A new roof is one of the biggest checks most Charlotte homeowners will ever write, and the roofer you pick matters as much as the shingles. A great install lasts 25 years or more. A bad one can leak in the first storm and leave you chasing a company that no longer answers the phone.
This guide walks you through the 10 things to check before you hire anyone, the questions to ask on the estimate visit, and the red flags that should end the conversation. It works for any roofer, including us.
Short on time? Use the checklist below, and see our 10 best roofing companies in Charlotte for a starting list.
The 10-Point Roofer Checklist
| What to check | What good looks like |
|---|
| Google reviews | 4.8+ stars, 100+ reviews, recent ones mention roof replacements |
| BBB profile | Accredited, A or A+ rating, complaints answered |
| Who quotes the job | The owner or a project lead, not a commissioned door-knocker |
| Insurance | Certificate for general liability and workers' comp |
| Manufacturer certification | Owens Corning, GAF or CertainTeed certified |
| Written estimate | Itemized, with shingle line, underlayment and decking price named |
| Workmanship warranty | In writing, ideally 5 years or more |
| Payment terms | Reasonable deposit, balance when the job is done |
| Local presence | A Charlotte-area company you can reach after the job |
| No pressure | Time to compare quotes, no "sign today" pricing |
1. Read the Google Reviews the Right Way
Star ratings in Charlotte are high across the board, so look deeper than the number:
- Sort by "Newest". A great rating from five years ago means less than what customers said last month.
- Look for roof replacements, not just small repairs or gutter cleaning.
- Check the review count. 100+ reviews is much harder to fake than 15.
- Read how the company answers the occasional unhappy customer. That tells you how they will treat you if something goes wrong.
2. Check the Better Business Bureau
Search the company on bbb.org. Accreditation and an A or A+ rating show a track record of resolving problems. If there are complaints, see whether the company answered them.
3. Ask Who Actually Inspects and Quotes the Roof
At many larger companies the person on your roof is a commissioned salesperson who never comes back after you sign. Ask who writes the estimate, who runs the crew and who you call if something goes wrong. With an owner-led company, those are often the same person.
4. Get Proof of Insurance
Ask for a certificate of insurance showing general liability and workers' compensation. If an uninsured worker is hurt on your property, you could be the one facing the claim. A good roofer sends the certificate without hesitation.
5. Ask About Manufacturer Certification
Owens Corning, GAF and CertainTeed each certify roofers who meet their training and quality standards. Certification matters because it decides which manufacturer warranties the roofer can offer you. Some of the longest warranties, including ones that cover labor, are only available through certified contractors. You can confirm a roofer's status on the manufacturer's website.
6. Insist on a Written, Itemized Estimate
A one-line quote that says "new roof, $14,000" makes it impossible to compare bids. A good estimate names:
- The shingle brand and product line, and the color
- Tear-off of existing layers, and how many layers
- Underlayment type, plus ice and water protection in valleys
- New drip edge, pipe boots, flashing and ridge ventilation
- Decking replacement priced per sheet, so there are no surprises after tear-off
- Cleanup, including a magnetic nail sweep
- The workmanship warranty and the manufacturer warranty
Not sure what a fair price is? See what a new roof costs in Charlotte, or get an instant roof quote in about a minute.
7. Compare Workmanship Warranties
The shingle warranty covers the materials. The workmanship warranty covers the installation, and installation mistakes cause most early leaks. Many roofers offer only 1–2 years. Ask for the warranty in writing, and ask what voids it. Read more about roofing warranty scams to avoid.
8. Know the Storm-Chaser Red Flags
After a hail or wind storm, out-of-town crews often go door to door across Charlotte. Be careful when a roofer:
- Knocks on your door right after a storm and asks you to sign on the spot
- Offers to waive or cover your insurance deductible. Roofing contractors are not allowed to pay, waive or rebate any part of your deductible, and doing so puts you at risk.
- Asks for full payment, or a very large deposit, before materials arrive
- Has no local office, no local reviews and an out-of-state phone number
- Asks you to sign a contract before you have even talked to your insurance company. Learn what a contingency agreement means before you sign one.
9. Understand Payment and Financing
A reasonable deposit or payment on material delivery is normal. The balance should be due when the work is done and you have walked the roof with the roofer. If you need to spread out the cost, ask about payment plans and financing up front. See roof financing options in Charlotte.
10. Pick Someone Who Knows Charlotte
A local roofer knows the hail patterns across Mecklenburg and Union counties, the HOA color rules in neighborhoods like Olde Sycamore and Ballantyne, and the building codes your roof has to meet. Just as important, a local company is still around if you need warranty work five years from now.
12 Questions to Ask on the Estimate Visit
- Who will be on my roof, and who do I call with problems?
- Can I see your certificate of insurance?
- Which shingle manufacturer are you certified with?
- What exactly is included in the price?
- How do you price decking if it needs replacing?
- How many layers are coming off?
- What underlayment and ventilation will you install?
- What workmanship warranty do I get, and is it in writing?
- How long will the job take, and what happens if it rains?
- How do you protect my landscaping and clean up nails?
- What deposit do you need, and when is the balance due?
- Can I talk to a recent customer in my area?
How Charlotte Ace Roofing Answers These Questions
- Who quotes the job: owner Vasily Zhuk meets every estimate himself.
- Reviews: 5.0 stars across 585+ Google reviews.
- BBB: Accredited, A+ rating.
- Certification: Owens Corning Preferred Contractor, with GAF and CertainTeed available on request.
- Estimate: written and itemized, with decking listed as its own line.
- Warranty: 5-year workmanship warranty on top of the manufacturer warranty.
- Price: $1,000 off any full replacement, plus a beat-or-match guarantee on written quotes.
- Recognition: Best Roofing in Charlotte, NC 2026 (Quality Business Awards).
Choosing a Roofer: Common Questions
How many roofing quotes should I get?
Two or three written, itemized quotes is usually enough to see a fair price and compare what each roofer includes.
Is the cheapest roofing quote a good idea?
Only if it includes the same materials and work. Low quotes often leave out underlayment, ventilation, decking or cleanup, or come with a short warranty.
Should I hire a roofer who knocks on my door after a storm?
Be careful. Check their reviews, insurance and local address first, and never sign on the spot or before talking to your insurance company.
Can a roofer waive my insurance deductible?
No. Roofing contractors are not allowed to pay, waive or rebate any part of a homeowner's insurance deductible.
How long should a roof replacement take?
Most homes in the Charlotte area are done in 1–2 days. Larger or steeper roofs can take longer.
Get a Free, Honest Roof Inspection
Call or text Charlotte Ace Roofing at (704) 396-8383, or book your free inspection online. We will show you photos of everything we find and give you a written estimate, with no pressure to sign.
