Roofing contractors in
Houston, Texas.
A public directory of roofing contractor businesses serving greater Houston. Market data, licensing requirements, and cost benchmarks — updated continuously from public sources.
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Common Job Costs
Licensing Requirements
Licensing Requirements
Texas does not require a state contractor's license for roofers. However, roofers may operate under a general contractor license (Class A or B) through TDLR if doing work over $100k or working in certain municipalities. Houston requires City of Houston Roofing License and Business Tax Certificate. No state exam for roofers specifically, but general contractor exam (NASCLA) covers roofing if pursuing that license. Renewal is annual for local licenses.
Permit Requirements
Houston Building Department issues roofing permits for any new roof, replacement, or repairs exceeding 25% of roof area. Permit cost typically $100–$300 depending on project size. Permits require engineer stamps for wind or structural concerns. Inspection required before and after installation. Harris County may have additional requirements if project is outside city limits.
Inspection Schedule
Initial inspection by Building Department before work begins (roofing deck and structure). Final inspection required within 10 days of completion or before occupancy. Wind speed certifications may trigger additional inspections if roof meets high-wind resistance standards. Manufacturer warranty inspections sometimes required for TPO or foam roofs.
Insurance Minimums
General Liability: minimum $300,000 (standard); $1,000,000 recommended for larger projects. Workers' Compensation: statutory requirement if more than 0 employees (required in Texas for all contractors with employees). Property and Equipment Insurance: recommended but not mandated. Roofing-specific liability often required by commercial clients.
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Source status: unavailable · 8/1/2026
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Local market snapshot
Source: DoorBase, aggregated public ZIP-level data. Updated 9/6/2026.
How to Get Licensed
Obtain City of Houston Roofing License
Apply through the City of Houston Business Licensing Division. Required documents: proof of identification, Social Security number or EIN, business address, phone number. Fee is approximately $40–$75. Processing time is 5–10 business days. License must be renewed annually. No exam required for basic roofing license. Submit application online or in person at the Houston Business Licensing office.
Get Business Tax Certificate
Obtain a Houston Business Tax Certificate (BTC) from the City of Houston. Required for all business operations in the city. File with the Business Licensing Division; fee is approximately $40. Certificate is valid for 2 years. Renewal required biennial. Certificate demonstrates legitimate business operation and is required before pulling permits.
Register for Workers' Compensation Insurance
If you have employees (any number), you are required by Texas law to carry Workers' Compensation insurance. Contact an approved Texas workers' comp carrier or select a self-insurance option (high capital requirement). Provide proof of coverage to clients and keep current. Renewal is annual. This is non-negotiable for hiring employees. Coverage begins before first employee day.
Obtain General Liability Insurance
Purchase General Liability insurance from a licensed carrier. Minimum $300,000; $1,000,000 recommended for commercial and large projects. Insurance should cover bodily injury, property damage, and completed operations. Provide Certificate of Insurance to clients upon request. Renewal is typically annual. Shop rates annually; costs vary by project history and claims.
Apply for General Contractor License (Optional but Recommended)
If managing projects over $100,000 or operating as a multi-trade contractor, apply for a General Contractor License (Class A or B) through TDLR. Required documents: proof of identity, Social Security number or EIN, financial statement, experience documentation (4+ years in trade for Class B, more for Class A). Exam required (NASCLA exam, covers roofing, business law, safety). Exam fee approximately $300. License renewal every 2 years; CE hours required. This step is optional for roofers under $100k but improves marketability.
Understand Local Permit and Inspection Requirements
Familiarize yourself with Houston Building Department permit requirements and inspection schedules. Register with the city's permit system or through an approved permit runner. Understand 25% roof area rule (triggers permit requirement), wind rating standards, engineer stamp requirements, and inspection checkpoints. Attend a building department orientation or review online guides. Maintain current knowledge of local code changes. This is ongoing compliance, not a one-time step.
About This Market
Houston's roofing market runs hot year-round, but you've got real demand spikes April through October when hail, wind, and heat damage peak. Competition is thick—roughly 2,232 licensed roofing establishments statewide, and Houston's metro area holds a significant chunk. Most jobs are residential asphalt shingle replacements ($7,500–$12,000), but you'll see metal roofs, flat roof repairs on commercial, and emergency leak work after storms. Costs track material prices hard—asphalt shingles, metal panels, TPO membrane—plus labor rates averaging $22.69/hr median wage. Commercial roofs and specialty materials (metal, standing seam) run higher margins. Wind ratings matter here; insurance companies push upgraded roofing, which drives premium jobs.
To operate in Houston, skip the state license headache—Texas doesn't mandate it for roofers. But get your City of Houston Roofing License and Business Tax Certificate immediately; it's non-negotiable. Pull permits on everything over 25% of roof area; the city enforces it, and inspectors are thorough. Get your GC license if you're running larger operations or multi-trade jobs. Carry $1M general liability and workers' comp—clients won't touch you without it. Peak season is April through October, so staff up in March and manage cash flow for the slow winter months. Know wind ratings and engineering requirements; Houston's insurers and lenders care about compliance. Build relationships with inspectors and permit runners; Houston's bureaucracy moves fast if you're dialed in.
- median hourly wageU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) — Roofers, all types, Texas market data
- number of licensed establishmentsU.S. Census Bureau — County Business Patterns (CBP), Texas roofing contractors (NAICS 238160)
- state licensing requirementsTexas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) — General Contractor License rules
- local licensing and permitsCity of Houston Building Department and Houston Business Licensing Division
- workers compensation requirementTexas Department of Insurance (TDI) and Texas Labor Code
- peak season and market demandInsurance industry data, Houston weather patterns, local contractor experience
- cost rangesRegional contractor surveys, material supplier pricing, local market estimates
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a state license to work as a roofer in Texas?
No. Texas does not require a state contractor's license specifically for roofers. However, if you operate as a general contractor or manage projects over $100,000, you must hold a General Contractor License (Class A or B) through TDLR. Roofing is recognized as a trade under contractor licensing, but roofers alone do not need state licensure. You must comply with local requirements—Houston requires a City Roofing License and Business Tax Certificate. Source: TDLR (Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation) and City of Houston Building Department.
What permits are required for roof work in Houston?
Any roof replacement, new roof installation, or repairs exceeding 25% of the roof area require a Building Permit from the City of Houston. Permit cost ranges $100–$300. Permits require structural plans, engineer stamps if wind resistance or structural modifications are involved, and inspections before and after work. If the project is outside Houston city limits in Harris County, county permits apply instead. Plan 5–10 business days for permit approval. Source: City of Houston Building Department.
What is the median wage for roofers in Houston?
The median hourly wage for roofers is $22.69/hour, or approximately $47,195 annually. This reflects Texas market data and can vary based on experience, specialization (metal, flat roof, commercial), and employer type (contractor vs. in-house crew). Commercial and specialty roofing often commands higher rates. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
When is the peak season for roofing work in Houston?
Peak season runs April through October. June through August see the highest volume due to heat damage, maintenance calls, and summer storms. April and May spike after spring hail and wind events. Winter (November–March) is slower but steady with leak repairs and minor work. Hurricane season prep (August–October) drives emergency and preventative roof inspections. Plan staffing and materials accordingly.
What insurance do I need to carry as a roofer in Houston?
Minimum required: General Liability insurance ($300,000–$1,000,000 recommended) and Workers' Compensation (statutory if you have employees; required by Texas law). Most commercial clients and property managers mandate $1M General Liability. Roofing-specific liability policies are available and recommended for high-value projects. Equipment and property insurance are optional but advised. Verify coverage includes wind and hail damage liability. Source: TDLR and City of Houston contractor requirements.
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