Picking a roofing contractor is a five-figure decision you’ll live with for 20+ years. Here’s how to do it right in Rockwall and the surrounding DFW area.

1. Verify license and insurance — non-negotiable

Texas does not license roofing contractors at the state level, which makes your own verification more important, not less.

• General liability insurance: Ask for the certificate. It should be current and list meaningful coverage (typically $1M+).
• Workers’ compensation: If a worker is injured on your property and the company has no coverage, you can be liable.
• Check: Call the insurance agent listed on the certificate to confirm the policy is active. Certificates can be faked; a two-minute phone call cannot.

2. Choose local over storm chasers

After every major DFW hailstorm, out-of-state “storm chasers” flood the area with door knockers. Warning signs:

• Out-of-state license plates or a PO box instead of a physical office.
• High-pressure “sign today” tactics.
• No local reviews older than a few months.
• They disappear when warranty issues arise.

A local company — one with a real address in the area, years of local reviews, and a reputation to protect — will still be here in five years when you need them. Roofing & Construction by Peterson is based in Rockwall at 3445 Ridgecross Dr and serves the full DFW metroplex.

3. Know what a good estimate includes

A proper written estimate itemizes: tear-off of existing layers (and how many); underlayment type (synthetic is the current standard); shingle or metal product name and manufacturer; flashing replacement (valleys, chimneys, vents — not “reusing existing”); ventilation work (ridge vent, intake); decking replacement terms (cost per sheet if rot is found); cleanup and magnet sweep for nails; workmanship warranty length, in writing; payment schedule (never pay in full up front). If an estimate is a single number on a napkin, keep looking.

4. Shingle vs. metal for Texas heat and hail

• Architectural shingles: Most popular, most affordable ($8k–$15k typical). Last 20–30 years. Class 4 impact-resistant options handle hail better and may lower insurance premiums.
• Standing-seam metal: Roughly double the cost, lasts 40–70 years, reflects heat (lower cooling bills), and carries excellent hail resistance. A strong choice if you plan to stay in the home long-term.

For most Rockwall homeowners, Class 4 architectural shingles are the sweet spot of cost, durability, and insurance benefit.

5. Understand the two warranties

• Manufacturer warranty covers defects in the shingles themselves (20–50 years depending on product). It does not cover installation errors.
• Workmanship warranty covers the contractor’s labor (typically 5–10 years from a reputable company). This is the warranty that actually gets used.

Get both in writing. A lifetime manufacturer warranty means nothing if the installer won’t answer the phone.

6. Red flags

• Demanding full payment before work starts. (A deposit of 10–30% is normal; the balance on completion.)
• Offering to “eat your deductible” or “handle everything with your insurer” — the first is insurance fraud in Texas.
• No written contract.
• No local references you can actually call.
• Price far below every other bid — it means skipped steps, usually underlayment, flashing, or ventilation.

7. Questions to ask every roofer

1. How long have you operated in the DFW area?
2. Can I see your current liability and workers’ comp certificates?
3. What exact shingle/metal product will you install?
4. Will you replace all flashing, or reuse it?
5. How do you handle decking rot, and what does it cost per sheet?
6. What is your workmanship warranty, in writing?
7. Who supervises the crew on-site?
8. Will you meet my insurance adjuster if this is a claim?
9. Can I call three recent local references?
10. What is the payment schedule?

Quick checklist

• Verified active liability + workers’ comp insurance
• Local company with real address and multi-year review history
• Itemized written estimate (materials, flashing, ventilation, warranty)
• Workmanship warranty in writing
• Payment schedule with no full payment up front
• Three local references checked

Roofing & Construction by Peterson — Rockwall, TX. Free inspections and written estimates. 60 Google reviews at 5.0 stars. Call (214) 519-9478.