How to vet a Colorado roofer

Colorado has no state roofing license — anyone can legally call themselves a roofer. Here's what to verify before signing a contract.

Why vetting matters in Colorado

Colorado has no state roofing license requirement. Any person can legally perform roofing work and call themselves a licensed roofer regardless of training or experience. After major hail events, out-of-state crews flood the Front Range specifically because the barrier to operating is low.

The good news: legitimate, experienced Colorado roofers are easy to identify when you know what to look for.

Vetting checklist

RCAT certification

The Roofing Contractors Association of Colorado (RCAT) runs a voluntary certification program. RCAT-certified contractors have passed background checks and carry required insurance. Verify at rcat.net.

Local physical address

After storms, out-of-state crews set up temporary operations. Ask for a Colorado business address — not a PO box. Search the address on Google Maps.

General liability insurance

Request a Certificate of Insurance showing minimum $1M general liability coverage with your name listed as additionally insured. Call the insurance company to verify it's active.

Worker's compensation

If the contractor has employees, they're required to carry worker's comp in Colorado. An uninsured worker injured on your roof can become your liability.

Google Business Profile reviews

Look for a pattern of recent reviews — not just an overall rating. Read the negative reviews. A contractor with 50 reviews over 5 years is more credible than one with 200 reviews in 3 months.

Written contract before work begins

A legitimate contractor provides a written contract specifying materials (manufacturer, line, color), scope of work, payment schedule, warranty terms, and cleanup responsibilities. No contract = no hire.

Does not offer to waive your deductible

Waiving a homeowner's insurance deductible is illegal in Colorado under C.R.S. 10-4-110.8. Any contractor who offers to cover your deductible is committing insurance fraud.

Getting multiple estimates

Get at least two written estimates. The estimates should be comparable in scope — same materials, same square footage. If one estimate is significantly lower, ask why. It may reflect lower-quality materials, missing line items, or a contractor planning to cut corners.

The lowest estimate is rarely the best value. For a job involving your home's primary weather barrier, the contractor's experience and the quality of the work matters more than saving $500.

Related guides

Storm chaser red flags

Insurance claim process

What to do after hail

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