Step-by-step guide to starting a successful Roofing business.
Shared leads from brokers get sold to several roofers at once and turn into bidding wars. Building your own flow — Google Business Profile reviews, storm canvassing, realtor relationships, and referral incentives for past customers — costs more effort upfront but produces exclusive leads that close at far better rates.
Storm work pays fast but is feast-or-famine and attracts out-of-town competition the day after the weather event. A base of repairs, inspections, and referral-driven replacements keeps crews busy between storms and gives you the review history that wins storm work anyway.
Show, don't claim: post license numbers on your site, photograph your crews actually using safety equipment, publish real job videos, and collect reviews that mention cleanup and communication. Manufacturer certifications and workmanship warranties in writing separate you from the storm chasers.
Licensing varies widely — some states require a specific roofing contractor license, others a general contractor license, and some only local registration — so verify with your state's contractor board. Nearly everywhere you'll need liability insurance and workers' comp, and bonding requirements can apply to insurance-funded work.