After a major storm sweeps through Tupelo or Saltillo, you will often see trucks appearing in neighborhoods offering “cheap, fast roof repairs.” These are often referred to in the industry as “storm chasers.” While the price might be tempting, hiring an unlicensed contractor is one of the biggest risks a homeowner can take.
Your roof is the primary structural defense of your home. Entrusting it to someone without a license or insurance can lead to legal nightmares, voided warranties, and shoddy workmanship. Here is why you must insist on a licensed professional.
1. Liability and Insurance: Who Pays if Accidents Happen?
Roofing is dangerous work.
- Scenario A (Licensed Pro): A worker falls off your roof and breaks a leg. Because the company carries Workers’ Compensation and General Liability insurance, the company covers the medical bills.
- Scenario B (Unlicensed Handyman): A worker falls off your roof. Because they are uninsured, you—the homeowner—can be sued for their medical expenses and lost wages. Your home insurance might not cover this if you hired an unlicensed contractor.
Always ask to see a certificate of insurance before work begins. At Tekton Exteriors, we are fully licensed and insured, protecting you from these liabilities. You can verify our commitment to professionalism on ourAbout Us page.
2. Building Codes and Inspections
Tupelo and the surrounding Lee County areas have specific building codes designed to ensure homes withstand wind and rain. A licensedroofing company in Tupelo, MS knows these codes inside and out.
An unlicensed contractor might skip essential steps—like installing ice and water shields in valleys or using the correct number of nails per shingle. If your roof isn’t up to code, you may face fines, or worse, you may not be able to sell your home later until you pay to have the roof torn off and redone.
3. Material Warranties
Major shingle manufacturers (like GAF, Owens Corning, or certain metal roofing suppliers) offer warranties that last 25 to 50 years. However, these warranties come with a catch: the roof must be installed by a certified professional.
If an unlicensed amateur installs your roof incorrectly, the manufacturer will void the warranty. If the shingles fail in five years, you are on your own. When we perform aroofing and roof replacement in Tupelo, MS, we ensure every nail is placed according to the manufacturer’s specs to keep your warranty valid.
4. Local Accountability
A local, licensed company has a reputation to uphold. We live here. We shop at the same grocery stores. If you have an issue six months after installation, we will be here to fix it. “Storm chasers” move to the next town, leaving you with no recourse if the roof leaks.
Don’t gamble with your home. Trust a team that is rooted in the community. For reliable service, explore ourconcrete driveway and hardscaping services in Tupelo to see the quality of work we bring to every exterior project.
To understand the legal requirements for contractors, you can check the general definitions onWikipedia’s General Contractor page.