Roofing contractors in
Madison, Wisconsin.
A public directory of roofing contractor businesses serving greater Madison. Market data, licensing requirements, and cost benchmarks — updated continuously from public sources.
Roofing jobs in Madison
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Common Job Costs
Licensing Requirements
Licensing Requirements
Wisconsin requires roofers to be licensed as Roofers under DSPS (Department of Safety and Professional Services). License types: Apprentice Roofer, Journeyman Roofer, and Master Roofer. Journeyman requires 8,000 hours documented work experience and passage of the Wisconsin Journeyman Roofer exam covering roofing materials, safety, and Wisconsin administrative code. Master Roofer requires additional 4,000 hours (12,000 total) and Master exam. Licenses renew every 2 years. No continuing education requirement but record-keeping mandatory. Apprentices work under journeyman supervision.
Permit Requirements
City of Madison Building Permits required for all roof replacement and new construction. Repairs under $1,000 may not require permits but documentation recommended. Permit application requires detailed roof plans, material specifications, and contractor license verification. Permits typically issued within 3-5 business days. Inspection required before work starts and upon completion. Flat roofs and commercial work require detailed engineering drawings.
Inspection Schedule
Initial inspection by Madison Building Inspection Division before work begins (required within 5 days of permit issuance). Final inspection upon completion before occupancy permitted. Interim inspections for commercial projects or jobs exceeding 30 days. Storm damage repairs may require photo documentation and adjuster coordination. All inspections scheduled through City of Madison at 608-266-4451 or online permit portal.
Insurance Minimums
Wisconsin does not mandate specific minimums by statute, but standard industry practice and lender requirements in Madison are: General Liability minimum $1,000,000 per occurrence, Workers Compensation as required by law (mandatory for employees), and Tool and Equipment coverage. Commercial projects often require $2,000,000 combined single limit or higher per contract. Proof of insurance required with permit application.
Compliance research unavailable
Source status: unavailable · 7/13/2026
Detailed instructions are withheld because the source is not available for verification.
Local market snapshot
Source: DoorBase, aggregated public ZIP-level data. Updated 7/17/2026.
How to Get Licensed
Step 1: Gain Work Experience
Accumulate 8,000 documented work hours as a roofing apprentice under a licensed journeyman roofer in Wisconsin. Hours must be tracked and verified through your employer. Apprenticeship programs through Wisconsin technical colleges or union apprenticeships (IBEW Local 494, Roofers Local 11) provide structured training. Keep detailed logs with dates, hours, and supervisor sign-offs. This step typically takes 4-5 years of full-time work.
Step 2: Complete Required Documentation
Compile your 8,000 work hours with employer verification, apprenticeship completion certificate (if applicable), and identification. Wisconsin DSPS requires signed affidavits from supervisors confirming hands-on roofing experience. Submit your apprenticeship transcript if you completed a formal program. Have documents notarized as required. Most technical college programs handle verification automatically.
Step 3: Register with Wisconsin DSPS
Submit your application to Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services for Journeyman Roofer licensure. Applications are online via the DSPS portal (dsps.wi.gov). Include work hour documentation, apprenticeship certificate, identification, and application fee (typically $100-$150). Processing takes 2-4 weeks. DSPS will confirm your hours and apprenticeship status. You cannot sit for the exam until DSPS approves your application.
Step 4: Pass the Journeyman Roofer Exam
Take the Wisconsin Journeyman Roofer examination administered by DSPS-approved testing centers. The exam covers roofing materials (asphalt, metal, flat, slate), installation methods, flashing, safety practices, Wisconsin building code, and administrative regulations. Exam has 100+ questions; passing score is typically 70%. You have two attempts per year. Exam costs $150-$200. Study materials are available through Wisconsin technical colleges and roofing trade organizations. Schedule your exam once DSPS approves your application.
Step 5: Obtain Your License
Upon passing the exam, DSPS issues your Journeyman Roofer license valid for 2 years. Your license number is required on all Madison permits and contracts. Licenses renew every 2 years with a renewal application and fee (typically $100-$150). No continuing education required in Wisconsin. Keep your license current and inform DSPS of address changes. For Master Roofer status, accumulate an additional 4,000 work hours (12,000 total) and pass the Master exam.
About This Market
Madison's roofing market runs solid year-round but peaks hard in spring and summer when weather damage surfaces and homeowners tackle deferred maintenance. You've got roughly 447 licensed roofing contractors statewide competing across Wisconsin, so Madison proper is a competitive submarket—typical residential jobs run asphalt shingle replacement at $7,500-$12,000 for a standard 1,500 sq ft home, metal roofs $12,000-$18,000, and flat commercial work scales higher. Winter wind damage, spring thaw leaks, and summer storm cleanup drive demand. Material costs track national commodity prices but labor stays around $27.91/hr median (BLS data), though experienced crew leads and master roofers command $35-$50/hr. What moves the needle on pricing: roof pitch complexity, existing material removal, flashing upgrades, and whether you're coordinating with insurance claims adjusters on storm work.
- median hourly wage for roofersU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment Statistics
- number of licensed roofing establishments in WisconsinU.S. Census Bureau County Business Patterns (CBP) data for NAICS 238160 Roofing Contractors
- Wisconsin roofing license requirements and exam detailsWisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) License Board for Roofers
- Madison permit requirements and inspection proceduresCity of Madison Building Inspection Division and Building Permits office
- Wisconsin apprenticeship programs and roofing standardsWisconsin Department of Workforce Development and Department of Safety and Professional Services
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical cost for a roof replacement in Madison?
Asphalt shingle roof replacement on a standard 1,500 sq ft home runs $7,500-$12,000 in Madison. Metal roofs cost $12,000-$18,000 for the same footprint. Pricing depends on roof pitch, existing material removal, flashing work, and local labor rates ($27.91/hr median per BLS). Storm damage repairs and insurance claims may shift pricing if adjusters limit coverage or require specific materials. Get 2-3 quotes; reputable contractors in Madison quote within 2-5 business days.
Do I need a license to work as a roofer in Wisconsin?
Yes. Wisconsin DSPS (Department of Safety and Professional Services) requires all roofers to be licensed. Journeyman Roofer license requires 8,000 documented work hours and passage of the state exam covering materials, safety, and Wisconsin code. Master Roofer adds 4,000 more hours (12,000 total). Apprentices work under journeyman supervision. Licenses renew every 2 years. Operating unlicensed is illegal and voids insurance claims and permits.
What permits do I need for roofing work in Madison?
City of Madison Building Permits are required for all roof replacements and new construction. Repairs under $1,000 may not require permits but are documented. Permit applications require your roofer license number, detailed material specs, and roof plans. Processing typically takes 3-5 business days. Inspections are mandatory: pre-work inspection within 5 days of permit issuance and final inspection before occupancy. Schedule inspections at 608-266-4451 or the City of Madison online permit portal.
What insurance do roofing contractors need in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin law requires Workers Compensation insurance for all employees. Standard industry practice mandates General Liability insurance ($1,000,000 minimum per occurrence; commercial projects often $2,000,000+). Tool and Equipment coverage is standard. Proof of insurance is required with your Madison permit application. Lenders and commercial clients will specify higher limits in contracts. Costs vary but typically $1,500-$4,000 annually depending on payroll and project volume.
When is the best time to schedule roof work in Madison?
April through September is peak season, with May-August booking solid. Response times drop to 1-2 weeks during peak demand. Off-season (November-March) offers faster scheduling and potential discounts, but weather hazards and cold conditions limit work windows and increase labor complexity. Winter ice and snow add liability risk. Spring thaw (March-April) and storm season (June-August) drive emergency repairs at premium pricing. Plan major replacements for late April or early September when weather is favorable and scheduling is manageable.
Roofing contractors in Madison
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