Roofing and exterior contractors

What exterior contractors do

The outside of a house is a system for keeping water out: the roof sheds it, gutters carry it away, siding, flashing and caulk keep it out of the walls, and windows and doors seal the openings. Most exterior contractors specialise in one part of that — pick the trade for the job below — though many roofers also handle gutters, and many siding companies do windows.

Signs the outside needs attention

• Water stains on ceilings or upstairs walls, or daylight in the attic.
• Missing, curled or cracked shingles, or granules collecting in the gutters.
• Gutters overflowing, sagging or pulling away from the fascia.
• Soft, cracked or bulging siding, or peeling paint around windows.
• Drafts and condensation between the panes of double-glazed windows.

After a storm

NRCA, the roofing contractors’ association, encourages owners to assess roof damage from ground level and not attempt repairs on their own; closer assessment and repairs should be done by a professional roofing contractor (NRCA). Photograph damage from the ground, call your insurer, and be cautious with contractors who knock on doors after a storm. The FTC warns that unlicensed contractors and scammers often appear after disasters: if they want cash up front, walk away; if they will not give you copies of their licence, insurance and a written contract, that is a red flag; and never sign your insurance check over to a contractor (FTC).

How to choose an exterior contractor

• Check the licence with your state. Many states license roofing and general contracting; some leave it to cities or counties.
• Ask for proof of liability insurance and workers’ compensation — exterior work means ladders and heights.
• Get a written proposal with materials (brand and product line), scope, cleanup, permits and the payment schedule.
• Ask about both warranties: the manufacturer’s on materials, and the contractor’s on workmanship.
• Prefer a local address and local references over a business that arrived with the storm.

What affects the cost

• The size and complexity of the area — roof pitch, stories, number of windows.
• Materials, from asphalt shingle to metal, vinyl to fiber cement.
• Tear-off and disposal of what is there now.
• Hidden damage found once the old material is off — rotten decking, sheathing or framing.
• Permits, and the season.

Roofing & Exterior cost guide: the factors pros price on →

Common questions

Does homeowners insurance cover roof damage?

Sudden damage from a covered event such as a storm often is; wear and age usually are not. Policies differ, so check yours and call your insurer before major repairs.

Should I get more than one quote?

Yes, for any sizeable job. Make sure each quote covers the same scope and materials so they can be compared.

How do I spot a storm-chasing contractor?

Door-to-door offers after a storm, pressure to sign quickly, demands for cash up front, and no local address. The FTC says to walk away from anyone who wants cash up front or will not show their licence, insurance and a written contract.

Do exterior contractors need a licence?

It depends on the state and the trade. Check your state licensing board, and your city for local requirements.

Should I pay a contractor in cash up front?

No. The FTC’s advice after storms is that if a contractor wants cash up front, walk away. Agree a payment schedule tied to stages of work, in a written contract.

When is the best time for exterior work?

When the weather suits the material: most roofing, painting and sealing need dry days within a temperature range. Booking outside the busy season can also help scheduling.

Sources

Safety and standards advice on this page comes from these publishers. Dates are the ones each page shows.

• National Roofing Contractors Association, Storm roof repairs (no date shown; read October 2026)
• Federal Trade Commission, How To Avoid Scams After Weather Emergencies and Natural Disasters (modified April 28, 2026)