How to Start a Roofing Company: 9-Step Guide [2025]

Starting a roofing company is more than just climbing ladders and hammering shingles. It’s about building a resilient, profitable business from the ground up.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through every essential step in launching your roofing company. We’ll discuss timelines—how long it takes to start your business, factors to consider, and the best times to launch a roofing business.

You’ll also discover tips for scaling and growing your roofing company, as well as common pitfalls to avoid.

Very quickly, here’s how you do it. 

• Get licensed to operate legally in your area.

• Build a comprehensive roofing business plan for your operation.

• Secure financing to cover startup costs and other initial expenses.

• Register your business with the appropriate authorities.

• Set up your financial and accounting systems.

• Get the necessary tools and equipment for roofing projects.

• Determine your pricing strategy for roofing services.

• Obtain insurance coverage to protect your business, employees, and clients.

• Develop a marketing plan to promote your roofing company, get referrals, and attract potential customers.

Keep reading as we discuss these nine steps in detail and provide you with a clear roadmap to growth in the roofing industry.

What Is a Roofing Company?

A roofing company is a specialized contractor business that focuses on installing, repairing, and maintaining roofs for residential, commercial, and sometimes industrial properties. Beyond simply laying roofs, these companies protect buildings from weather damage and ensure energy efficiency and structural safety.

Typical services a roofing company offers include roof inspections, leak repairs, full replacements, gutter and flashing installation, storm damage restoration, and ongoing maintenance. Some companies may also offer additional services, such as siding or solar panel installation, to provide a one-stop solution for exterior building needs.

Most roofing companies operate on a project-based business model, quoting each job individually based on materials, labor, and complexity. 

However, many also offer maintenance contracts or emergency services, creating additional revenue streams and long-term customer relationships.

How Do You Start a Roofing Company?

Launching a successful roofing business requires more than just technical skills. It demands careful planning, strategic decision-making, and a strong foundation in business operations. Here are some of the key steps you need to take to start your roofing company the right way.

1. Get licensed

Depending on the state or region you’ll be working in, you may need to get licensed before doing any roofing work. 

These license requirements help ensure roofing contractors have the knowledge and skills to do these projects effectively. 

Additionally, a contractor’s license provides more credibility, making roofing businesses appear more trustworthy to potential customers. 

That said, not all states require a license for contractors. 

For example, states like New York, Texas, Indiana, or Georgia don’t require a license, while Florida, Arizona, and Illinois do. 

Also, states like South Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Ohio need roofers to be registered but not licensed. Meanwhile, roofing businesses in states like California, Alabama, and North Carolina only need a license when handling projects above a particular value. 

Check with your local government or the Small Business Administration (SBA) to see whether or not you need a roofing or general contractor license to operate in your state or local region.  

Also, remember that if you get a license in your state or area, you won’t automatically be able to do roofing jobs in others. 

You will need a different license for every location you operate in if that area requires it.  

2. Create your roofing business plan

As a roofing entrepreneur, you must do due diligence and outline your company’s strategy, objectives, and financial projections. 

Here’s a straightforward guide to help you develop an airtight business plan: 

• Executive summary: Start by summarizing your business needs, mission, goals, target market, and competitive advantages. 

• Company description: Provide a detailed description of your business, including business name, location, business structure (sole proprietorship, limited liability company (LLC), or partnership), company history, and management team. 

• Market analysis: Perform market research to identify your target market, analyze industry trends, and assess your competition. 

• Services offered: Describe the type of roofing services your company will provide, such as roof replacement or repair, and whether it will be commercial or residential roofing. Highlight any unique or specialized offerings. 

• Marketing and sales strategy: Outline your traditional or digital marketing strategies and tactics to attract potential clients. This can include everything from advertising and social media to networking, referrals, testimonials, and other forms of word-of-mouth advertising.

• Operations and management: Provide a detailed description of your business operations, including staff, roofing materials, equipment, suppliers, and subcontractors. Also, explain how you will manage your daily operations effectively. 

• Financial projections: Include your cash flow projections, income statements, break-even analysis, and other financial forecasts that can demonstrate the fiscal viability of your business.

By following these steps and conducting thorough research and planning, you can create a business plan that serves as a roadmap for your long-term success. 

It will also help you get funding for your business, which we’ll cover next.

3. Secure financing

Small roofing business owners need to secure funding to cover startup costs and ensure the smooth operation of their company. 

Here are several options to consider: 

• Bank loans: Local banks and credit unions generally offer small business loans for all startups. Remember, these banks may require you to provide some collateral, such as business or personal assets, to cover the loan. Bank loans may also require lengthy application processes, high interest rates, and stringent qualification criteria. 

• SBA Loans: Small Business Administration (SBA) loans are often the better option compared to bank loans. They offer more favorable terms, lower interest rates, and extended repayment periods. Qualified applicants also have access to grants. However, SBA loans need extensive documentation and collateral and involve a lengthy approval process. 

• Investors: Venture capitalists and angel investors are always looking for a solid startup to invest in. They offer capital in exchange for equity or a stake in the company. However, this funding strategy can affect the roofing company's autonomy and direction, leading to conflicting interests and disagreements in decision-making.

• Crowdfunding: Various crowdfunding platforms, like Kickstarter or Indiegogo, help startups raise funds from a large pool of individual backers who could support your roofing business idea. 

In this case, marketing is equally important as the business plan. For crowdfunding to succeed, you’ll need something that sets you apart from other roofing companies, such as pledging to repair roofs for low-income families in the area. 

• Personal savings: If all else fails, entrepreneurs can always rely on their personal savings or assets to finance their initial investments. This would allow them to maintain complete control of the company and avoid debt. 

For more information on the different types of loans, lenders, qualifications, and application processes, check out our small business loan guide.

4. Register your business

New roofing business owners must register their companies with the proper authorities before taking on projects. 

This process ensures compliance with governmental regulations and establishes you as a legal entity. 

There are several steps you need to take: 

• Choose a business name: Ensure that it’s not already used by another business in your state. 

• Trademark registration: You can also consider trademarking your business name to protect it from unauthorized use.

• Choose a business structure: Decide which type of roofing business you want to operate. Options include a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLC, or corporation. These differ in terms of liability protection and tax implications.  Sole proprietorships, for example, offer no legal separation between the owner and business, exposing personal assets to business liabilities. Partnerships share profits and liabilities among partners, with taxation happening at the individual partner level.  LLCs shield personal assets from business debts and allow members to choose pass-through taxation or corporate tax rates. Corporations offer the best level of liability protection but are subject to double taxation, with profits taxed at a corporate level and dividends at the individual level. The registration process will also vary depending on which option you choose. 

• Obtain an EIN: You must also apply for an employer identification number (EIN) from the IRS. This is a unique identifier for your business when paying taxes, hiring employees, or opening business bank accounts.

5. Handle finances and accounting

Opening a business bank account and getting a business credit card is essential. You also need to establish a comprehensive bookkeeping procedure. 

Let's go over both of these points in more detail: 

Opening a business bank account

By opening a business bank account, you can keep your personal and business finances separate. This makes accounting and tax filing much more straightforward. 

You should also consider getting a business credit card. This helps with expense tracking, improving cash flow, and building credit. 

It’s good to shop around and see which banks offer the best small business assistance. This generally includes lower fees and interest rates. 

Setting up accounting

Proper accounting ensures accurate financial records, compliance with all tax regulations, and informed decision-making. Consider streamlining accounting processes with software such as ServiceTitan's Field Service Accounting tool. 

This software solution automates daily accounting tasks and provides accurate financial insights. It includes invoice generation, bill management, payment collection, and reconciliation.

ServiceTitan’s Field Service Accounting system can help companies with the following accounting needs: 

• Accounting for the front office: Tracks invoices and payments directly from the platform. It also includes payment auto-batching for multiple transaction types based on their cadence. 

• Accounting periods: Provides a set of controls to quickly and easily compile transactions into groups every month. Users can open and close these groups at any time to ensure accurate records. Additionally, this capability includes a suite of customizable permissions to assign to employees.

• Accounts Receivable: The system also tracks invoices owed to the roofing business, helping with invoice aging, payment status, and bank deposits. 

• Accounts payable: The payables feature streamlines the accounts payable management process by allowing roofers to enter, approve, and send payments to vendors from a centralized location with just a few clicks of a button. It enables users to quickly review and export finalized transactions to their preferred accounting software, like QuickBooks, Intacct, or Viewpoint Vista. 

• Accounts receivable: The system also tracks invoices owed to the roofing business, helping with invoice aging, payment status, and bank deposits. 

6. Get the necessary roofing tools and equipment

Once you have all your paperwork in order, it’s time to invest in your roofing equipment. 

You can expect to spend several thousand dollars on this. Although it might seem steep, you can spread the costs over time. The total cost ultimately depends on the roofing material you’re working with—shingles, tile, or slate. 

The most common roofing tools and equipment you’ll need are: 

• Roofing nail guns

• Hammer tacker/stapler

• Roofing hammer

• Roofing calculator

• Pry bar

• Tin snips

• Reciprocating saw and circular saw

• Drill (cordless, electric, or air)

• Generator

• Tarps

• Roofing shovel or shingle tear-off tool

• Scoop shovel

• Chalk line tools (reel and chalk)

• Measuring tape or laser tool

• Caulking gun

• Cement bucket and trowel

• Ladders and extension ladders

• Ladder hoist

• Roofing shoes or boots

• Hard hats

• Safety harnesses and all other personal protective equipment (PPE)

• Air compressor

Remember, you can purchase used tools and roofing equipment to reduce your initial expenses. 

Next, you should contact local businesses and suppliers to see their roofing materials. Choose the ones that offer premium materials and provide you with preferential payment options, discounts, or product bundles. 

It’s also worth investing in a mobile application like ServiceTitan’s Field Service App, which empowers field technicians with all the relevant customer and project information, even before they get to the site, directly from their phones.

This app lets your technicians access customer profiles—job histories, photos, voice notes, and even prior invoices. This way, your roofers can recognize loyal customers, review critical property details, or even spot new issues or opportunities. 

This app lets your technicians access customer profiles—job histories, photos, voice notes, and even prior invoices. This way, your roofers can recognize loyal customers, review critical property details, or even spot new issues or opportunities. 

ServiceTitan’s Field Service App also lets you upload your forms into the platform so that your roofing teams always have the necessary paperwork for customers to review and sign. 

Your roofing sales reps can also give potential clients good-better-best estimates directly from their mobile devices. 

If the customer decides to hire your roofing company, your sales reps can accept payment by check, credit card, or cash. 

Inventory management

Another essential consideration is managing your inventory. Once you get going, keeping track of all the tools, equipment, and materials will take up more and more time. 

This is where a system like ServiceTitan’s Contractor Inventory Management Software comes into play.

It can streamline inventory workflows, improve accuracy, and save time through a range of features, like barcode scanners. 

Roofing businesses can use the tool to improve their inventory management by organizing items in trucks and warehouses. They can track and manage purchase orders and returns directly from the platform. 

Roofers can also create templates to track which inventory (equipment or materials) must be in each truck or location, or to maintain preferred inventory levels using custom stock lists.

The ServiceTitan Inventory App helps gain more control over inventory and cost. It reduces roofing job delays by allowing employees to view the entire equipment-use history for every client and request or reserve tools, materials, and equipment as needed.  

7. Decide on your roofing services pricing

New roofing business owners must know how to correctly price their services to balance maximum profitability and customer satisfaction while attracting new clients. 

There are a few things to consider when pricing your services:

• Estimate labor costs: Estimate the number of labor hours required for each project. 

• Estimate material costs: Calculate the material expenses based on the project’s specifications. 

• Assess overhead: Include fixed expenses such as equipment maintenance and insurance. 

• Determine your profit margin: Set your target margin to ensure profitability. 

• Research market rates: Analyze competitors’ pricing and adjust your own accordingly. 

• Factor in complexity: Consider any additional services or unexpected costs that may pop up while on the job.

• Offer discounts: Consider any seasonal promotions or volume discounts to attract new customers. 

Once you understand what to consider when pricing individual roofing projects, you can decide which pricing strategy works best for you. 

You can choose either an hourly or a flat rate. 

• Hourly rate: Also known as time-and-materials pricing, this model charges clients based on time spent and materials used on a project. The main benefit is transparency. However, customers may need more immediate clarity about the final cost. 

• Flat rate: With this pricing model, customers get an up-front price for each service or project, regardless of how long it takes. The costs and services are laid out, making it generally easier for customers to understand. 

There are benefits and drawbacks to both hourly rate and flat-rate pricing models, but flat-rate is the preferred option mainly because it promotes high performance, shortens the billing cycle, and removes the prospect of negotiating or renegotiating prices. 

ServiceTitan Pricebook Pro is a tool that can help you with your pricing strategy. 

It shows updated pricing averages for your services, helping you better estimate your position relative to competitors in your region. 

Its Smart Start functionality automatically adds the most common services personalized to your business. The platform then delivers regular cost, image, description, and hours-sold updates for each item.

8. Obtain roofing business insurance

New roofing businesses must secure comprehensive insurance coverage to protect themselves, clients, and employees from unforeseen circumstances. 

The go-to insurance policies that most professional contractors obtain include: 

• General liability insurance covers property damage, bodily injury, libel, slander, and false advertising claims. 

• Workers' compensation insurance is mandatory in most states and covers employees’ medical expenses and lost wages in the event of work-related injuries. 

• Commercial property insurance safeguards business property, including tools, equipment, materials, and other inventory, against damage or loss due to fire, theft, or natural disasters.

• Professional liability insurance protects against claims arising from errors or omissions, and is also known as Errors and Omissions insurance. 

• Commercial auto insurance covers any vehicles used for business purposes against accidents and damages.

• Umbrella insurance offers extra liability coverage beyond the limits of other policies.

• Bonding may be required for specific projects, as it guarantees payment in the event of contractor default.

Contact your commercial insurance agent to determine your specific needs and find suitable coverage options.

9. Develop a marketing plan for your roofing company

Word-of-mouth advertising will only get you so far in this digital age. You’ll also need to invest in other marketing strategies to stand out from the competition and grow a successful roofing company. 

Fortunately, ServiceTitan’s Home Services Marketing Software provides the right tools to help you attract new customers. It also enables you to track real-time data and measure the ROI of your marketing campaigns, so you’ll know if you’re on the right track.

The tool’s Marketing Scorecard feature can rank your campaigns based on revenue, so you’ll always know what’s working and where to invest your resources for future campaigns. 

ServiceTitan also lets you create unique phone numbers for each marketing ad or campaign. Every time that number is used to book a roofing job, the system tracks the real-time ROI for that campaign based on the revenue each call generates.

Here are some effective marketing techniques when launching a new roofing business: 

Create a website

A website is today’s equivalent of a business card. Without one, potential customers may see you as a dodgy handyperson with little to no roofing experience. 

A business website gives you credibility; if designed correctly, it can boost brand awareness and generate leads. 

Among the best ways for new roofing companies to create a website is to use a website builder like Squarespace or Wix. These platforms offer both affordability and simplicity. 

Alternatively, you can hire a professional web designer to create a custom-built website tailored specifically to your needs and branding. 

Another option is to use WordPress with specific contractor or roofing themes and plugins. This option strikes a balance between ease of use and customization. 

List your roofing business

Sites like Google Business Profile, Bing Places for Business, Yelp for Business, and similar platforms are where people typically go online to look for roofers, contractors, and other service providers. 

Ensure your business info is accurate and consistent across all these platforms. You must also regularly update your listings with relevant details or engaging information to attract potential customers. 

Run Local Services Ads 

Google Ads is another effective tool to get your brand front and center for people searching for services in your area.  

With ServiceTitan’s Marketing Pro – Ads tool, you can integrate with Google Ads and Google Analytics to optimize and track ad performance and ROI in real time.

You’ll also be able to optimize your campaigns so that Google targets better leads who are looking for your specific services. 

The Local Services Ads integration helps you appear at the top of Google search results whenever someone is looking for roofers in your area. 

This feature automatically imports Google bookings into ServiceTitan’s dashboards, increasing efficiency and accuracy of customer information. 

Leverage email marketing 

Email marketing is a highly effective way to nurture leads and maintain strong customer relationships. 

With ServiceTitan’s Marketing Pro – Email tool, you can identify targetable audiences, design templates, automate email campaigns, and track your ROI.

You can use these capabilities to send your target audience regular tips, promotions, and price updates to keep your roofing business top of mind. 

Embrace social media

Roofers can use social media to increase brand visibility, reach a wider audience, drive lead generation, and engage with potential customers. 

It’s also an effective way to showcase experience, which can improve loyalty and boost referrals.  

New roofing companies can effectively leverage social media by:

• Presenting before-and-after project images and satisfied customer testimonials to build trust and credibility. 

• Taking part in relevant conversations, sharing industry news, and offering tips, maintenance advice, and valuable insights to the local community. 

• Running targeted ads to reach potential customers. 

Be mindful of SEO

As a new roofer with an online presence, consider search engine optimization (SEO). 

Roofing SEO helps you enhance visibility and attract potential customers. You can do this by including relevant keywords throughout your website, building backlinks from reputable sources, and creating high-quality, valuable content that your target audience is interested in. 

These best practices can improve your search engine rankings and drive organic traffic to your website. 

You can also leverage local SEO techniques, such as claiming and optimizing your Google Business Profile listing and getting positive reviews. 

These help you appear in local search results and attract new clients in your area. 

Manage your online reputation

With so many review sites where people can read and write about your services, keeping track of everything is next to impossible. Yet staying on top of your online reputation can generate significant positive feedback and marketing success. 

ServiceTitan’s Marketing Pro – Reputation feature lets you monitor and respond to online customer reviews across various sites and platforms from a centralized location. You can also update your business listing information across over 60 review sites. 

How Long Does It Take to Start a Roofing Business?

There’s no one-size-fits-all timeline for launching a roofing business, as the duration can vary widely depending on each entrepreneur’s resources, planning, and local requirements. 

It can take 30 to 90 days, on average, to get fully up and running.

Several factors may affect this timeline. For instance, obtaining the necessary business licenses and permits in your state and securing liability insurance can sometimes be a painstaking process. 

You also have to consider how long it will take you to set up supplier relationships, purchase equipment or vehicles, and build an initial client base.

Naturally, your experience level, access to startup capital, and the speed at which you can build a reliable team also play a significant role in how long it takes you to start your roofing business. 

How Do You Choose a Name for Your Roofing Business?

Choosing the right name for your roofing company sets the tone for your brand and helps you stand out. It’s not a decision that you make lightly.

A good rule of thumb while brainstorming names for your roofing company is to choose names that are memorable, easy to pronounce, and reflect your services or values. 

Once you come up with a company name, check that your chosen name isn’t already in use by searching your state’s business registry and doing an online trademark search. You’ll also want to secure a matching domain name for your website. 

Finally, make sure the name complies with local business naming regulations to avoid legal issues down the line. 

When Is the Best Time to Start a Roofing Company?

The best time to start a roofing company depends on your local climate and market trends. 

In many regions, spring and early summer are ideal because homeowners and businesses are eager to repair or replace roofs after harsh winter conditions. Warmer weather also makes it easier and safer for crews to work consistently. 

However, in warmer climates, the busy season might extend into the fall or even run year-round. 

Beyond weather, you also need to consider market trends. For instance, launching your roofing company just before peak season can be a great way to build a customer base and generate cash flow quickly. 

What Are the Benefits of Starting a Roofing Business?

Beyond just repairing or replacing roofs, this industry offers business owners the chance to build a reputable, profitable, and long-term stable business. 

If you're considering taking the leap, here are the top benefits:

• Flexibility: Starting your business offers you the flexibility to do things on your own terms. You can choose your projects, set your schedule, and grow at your desired pace.

• Low startup cost: Compared to other construction trades, roofing has relatively modest initial expenses, making it accessible for many entrepreneurs.

• High demand: Roofs need regular maintenance and replacement, ensuring a steady stream of customers and consistent work opportunities.

• Strong profitability: Finally, with high ticket prices and repeat maintenance needs, roofing businesses can achieve excellent profit margins and long-term financial growth.

What Are Common Mistakes When Starting a Roofing Business?

Understanding the most common mistakes ahead of time can help you build a stronger foundation and set your roofing business up for long-term success. 

Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Underestimating startup costs: Many new owners overlook hidden expenses like tools, vehicles, licensing, and safety gear, leaving them financially strained early on.

• Neglecting proper marketing: Relying solely on word of mouth can limit growth. Investing in a solid marketing plan helps build a strong client base from the start.

• Skipping insurance and licensing: Operating without the required insurance or licenses can result in legal issues and damage to your reputation.

• Failing to prioritize safety: Cutting corners on safety training and protocols puts employees at risk and can lead to costly accidents or fines.

• Ignoring cash flow management: Not keeping a close eye on cash flow can quickly derail operations and make it difficult to cover expenses during slow periods.

That said, let’s explore how to grow your roofing company.

How Can You Grow a Roofing Business?

Once you’ve established your company and built a steady client base, the next step is scaling up in a way that is sustainable and profitable. 

One of the most effective ways to grow is by expanding your services. Instead of offering only roof repairs, consider adding services such as gutter installation, siding, or solar panel integration. This not only broadens your revenue streams but also makes your business a one-stop exteriors solution for homeowners and commercial clients.

In addition, as your team and reputation for quality work grow, you should consider gradually increasing your prices to boost your margins and signal premium value to clients.

Another key growth strategy for your roofing company is improving your marketing efforts. Invest in professional branding, build a strong online presence, and try targeted advertising. 

Finally, investing in software to streamline your operations is a great way to drive business growth. 

With a tool like ServiceTitan that offers solutions for scheduling and routing, invoice management, customer management, tracking key metrics, and more, you can achieve smoother business operations, boost productivity, and gain insights into your company that improve decision-making.

Over to You

With careful preparation and a commitment to quality, your roofing business can achieve long-term success and strong profitability.

From licensing and business planning to pricing, marketing, and choosing the right software to aid your operations, each step brings you closer to building a thriving, reputable business. 

Remember, roofing is a high-demand industry with strong profit potential, but careful planning and ongoing improvements are key. 

ServiceTitan is an all-in-one software solution designed to help roofing companies simplify their operations, increase revenue, and take their business to the next level. Our powerful, cloud-based platform is trusted by thousands of contractors across the country—including roofing, HVAC, electrical, and plumbing businesses—and has helped them boost revenue by an average of 25 percent in their first year alone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are a few quick answers to your questions.

How much does it cost to start a roofing company?

The cost of starting a roofing business ranges from $15,000 to $20,000.

The startup costs for a roofing company depend on several factors, including registration fees, employee wages, tool and equipment purchases, material costs, liability insurance, and marketing expenses.

What is a good profit margin for a roofing company?

The national average profit margin for roofing companies is between 20 and 40 percent. 

Large roofing businesses tend to face higher overhead, while new roofing companies need to ramp up their operations before seeing higher profit margins.

Is a roofing company profitable?

Roofing companies can be profitable, depending on how well they are managed. 

According to Roofing Contractor, a 2021 survey found that the median annual revenue in the roofing sector ranged from $500,000 to $4.9 million that year.

What software should a roofing company use?

Roofing companies should invest in software tools that simplify operations and improve efficiency. For accounting, options like QuickBooks or Xero help manage invoices, expenses, and taxes seamlessly. CRM software such as HubSpot or JobNimbus helps track leads, manage customer relationships, and boost sales. 

For project management, software like ServiceTitan enables you to schedule jobs, manage crews, handle invoicing, and monitor project progress in real time. 

What training or certifications are recommended for roofing company owners?

OSHA safety certifications (such as OSHA 10 or OSHA 30) and manufacturer certifications from leading roofing material brands (like GAF Master Elite or Owens Corning Preferred Contractor) not only enhance technical skills but also strengthen your reputation with customers. 

Joining industry associations like the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) can help you develop the business knowledge needed to run and grow a successful roofing company.