Hey Austin — Nick Riley here with Driftwood Builders Roofing.
We get asked all the time: “What questions should I ask my roofer?”
So today, I’m giving you the top 10 questions you should always ask.
1. How long have you been in business?
Experience matters — you want a company with a proven track record.
2. Are you part of the Better Business Bureau?
This helps verify reputation and accountability.
3. How many nails do you use per shingle?
At Driftwood Builders, we use six nails per shingle, which is the industry best practice for durability and wind resistance.
4. Have you done any homes in my neighborhood?
Good roofers get referrals. If they’ve worked nearby, that’s a great sign.
5. Are you certified with your manufacturer?
We’re a GAF Master Elite Certified contractor, which only about 2% of roofers qualify for. This ensures proper installation and stronger warranties.
6. Are you licensed? (Trick question in Texas)
In Texas, roofers are not required to be licensed, so be cautious if someone says they are.
7. Are you insured?
Make sure they carry both general liability and workers’ comp insurance — this protects you and their crew.
8. What happens if rotted decking is found?
A roof system has three layers: shingles, underlayment, and wood decking. If the decking is damaged, it needs to be replaced — no shortcuts.
9. Do you remove all old underlayment?
There should only be one layer. We’ve seen roofs with multiple layers stacked — that’s not the right way to do it.
10. Do you provide a porta potty for your crew?
It might sound small, but it matters. We always provide one out of respect for our team — and that’s part of why our crews have been with us for over 10 years.
See below for the video and please LMK if you have any other good questions to ask a roofer 🙂