According to Spherical Insights, the U.S. roofing market was worth $27.5 billion in 2023 and is on pace to hit $42.7 billion by 2033, expanding at a CAGR of roughly 4.5%. Rising demand from aging homes, extreme weather conditions, and evolving building codes means there’s a consistent need for professional roofers.
Starting a roofing company can be one of the most profitable moves in the construction industry, but it’s not enough to know how to install shingles or repair leaks. Running a successful roofing business also requires navigating permits, insurance, equipment investments, labor management, and client acquisition.
Whether starting from scratch or transitioning from contractor to business owner, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about how to start a roofing company and grow it sustainably.
A well-structured business plan is your blueprint for success. It should outline services, target market, operating costs, and marketing strategy, among other foundational elements.
Starting a roofing company isn’t a one-size-fits-all endeavor. Your specific services shape everything from your pricing and tools to your marketing strategy and insurance needs. Here are the main categories of roofing services you can offer:
You can’t build a successful roofing business without knowing your customer base.
Start by researching your local area. What types of properties are common? Are most roofs pitched or flat? Do people use asphalt shingles, tile, or metal? What weather conditions — snow, rain, or wind — affect roofs in your region?
Next, evaluate your competition. How many roofing businesses are operating nearby? What services do they offer? What do their reviews say? Are they booked out or advertising next-day availability?
After researching your local roofing market and competition, determine your business’s unique value proposition. Can you offer faster service, better customer care, or more competitive pricing? Is there a market for specialized services like solar integration or eco-friendly materials?
Use this research to strategically position your company. You may become the go-to roofer for emergency repairs or the first in your area to offer drone inspections. Tailoring your services to fit local demand will help set you apart.
If you’re learning how to start a roofing company, you need an understanding of your startup costs to set sustainable prices. Planning ahead helps ensure you won’t burn through capital before landing your first major job. Here are the main expenses you need to budget for when starting a roofing company:
In the following sections, we’ll dive deeper into these operating costs to help you plan your budget confidently.
The pricing for your services should cover your costs, pay your team fairly, and generate a profit. Before starting a roofing company, here are three common pricing models to consider:
A healthy profit margin in the roofing industry is usually between 20% and 40%. To avoid underpricing, you need to calculate how much it costs you to complete a job:
By understanding your costs and selecting the right pricing model, you can set roofing service pricing that is competitive, sustainable, and profitable for your business.
Operating without the proper licenses and insurance can result in fines, project delays, or worse — risks you can’t afford when learning how to start a roofing company.
The requirements for a roofing license vary by state. For example, in some states, you need a roofing-specific license. In others, a general contractor license covers roofing work. Some states don’t require licensing, though many cities and counties still do. Here are some state-specific examples:
In Florida, you need a Florida roofing license from the Department of Business and Professional Regulations (DBPR) via the Construction Industry Licensing Board (CILB). Application fees range from $149 to $249, depending on the time of the year.
In Texas, there is no state-level roofing license, but many cities require contractors to register locally, which typically costs around $150 a year.
In California, you need a C-39 Roofing Contractor License from the Contractors State License Board. The cost includes a $450 application fee, a $200 initial license fee, and additional charges for the exam and fingerprinting.
In Illinois, roofing contractors must obtain a license through the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. You’ll need to pay a $125 application fee, a $248 exam fee, and a $62.50 annual renewal fee. The state offers separate licenses for residential, commercial, or both.
Even in areas where a roofing license isn’t needed, you’ll likely need:
You can’t run a roofing business without the right tools to help you work safely and deliver high-quality results.
Let’s start with the must-haves for almost every roofing job that you can find at hardware stores or supply centers.
As anyone starting a roofing company knows, it is physically demanding work with real safety risks. Investing in the following safety equipment is not optional; it’s necessary.
A reliable vehicle is one of your most significant investments. A used work truck or cargo van typically costs between $25,000 and $35,000. You’ll need it to haul ladders, tools, and sometimes materials. So, look for one with solid storage options and rack systems.
To ensure your job runs smoothly, consider investing in these small but important items:
Even the best business plan and top-quality tools won’t get you far without a solid team. Roofing is physically demanding, deadline-driven, and requires high-level skills. A reliable crew can help you build a strong reputation, while the wrong hires can cost you time, money, and client trust.
Initially, many roofing business owners may choose to handle most of the work themselves. As your workload increases, you may need help to take on multiple jobs or larger projects. You can hire employees or enlist subcontractors.
Employees will be on your payroll. You’re responsible for their wages, taxes, and benefits. Hiring them gives you more control, but comes with added responsibilities.
Subcontractors are independent workers or small crews you pay per job. You don’t handle their taxes or other employer responsibilities, but you have less control. Subcontracting is more flexible, but make sure you only work with licensed, insured, and dependable professionals.
Many roofing businesses use a mix of both, hiring employees for core work and subcontractors for overflow or specialty jobs. If you choose to work with them, subcontractors typically charge between $200 and $1,700 per square (100 sq. ft.), depending on the job’s scope, complexity, materials, and local labor market.
As your business grows, you want to fill the following positions to support your growth.
Roofing installers, the core of your crew, typically earn between $16 and $33 per hour, depending on their experience and your region. Look for roofers skilled in your preferred materials and committed to safely delivering high-quality work.
Project managers or crew leaders earn around $25 to $50 per hour and are responsible for overseeing job progress, managing timelines, and staying in contact with clients. This role can be especially important when handling multiple projects at once.
Estimators or sales representatives, whose pay can vary based on commission or salary, help you quote jobs, follow up with leads, and close deals so you can stay focused on operations. Typically, this position earns around $40 per hour.
Office assistants or virtual admins may cost $300 to $1,000 per month, depending on hours and responsibility. They can manage scheduling, invoicing, supply orders, and customer communication, taking repetitive tasks off your plate.
With your licenses, equipment, and team in place, the next step is to make sure your potential customers know you exist. Below are some tried-and-true marketing techniques for roofing businesses.
Many homeowners search for roofers online. If they can’t find you, they’ll find someone else.
Start with your website. You can build a company website using platforms like Wix or Squarespace for around $13 to $40 per month. A custom domain name usually adds another $15 to $60 per year. If you’d rather hire a professional developer, expect to pay between $2,500 and $10,000, depending on site complexity and desired features.
Next, set up your Google Business profile, which is free. This listing shows your business on Google Maps and in search results. Include your business hours, contact details, and service areas. Upload recent job photos and encourage clients to leave reviews.
Lastly, utilize social media platforms to reach local homeowners. Post photos of your work and valuable content, like tips and tricks. Setting up your social media accounts is free, but expect to spend $100 to $500 for boosted posts or ads.
With targeted advertising, you can reach local homeowners when they need a roofer, especially during home improvement season or after storms.
Depending on your location and competition, you can expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $1,500 for Google Ads or Local Service Ads to generate leads. In high-demand areas, the cost per click can fall between $10 and $30, so track your performance and adjust your strategy as needed.
You can also follow the traditional route and make door hangers and yard signs. These cost around $200 to $800 to design, print, and distribute. These work well, especially in neighborhoods you’re already working in, where residents can see your crew actively working.
Another old-fashioned method is a referral incentive program. A small reward — gift card, discount, or cash bonus — can encourage satisfied customers to send new business your way.
Consider offering point-of-sale roofing financing options to make your services accessible to more homeowners. This can improve your close rate, especially for high-ticket projects like full roof replacements or solar integrations.
Invest in customer relationship management (CRM) software to track your leads and stay organized. Platforms like JobNimbus, AccuLynx, or Builder Prime help you track leads, schedule jobs, and follow up with customers. This software typically costs $50 to $100 per month.
Consider looking into estimating software tools like RoofSnap or Hover. These let you generate accurate quotes using satellite imagery or photos and usually range from $30 to $150 per month.
Finally, you may also need accounting software to help track expenses, send invoices, and manage payroll. QuickBooks, Xero, and FreshBooks are reputable platforms that cost around $20 to $70 per month.
As your job volume increases, consider hiring more crew members. Beyond labor costs, budget for onboarding, training, and uniforms. Add crew gradually and confirm your calendar can support the additional labor.
You may also want to expand your services and open new revenue streams. For example, you may start offering gutter or siding installation.
Lastly, you can grow your marketing efforts by increasing your budget by 10% or 20% as you scale to reach more clients sustainably.
The basics of how to start a roofing company require careful planning and smart decisions from day one. Start where you are, invest wisely, price services strategically, and treat every customer like they’re your first referral.
You don’t need to grow fast. You need to grow right.
