Roofing Contractor Company Licensing

Acquiring a roofing contractor license is one crucial step in becoming a certified construction business. Every state has different licensing requirements, so you need to know specifics before starting your business. Learn more about the process and your obligations.

What Is a Roofing Contractor License?

Roofing contractor licenses are issued at the state level. They certify that an individual or company is licensed to work on roofs. Most roofers also need a general contractor’s license in addition to a roofing license if they are working on any other area of a house or building than the roof. Having a roofing license not only ensures you are in compliance with the state regarding running your business, but it also lets potential customers know you specialize in roofing.

Who Needs a Roofing Contractor License?

State requirements vary. While some have no laws regarding roofing licenses, others have strict rules and tests roofing contractors must take. Some states require different licensing for residential and commercial projects. In states where licensing is required, the process typically involves proving you have knowledge of safely working on roofs and paying any required registration fees. Licenses likely need to be renewed on an annual basis.

If you are concerned about managing the business registration process on your own, you can seek guidance from the business licensing experts at Harbor Compliance. With our professional licensing services, you will understand all of the stages of corporate compliance and have access to full-service support and expert software insights.

We make preparing and filing applications easy, and we handle communication with government agencies on your behalf. With our software, you can track your registration status, license numbers, filing history, fees, and renewals 24/7.

How to Obtain a Roofing Contractor Company License

The process of applying for and receiving a roofing contractor company license is detailed, but it can be broken down into easily manageable steps. As with any business, you will need to:

• develop a company name
• choose a business structure
• register your company in the state in which you plan to operate
• appoint a registered agent to receive notice of lawsuit and other legal notices

Once you have taken care of your general business registration, you can focus on getting your business licensed to work on roofing projects. The time it takes to complete the process varies, but it will go smoother if you have all of the necessary paperwork lined up before you start. This includes information regarding your training and education, as well as your company’s insurance policy.

If you are having trouble with the licensing process, the specialists at Harbor Compliance can help. You shouldn’t have to worry about licensing when you should be focused on entering new markets, hiring new employees, and bidding for new contracts. We will walk you through the entire process.

Training and Experience

To obtain a roofing license, applicants generally need to have a certain amount of industry experience. That experience may be acquired as a journeyman or a foreman on a crew. It all depends on your area’s requirements.

Some states require training in addition to experience. The amount of training varies; however, options are typically offered in person or online. Courses cover a variety of roofing topics thermoplastic polyolefins (TPO), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), repair procedures, safety procedures, and more.

Certification

Once completing the required training and experience, applicants must pass an examination to move forward with the licensing process. Exams test applicants’ expertise in the roofing industry. The examination could include actual construction and roofing repair, as well as questions regarding knowledge of applicable laws. The exam and the method of testing depend on your state requirements.

Insurance

Insurance costs vary from state to state and depend on your company’s size, the services you offer, and policy limits. However, roofing companies must obtain the necessary insurance to protect the business in the event of an accident. Policy options for roofing contractor companies include:

• General liability insurance - covers third-party risks, customer bodily injuries, libel and other advertising slanders, and leaks in a new roof
• Workers’ compensation - covers work-related medical expenses, missed wages, and employee injury lawsuits—is required in most states
• Commercial auto insurance - covers third-party injuries and property damage caused by roofing company vehicles, legal fees from an auto accident, and vehicle theft and vandalism
• Contractor’s tools and equipment coverage - covers repair or replacement of single cutter, roofing knives, and other damaged tools that are less than five years old and have been transported to job sites

When you register your business, you will need to provide a certificate of insurance from your chosen provider. Policies, deductibles, and coverages may change, so it is essential to keep track of your company’s policy.

Continuing Education

Some states require continuing education credits in roofing through the years you operate a business. This ensures business owners and employees keep up with new regulations, construction methods, and more. The amount of training required and frequency vary by state.

Keeping on track with your business’s license renewals can be complicated, especially as a growing company. At Harbor Compliance, our Entity Manager software simplifies accurate due date tracking and on-time filing. This way, your business will continue to be compliant with state and local requirements, and you will have the time you need to continue working and expanding your clientele.

Explore Licensing by State

Click on a link below to view licensing information in your state.

Meeting the roofing contractor company license requirements is not always an easy process. Fortunately, Harbor Compliance License Manager helps construction professionals maintain their licenses by automating repetitive tasks such as tracking renewals. Through License Manager, you can also access Compliance Core™ data for the states in which you work, reducing the time spent researching state requirements. Contact our licensing experts today to learn more.