How to Choose a Roofing Contractor in Utah (Without Getting Burned)

Share Now

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest
Professional roofer installing a new roof

The Straight Answer

The short answer: choose a roofer with a real, permanent local address, who answers the phone as themselves rather than a call center, and who can show you finished jobs in your own county — not just a polished pitch after a storm. Utah sees its share of out-of-state crews every summer, so a lasting local presence and verifiable local reviews are the two things worth checking before anyone gets on your roof. Warranties, materials, and financing all matter too, but only after those basics check out.

Hiring the wrong roofing contractor is one of the most expensive mistakes a Utah homeowner can make. Storm chasers, unlicensed crews, and low-ball bids that balloon mid-project are real problems in this industry. Here’s how to protect yourself.

Key Takeaways

  • Before you sign anything, learning how to choose a roofing contractor in Utah comes down to proof: a valid state license (verify it at dopl.utah.gov) and a certificate of insurance showing both general liability and workers’ comp.
  • Be wary of out-of-state storm chasers who flood Wasatch Front neighborhoods after a hailstorm — hire a crew with a permanent Utah address and real local reviews so someone’s still here if you need them.
  • Get everything in writing: scope, materials and brands, start and finish dates, payment schedule, and warranty terms. Know the difference between a manufacturer (shingle) warranty and a workmanship warranty on the install.
  • Don’t default to the lowest bid — it usually signals cheaper materials or corners cut. Get three estimates and compare them line by line, not just the bottom number.

1. Verify They’re Licensed in Utah

Utah requires roofing contractors to hold a valid state contractor’s license. You can verify any contractor’s license at the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (dopl.utah.gov). If a contractor can’t provide a license number, walk away.

2. Confirm They Carry Insurance

Ask for a certificate of insurance showing general liability coverage AND workers’ compensation. If a worker is injured on your property and the contractor doesn’t have workers’ comp, you could be liable. Don’t skip this step.

3. Get Everything in Writing

Your contract should clearly state: scope of work, materials and brands being used, start and completion dates, payment schedule, and warranty terms. A verbal agreement is not a contract.

4. Watch Out for Storm Chasers

After major hailstorms, out-of-state roofing crews flood Utah neighborhoods offering door-to-door deals. These crews often disappear after the job is done — leaving you with no warranty, no recourse, and sometimes shoddy work. Always hire a contractor with a permanent Utah address and local reviews.

5. Check Local Reviews

Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau are your friends. Look for contractors with multiple reviews from Utah customers. Read the negative reviews too and see how the company responded.

6. Understand the Warranty

There are two types of roofing warranties: manufacturer warranties (on the shingles themselves) and workmanship warranties (on the installation). Rooval Roofing backs every job with a workmanship warranty.

7. Don’t Just Pick the Lowest Bid

The lowest bid often means cheaper materials, less experienced crews, or a contractor planning to cut corners. Get 3 estimates and compare them line by line — not just the total.

Rooval Roofing is a licensed, insured, local Utah roofing contractor with over 15 years of experience.

Request your free, no-obligation estimate today.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check if a roofing contractor is licensed in Utah?

Utah requires roofing contractors to hold a valid state contractor’s license, and you can look any of them up at the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (dopl.utah.gov). Just ask for their license number and search it before you sign. If a contractor won’t give you a number, that’s your cue to walk away.

Are door-to-door roofers after a hailstorm legit?

Some are, but the Wasatch Front sees a wave of out-of-state storm chasers show up after big hailstorms offering quick door-to-door deals. The risk is they finish the job, collect payment, and disappear — leaving you with no warranty and no one local to call. Stick with a contractor who has a permanent Utah address and reviews from local customers.

What kind of warranty should a Utah roofer offer?

There are really two: a manufacturer warranty that covers the shingles themselves, and a workmanship warranty that covers the quality of the installation. Both matter, because Utah’s freeze-thaw cycles and canyon wind punish sloppy installs as much as bad materials. Rooval backs every job with a workmanship warranty, and any reputable contractor should put those terms in writing.

How many roofing estimates should I get?

Get three, and compare them line by line rather than just glancing at the totals. A suspiciously low bid often means cheaper materials, a less experienced crew, or corners that’ll cost you later — which is a big deal on Utah roofs that fight high UV, heavy snow loads, and ice dams. The right price is the one that spells out the same scope and quality across every quote.

About the author

Matthew Thompson is the owner of Rooval Roofing, a licensed and insured roofing company based in Lehi and licensed as a Utah general contractor (DOPL license #13861046-5501), serving homeowners across Utah County and the Salt Lake Valley. He and his crew handle roof repair, replacement, metal roofing, gutters, and free storm-damage inspections. Questions about your roof? Call (385) 424-8810 or get an instant quote.

Utah's #1 Roofing Solutions

Get a Free Estimate on Professional Roofing Services for Your Home

🏠 Get Your Instant Roof Quote