A good roof replacement contract tells you exactly what will be torn off, what goes back on, who handles surprises, how the site is cleaned and what paperwork you receive at the end. If any of those points live only in a salesperson's promise, get them written in before you sign. Here are the nine items to check.
Why the contract matters more than the handshake
Texas does not issue a state license for residential roofers, so the written agreement is your main protection. When a dispute comes up, nobody remembers what was said in the driveway. They read the document. A clear contract also protects a good contractor, because it sets expectations both sides can point to.
Want to see what a detailed scope looks like before you commit to anyone? Call Cannon Roofing at (940) 627-1045 or reach us on our contact page, and we will walk you through ours line by line.
The nine items every roof replacement contract should cover
1. Who, where and how to reach them
The contractor's legal business name, physical address, phone number and proof of insurance, plus your name and the property address. A PO box and a cell number alone are a warning sign.
2. Scope of work
Full tear-off down to the deck, or an overlay? Which structures are included: house, garage, porch roof, shop? Name them. Our guide to what a roofing estimate should include goes deeper on how scope is written.
3. Materials by name
Manufacturer, product line and color for the shingles, plus the underlayment, starter strip, ridge cap, ice and water protection in valleys, drip edge and vents. "Architectural shingles" with no brand is not specific enough.
Flashing and penetrations
The contract should say whether pipe boots, step flashing, counter-flashing and chimney flashing will be replaced or reused. Reused flashing is one of the quiet sources of future leaks.
4. Decking and hidden conditions
Nobody can see every sheet of decking until the old roof is off. A fair contract explains how rotted or delaminated decking will be handled, how it will be documented with photos, and how you will be told before extra work proceeds.
5. Ventilation
Intake and exhaust should be addressed, not ignored. In North Texas heat, poor attic ventilation shortens shingle life, and manufacturers expect it to be correct.
6. Schedule and weather
An estimated start window, an expected duration, and what happens if rain or wind interrupts the job, including how the roof will be protected overnight.
7. Site protection and cleanup
Tarps over landscaping, where the dumpster goes, magnet sweeping for nails, and gutter clean-out should all be listed.
8. Warranty and closeout paperwork
Which workmanship and manufacturer warranties apply, who registers them, and what documents you receive when the job is done. Get it in writing rather than a verbal summary.
9. Payment terms and changes
When payments are due and how change orders are approved. Every change should be signed by both sides before the work happens. Our article on roof project payment schedules explains what a reasonable structure looks like.
Texas notices when insurance is paying
When a reroof is funded by a homeowners insurance claim, Texas law adds specific requirements for residential roofing contracts. In plain terms:
- The contract must include a notice that it is illegal for a contractor to pay, waive or rebate your insurance deductible. You pay your deductible; any offer to "cover it" is a red flag.
- If you sign before your claim is decided, you generally have the right to cancel if the insurer denies the claim, within a short window after you receive the denial.
- A contractor generally cannot act as your public adjuster or negotiate the claim on your behalf.
Read these notices rather than skimming them. If a claim is behind your reroof, our insurance claims help can guide you through the process from inspection to final paperwork.
How a well-built contract looks in practice
At Cannon Roofing, every roof replacement starts with a free inspection and estimate, and you are welcome to question every line of the written scope before you sign. We have been roofing in Decatur and Wise County since 1994, every employee carries the Technician Seal of Safety, and we stand behind our work with written warranties.
Questions to ask while you read the draft
Take the contract home and read it at the kitchen table, not on the tailgate of a truck. As you go, ask the contractor to explain anything that is vague. Who will be on site each day, and who is the point of contact? Will they pull any permit your city requires? What happens if they find a problem with the chimney or a skylight? A roofer who welcomes those questions is usually the one you want on your house.
Red flags before you sign
- Pressure to sign the same day, especially right after a storm.
- Blank spaces or "to be determined" where materials should be listed.
- Language assigning your insurance benefits to the contractor without explanation.
- Large payment demanded before any material is delivered.
- No physical local address.
Frequently asked questions
Can I cancel a roofing contract in Texas?
It depends on how and where it was signed and whether insurance is involved. Read the cancellation notice in the contract, and ask a lawyer if you are unsure.
Should the contract list the shingle color?
Yes. Manufacturer, product line and color should all be written down so there is no confusion on delivery day.
What if the crew finds rotten decking?
The contract should explain how it is documented and approved. You should see photos and agree before extra work goes ahead.
Want a contract you can actually read and understand? Call Cannon Roofing at (940) 627-1045 any time, day or night. We will inspect the roof, write up a clear scope and answer every question before you sign anything. You can also send us a message through the Cannon Roofing contact page.