Roofing pays well because it is hard, risky and essential. A successful roofing company manages all three: the work, the safety and the sales.
| Type | Work | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residential replacement | Shingle, metal or tile re-roofs | Sales-driven; reviews and referrals matter |
| Residential repair | Leaks, storm damage, flashing, gutters | Fast response; good entry point |
| Commercial | Low-slope systems such as TPO, EPDM, built-up and metal | Larger jobs, specialized crews, bonding |
| New construction | Roofing for builders | Steady volume, lower margins |
| Maintenance programs | Inspections and repairs for commercial clients | Recurring revenue |
Roofing licensing varies widely. Some states require a specific roofing contractor license, others include roofing under a general or residential contractor license, and others leave it to local governments. Many cities require contractor registration and permits for roof replacements.
See how EZTime works for your industry, from time tracking to shift scheduling.
Some states also have laws for contractors who solicit work after storms, including rules about contracts tied to insurance claims and cancellation rights. Learn these before doing storm work. See our legal requirements checklist.
| Coverage | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| General liability | Covers property damage (such as water intrusion) and third-party injuries |
| Workers’ compensation | Required for employees in most states; roofing has high injury rates, so premiums are significant |
| Commercial auto | Covers trucks and trailers |
| Tools and equipment | Covers equipment on job sites |
| Bonds | License bonds and, for larger commercial work, performance and payment bonds |
Workers’ compensation is often one of a roofing company’s biggest costs. A strong safety record can help over time. See our construction insurance guide.
Falls are a leading cause of death in construction, and roofers face them every day. OSHA’s construction standards generally require fall protection for workers on surfaces with an unprotected edge 6 feet or more above a lower level, including residential roofing. Options include guardrails, safety nets and personal fall arrest systems, depending on the roof and the work. A safety program should include:
Daily toolbox talks keep safety visible. See also construction site hazards.
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Access | Extension ladders, ladder hoists, roof brackets, scaffolding |
| Fall protection | Anchors, harnesses, lifelines, guardrail systems |
| Tools | Roofing nailers, compressors, hatchets, utility knives, pry bars, tin snips |
| Tear-off and cleanup | Shovels, tarps, magnetic sweepers, dumpsters or trailers |
| Commercial | Heat welders, rollers, adhesive equipment for low-slope systems |
| Vehicles | Truck, dump trailer, possibly a material lift |
| Technology | Measurement and estimating tools, scheduling and time tracking |
Rent costly equipment until you know your volume.
Use the labor burden calculator and profit margin calculator, and read our construction estimating guide.
Many shingle and membrane manufacturers offer contractor certification programs. Certified contractors may be able to offer extended manufacturer warranties, which can help you win jobs. Requirements typically include training, proper licensing and insurance. Separately, decide on your own workmanship warranty and put it in writing.
Storm damage repairs are often paid through homeowners’ insurance. If you do this work:
Roofing demand changes with the weather. In much of the country, work slows in winter, and storms can create sudden spikes. To manage cash flow:
A roof replacement disrupts a household for a day or more. Tell customers what to expect: noise, debris, vehicles in the driveway, the need to move cars and protect attic items, and what happens if rot is found under the old roof. Confirm the start date when weather allows, send an update when the crew is on the way, do a magnetic sweep for nails and finish with a walk-through.
See construction worker training for building a training program.
It depends on your state and city. Some states require a specific roofing license, some include roofing in a general contractor license and others regulate locally. Most areas require permits for roof replacements.
Usually general liability, workers’ compensation, commercial auto and tools coverage, plus bonds where required. Workers’ compensation is often a major cost because of the high injury risk.
OSHA’s construction standards generally require fall protection when working 6 feet or more above a lower level, including residential roofing, using systems such as guardrails, safety nets or personal fall arrest systems. Training is also required.
By measuring the roof in squares, adding materials, labor adjusted for pitch and tear-off, disposal, permits, overhead and profit, then presenting a written proposal.
Yes, but state laws govern how contractors may interact with insurers and homeowners on claims, and waiving deductibles is prohibited in some states. Learn your state’s rules first.
It can be, but profitability depends on accurate estimating, crew productivity, safety (which affects insurance costs), weather and steady sales.
It depends on whether you start with repairs or full replacements, your insurance costs and how much equipment you buy versus rent. Insurance, especially workers’ compensation, is often one of the largest early costs.
EZTime’s digital employee file keeps documents such as certificates and sends reminders before they expire.