vulnerable to poor contractors. The barrier to entry is low. A pickup, some tools, and a few helpers is enough to start taking jobs. In Texas, storm season brings waves of out-of-town crews chasing hail damage with no local accountability when things go wrong.
The good contractors exist — and there are more of them in Central Texas than the cautionary stories suggest. But you have to know what you’re looking for. Here’s the real list.
Texas Contractor Registration
Texas requires roofing contractors to register with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). This registration requires compliance with basic consumer protection requirements, including providing a written contract and certain disclosures. It’s a minimum bar, not a stamp of excellence — but contractors who won’t produce their TDLR registration number are a red flag.
You can verify registration at the TDLR’s online lookup. It takes 90 seconds.
Insurance: Liability and Workers’ Compensation
Ask for certificates of insurance. Specifically:
- General liability insurance. This covers damage to your property that occurs during the project. If a crew member puts a foot through your ceiling, this is what pays for it.
- Workers’ compensation insurance. This covers crew members injured on your property. Without it, an injured worker can potentially file a claim against your homeowners policy or sue you directly. This happens. It’s preventable.
A legitimate contractor provides these without hesitation. Ask for the certificates, verify the policies are active, and make sure the coverage amounts are reasonable for the size of your project.
Manufacturer Certifications
Manufacturer certifications are third-party validations of contractor quality that go beyond self-promotion. GAF Master Elite is the highest certification level GAF offers — North America’s largest roofing manufacturer. Fewer than 3% of roofing contractors in the country hold this designation.
Earning and maintaining Master Elite requires verified licensing, insurance, and a demonstrated reputation for quality work. It’s not purchased with volume. It can be verified directly on GAF’s website. If a contractor claims certification, look them up.
Warranty Coverage
Understand what warranty you’re being offered and what it actually covers. The most common warranties include:
- Manufacturer material warranty. Covers defects in the roofing materials themselves. Available through any contractor using the manufacturer’s products.
- Contractor workmanship warranty. Covers installation errors. Offered by the contractor, not the manufacturer. The value depends entirely on whether the contractor will still be in business when you need it.
- Enhanced manufacturer system warranty. Covers both materials and workmanship, backed by the manufacturer. Only available through certified contractors. GAF’s Golden Pledge warranty is an example — available exclusively through Master Elite contractors.
A workmanship warranty from a contractor who won’t be around in two years is not much of a warranty. The enhanced system warranties backed by the manufacturer hold up regardless of what happens to the individual contractor.
Questions to Ask Any Contractor You’re Considering
- Can you provide your TDLR registration number?
- Can I see your current certificates of liability and workers’ comp insurance?
- What manufacturer are you certified with, and at what level?
- What warranty do you offer on workmanship, and is it backed by the manufacturer?
- Who are your references for work done in this area?
- Is your crew your own employees or are you subcontracting this work?
How a contractor responds to these questions tells you a lot. Defensive responses, vague answers, or pressure to sign before you get documentation — those are signals to keep looking.
Red Flags
- Unsolicited door-to-door contact immediately after a storm
- Offers to waive or cover your deductible (this is insurance fraud)
- Pressure to sign a contract on the same day as the estimate
- Large upfront deposits before any materials are ordered or work begins
- No physical local business address
- Reluctance to provide license or insurance documentation
Divided Sky’s Track Record in Central Texas
Divided Sky is based in San Marcos, and we’ve been serving homeowners throughout Central Texas for years. We’re a GAF Master Elite Contractor — one of fewer than 3% of roofing contractors nationally. We’ve been named Best of Hays County multiple times, won San Marcos Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year in 2021, and were recognized on the Inc. 5000 list in 2022. These aren’t marketing claims — they’re documented recognitions that reflect a consistent track record.
We’re here before the storm and we’re here after. That’s what local accountability actually means.
