Charlotte has no shortage of roofing companies. After any big storm, it feels like there is a truck with a magnetic door sign on every street in Ballantyne and SouthPark. Some of these companies have been here for decades. Others showed up last week from out of state and will be gone by the time you need warranty work.
Picking the right roofer is not complicated, but it does take some homework. Here is what to check, what to ask, and what should make you walk away.
Step 1: Verify the License
In North Carolina, any contractor doing work over $30,000 must hold a general contractor license from the NC Licensing Board for General Contractors. A lot of roof replacements hit that number, especially on larger homes. Even for smaller jobs, most reputable Charlotte roofers carry a license because it signals they are serious about their business.
You can verify any contractor's license number on the NC Licensing Board website (nclbgc.org). It takes about 30 seconds. If a roofer cannot or will not give you a license number, move on.
One thing to watch for: subcontractor arrangements. Some companies give you a quote, then subcontract the actual work to a different crew. That is not necessarily a problem — as long as the primary contractor is licensed and takes responsibility for the work. Ask directly: "Will your own crew do the work, or do you sub it out?" Either answer is fine, but you should know upfront.
Step 2: Check Insurance — Both Kinds
There are two types of insurance a roofer needs to have, and you should ask for proof of both:
- General liability insurance: This covers damage to your property if something goes wrong during the job — a crew member drops a tool through your skylight, debris damages your landscaping, etc. Look for at least $1 million in coverage.
- Workers' compensation insurance: This covers the roofer's employees if they get injured on your property. If a roofer does not carry workers' comp and someone gets hurt on your roof, you can be held liable. This is non-negotiable.
Ask for a certificate of insurance and call the insurance company to verify it is current. Any legitimate roofer will hand this over without hesitation. If they get defensive about this request, that tells you something.
Step 3: Look at Reviews — But Read Them Right
Google reviews are the most useful starting point for vetting roofing companies in Charlotte. But the star rating alone does not tell you enough. Here is how to actually use reviews:
- Look for patterns, not individual reviews. Every company gets a random 1-star review from someone unreasonable. That does not mean anything. What matters is whether you see the same complaint repeated — "they never called back," "the cleanup was terrible," "they missed two scheduled appointments." Patterns tell you what to expect.
- Read the responses. How does the company respond to negative reviews? A professional response that addresses the issue is a good sign. No response at all, or a defensive, combative response, is a red flag.
- Check the dates. A company with 200 five-star reviews that all came in during one month is suspicious. Reviews should be spread over time. Also make sure recent reviews (last 6 months) are still positive — companies change owners, lose key employees, or take on too much work.
- Check multiple platforms. Google, BBB, Yelp, and Angi all show different slices of a company's reputation. A company with great Google reviews but an F rating with the BBB deserves a closer look.
Step 4: Get at Least Three Written Estimates
This is standard advice for a reason. Three quotes give you a realistic price range and help you spot the outlier — whether that is a company charging way too much or a lowball bid that should concern you.
Each estimate should include:
- Specific shingle brand and product line (not just "architectural shingles")
- Type of underlayment
- Whether old shingles are being torn off or going over the existing layer
- Flashing replacement (chimney, pipe boots, step flashing)
- Ventilation (ridge vents, intake vents)
- Number of squares being installed
- Cleanup and debris disposal
- Warranty details — both manufacturer warranty and workmanship warranty
- Permit costs (included or extra)
If a quote just says "Roof replacement — $9,500" with no detail, that is not a real estimate. You have no idea what you are getting. A detailed written quote protects you if there is a dispute later.
When comparing quotes, make sure they are specifying the same materials. A quote for GAF Timberline HDZ and a quote for 3-tab shingles are not comparable — that is a completely different product at a different price point. Read our 2025 Charlotte roof cost guide so you know what price range is realistic for your home size and material choice.
Step 5: Ask About Manufacturer Certifications
The biggest shingle brands — GAF, Owens Corning, and CertainTeed — all have certification programs for contractors. These are not participation trophies. Getting certified requires training, insurance verification, customer feedback scores, and ongoing education.
Why this matters to you: certified contractors can offer better warranties from the manufacturer. A GAF Master Elite contractor can offer GAF's Golden Pledge warranty, which covers both materials and labor for 25 years. A non-certified installer using the same shingles can only offer the basic manufacturer warranty, which covers materials only.
That difference matters when something goes wrong in year 8. For a detailed breakdown of what each certification means, check out our comparison of GAF, Owens Corning, and CertainTeed.
Red Flags That Should Make You Walk Away
After covering hundreds of roofing jobs in the Charlotte market, these are the warning signs that consistently predict problems:
They Showed Up at Your Door After a Storm
Door-knocking after a hailstorm is a roofing industry staple, and it is not automatically a scam. Some legitimate local companies do it. But a huge number of "storm chasers" — out-of-state crews that follow severe weather — also use this tactic. They do the work, collect the insurance check, and are gone before you notice the problems.
If a roofer shows up unsolicited, write down their company name and look them up before signing anything. Check the license, check the address (is it a local office or a PO box?), and check reviews. If they pressure you to sign a contract on the spot, that is your answer — walk away.
They Want Full Payment Upfront
A reasonable deposit is 10-30% to cover material costs. The balance should be due after the work is completed and you have inspected it. Any company asking for 50% or more upfront, or the full amount before starting, is either in financial trouble or planning to disappear.
The Quote Is Dramatically Lower Than Everyone Else
If you get three quotes and one is $4,000 less than the other two, something is wrong. They are either cutting corners on materials, using inexperienced labor, skipping the permit, or planning to hit you with change orders once the job starts. In roofing, you really do get what you pay for.
They Do Not Mention Permits
Mecklenburg County and most surrounding municipalities require a building permit for roof replacements. If a roofer never mentions the permit, they are either planning to skip it (which puts you at risk during a home inspection or insurance claim) or they do not know the local requirements, which means they are not from around here.
No Written Contract
Everything should be in writing before any work starts: the scope of work, materials, price, timeline, payment schedule, warranty terms, and what happens if they find unexpected damage (like rotten decking). A handshake deal for an $12,000 job is asking for trouble.
Charlotte-Specific Things to Know
HOA Approval
A lot of Charlotte neighborhoods — Ballantyne, Providence Plantation, Piper Glen, Cameron Wood, and most subdivisions in Weddington and Marvin — have HOA restrictions on roofing materials and colors. Check with your HOA before signing a contract. Some HOAs require a specific shingle brand or color range. Your roofer should know this, but it is ultimately your responsibility to get approval before work starts.
NC Lien Laws
Under North Carolina law, subcontractors and material suppliers can place a lien on your property if the general contractor does not pay them — even if you already paid the general contractor in full. Protect yourself by asking the contractor for lien waivers from their subcontractors and suppliers after the job is done and you have made final payment.
Storm Season Timing
Charlotte's storm season runs roughly April through September. After a major hail event, every roofer in town is booked solid for weeks or months. If your roof can wait, scheduling your roof replacement in late fall or winter gets you faster scheduling and sometimes better pricing. If you have active storm damage, do not wait — get a tarp on it and file your insurance claim immediately.
The Bottom Line
Finding a good roofer in Charlotte comes down to a few things: verify the license, check the insurance, read the reviews carefully, get multiple detailed quotes, and walk away from anyone who pressures you or asks for too much money upfront.
The cheapest quote is rarely the best value. And the most expensive quote is not automatically the best work. Focus on the contractor's reputation, their specific plan for your roof, and whether they answer your questions directly without dodging.
You can start by browsing our directory of reviewed roofing companies in Charlotte. If you are in Fort Mill or Tega Cay, we also have a guide specifically about picking a roofer in the Fort Mill and Tega Cay area, where South Carolina licensing rules are slightly different from North Carolina.