Hiring a roofer is one of the bigger checks you'll write as a homeowner — and the hard part is that almost everyone sounds confident on the phone. After a bad storm, southern Maine fills up with out-of-town crews knocking on doors, some good and plenty not. You don't need to be an expert to tell them apart. You just need to ask the right questions and notice whether the answers are specific or slippery.
A good roofer welcomes these questions. Anyone who gets cagey is telling you something. Here are the ten that matter, and why each one does.
The 10 questions that separate the pros from the storm-chasers
- Are you licensed and fully insured in Maine — can I see the certificates? Ask for liability and workers' comp, sent straight from the insurer. No comp coverage can make an injury on your roof your problem.
- Are you local, and how long here? A company with roots in southern Maine is still around if something shows up in year three.
- Tear-off or shingle-over? Going over the old roof hides rotted decking and voids many warranties. The answer reveals whether they cut corners.
- What if you find rotted decking? They should already have a per-sheet price in writing — not a surprise invented mid-job.
- What underlayment and ice-and-water shield will you use? In Maine this stops ice-dam leaks. If they can't explain it, they haven't roofed enough winters here.
- What's your workmanship warranty vs. the shingle warranty? Two different things. A vague blended "lifetime" claim is marketing.
- Your crew or subcontractors? Either can be fine — you just deserve to know who's on your roof and whether they're insured.
- Can I see recent local jobs and reviews? Work down the road and verified Google reviews beat any brochure.
- What's the payment schedule? A reasonable deposit with the balance on completion is normal. Cash-only or paid-in-full-up-front is not.
- How do you handle cleanup and my landscaping? Tarps, magnetic nail sweeps, dumpster placement — the answer shows how they treat your property.
A word on the lowest bid
It's tempting to take the cheapest number. But roofing materials don't vary much — the big gaps usually come from what's left out: no tear-off, thin underlayment, no decking allowance, no real warranty. A quote far below the others isn't a deal, it's a smaller scope. This is the same trap covered in our guide on the hidden costs of the lowest bidder — compare line by line, not bottom line to bottom line.
Want a roofer who answers all ten straight?
We'll give you an honest, detailed estimate you can actually compare — licensing, warranty, and every line spelled out. Free, no pressure.
"I had three roofers out. David was the only one who walked me through insurance, the warranty, and what happens if there's bad wood underneath — in writing. No pressure, no games. Easy choice."
Related Maine roofing guides
Frequently asked questions
Does Maine require roofers to be licensed?
Maine has no statewide roofing license, so anyone can call themselves a roofer. That's exactly why proof of liability and workers' comp insurance, a local track record, and manufacturer certifications matter so much when you're vetting a contractor.
How many roofing estimates should I get?
Two or three is plenty. Beyond that you're mostly comparing sales pitches. Focus on getting quotes detailed enough to compare line by line rather than just collecting bottom-line numbers.
Is a large deposit a bad sign?
A modest deposit to schedule and order materials is normal. A demand for most or all of the cost up front, or cash only, is a common warning sign. The balance should be due when the work is finished to your satisfaction.
Should I worry about door-knocking roofers after a storm?
Be careful. Storm-chasing crews from out of state often disappear before any warranty issue surfaces. A local company with a real address and years in your area is far safer for work meant to last decades.
This article is general guidance for Maine homeowners. Every roof, attic, and home is different, so treat this as background and get a professional assessment for your specific situation.