What makes a roofing contract different
Roofing has its own risk profile that a generic construction contract doesn’t handle: weather-driven scheduling that can stop work for weeks, manufacturer warranties that pass through to the homeowner with strict registration requirements, insurance-claim coordination when storm damage triggers the project, and state-specific lien-rights notices that often must appear on the contract itself. The clauses below address these specific risks.
Tear-off vs overlay decision
State whether the contract is for a complete tear-off (remove existing roofing down to the deck) or an overlay (install new shingles over the existing layer). Most jurisdictions limit overlays to one additional layer over the original (so a tear-off is required if there’s already two layers). Misclassifying this is a major source of disputes — the customer thinks they’re getting a tear-off; you priced an overlay; everyone’s unhappy.
Standard contract language: “Scope includes complete tear-off of existing roofing materials down to wood decking. Disposal of removed material included. Decking inspection upon completion of tear-off; damaged decking replacement allowance: [X] sheets at no additional charge, additional sheets billed at $[Y] each.”
Manufacturer warranty pass-through
Major shingle manufacturers (GAF, CertainTeed, Owens Corning, IKO, Atlas) offer warranties ranging from 25 years to lifetime, with registration required within 60–90 days of installation for the full warranty term. Your contract should commit to:
- Installing per manufacturer specifications (required for warranty validity)
- Registering the warranty with the manufacturer
- Providing the customer with the manufacturer warranty documentation
- Specifying which warranty tier — manufacturers offer multiple (e.g., GAF Standard vs System Plus vs Golden Pledge) with different coverage and certification requirements
If you’re a manufacturer-certified installer (GAF Master Elite, CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster, etc.), put it in the contract — that unlocks better warranty tiers for the customer and is part of why they hired you.
Workmanship warranty
Separate from the manufacturer’s material warranty. Industry standard: 5–10 years. Some contractors offer “lifetime” workmanship warranty as a marketing tool — useful for sales but be clear about what voids it (improper attic ventilation, customer modifications, storm damage, sale to a non-original homeowner) and whether it’s transferable.
Insurance-claim coordination
When the homeowner is paying with an insurance settlement, the contract needs additional language. Two key clauses:
Settlement contingency: “Contract is contingent on insurance settlement approval. Final scope and price will be adjusted to match the approved insurance settlement amount. If the insurance settlement is less than the contract price, customer is responsible for the difference unless otherwise agreed in writing.”
Supplements process: “If additional damage is discovered during work that was not included in the original insurance scope, contractor will document the damage and submit a supplement to the insurance carrier on customer’s behalf. Additional work is contingent on supplement approval.”
Critical:do not promise to “eat the deductible” or “rebate the deductible.” That’s insurance fraud in most states (Colorado HB 12-1183, Texas HB 1183, Florida statute 489.147, Wisconsin §134.493 all explicitly prohibit it), and even where it’s not statutorily prohibited, it’s an insurance carrier red flag that can void the homeowner’s policy.
Weather-delay clause
Roofing is more weather-dependent than almost any other trade. Required clause:
“Contractor reserves the right to reschedule work due to rain, lightning, snow, ice, high winds (over 25 mph sustained), or temperatures below the manufacturer’s minimum installation temperature. Such delays do not constitute breach of contract. Customer’s roof will be made watertight at the end of each working day, regardless of completion status.”
That last sentence is critical — you must dry-in the roof before stopping for weather, even if it means rolling out felt or tarp at the end of a half-day. A roof that gets rained on mid-tear-off is your problem to fix, not the customer’s.
State-specific lien-rights and consumer-protection notices
Several states require specific roofing-contract language:
- Colorado (HB 12-1183): Requires written contract with specific notice language for any roofing work over $1,000. Customer must be informed of right to cancel within 72 hours.
- Texas: Requires registration as a roofing contractor with the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT) and specific consumer-protection language on contracts for hail/storm damage repair.
- Florida (489.147): 5-day right of rescission on storm-damage roofing contracts. Notice to Owner language required for contracts over $2,500.
- California:Contractor’s State License Board number must appear on every contract. 3-day right of cancellation for home-improvement contracts over $500.
Always verify current requirements with your state’s Contractors’ Board before using this template. Add jurisdictional language as needed.
Related contractor business resources
For pricing the work BEFORE the contract, see our construction estimate template. If you’re hiring subs for specialized work (sheet metal, skylights, etc.), use the subcontractor agreement template. For roofing material math, our roof area calculator and rafter calculator give you the underlying numbers.