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Summary
Choosing the right roofing contractor in New Orleans requires verifying hurricane certifications, insurance claim experience, Louisiana licensing, and workmanship warranties. Big Easy Roof Team walks New Orleans homeowners through the vetting process so they can hire with confidence and avoid storm-chaser scams.
A roof replacement is one of the most significant investments a homeowner will make, and in New Orleans the stakes are higher than in most cities. Big Easy Roof Team has seen the damage that results when homeowners hire the wrong contractor. Understanding common roofing problems in New Orleans helps you evaluate whether a contractor truly knows the local challenges.
After every hurricane, out-of-state operators flood the market with low bids and high-pressure sales tactics. Knowing how to vet a contractor before signing a contract is the single most important step you can take.
Every roofing contractor performing work valued at $7,500 or more in Louisiana must hold an active license from the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC). Verify any license directly on the LSLBC website. An unlicensed contractor cannot legally pull permits in New Orleans.
At minimum, general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance. Ask for certificates of insurance and verify they are current by contacting the insurer directly.
FORTIFIED is a voluntary building standard from IBHS that strengthens a roof against hurricanes through sealed roof decks, enhanced nailing patterns, and reinforced connections. Louisiana law requires insurers to offer premium discounts for FORTIFIED-designated homes. Not every contractor is trained to build to FORTIFIED standards. Ask about their training and evaluation experience.
Manufacturer certifications from GAF, Owens Corning, and CertainTeed indicate proper training in that manufacturer’s installation methods. Some manufacturers offer enhanced warranty coverage only when installed by a certified contractor.
A contractor with claim experience understands the documentation and adjuster communication required to get your roof replacement covered. The insurance claims process involves documenting damage, providing detailed scopes, and sometimes supplementing the initial estimate.
Your contractor should assist with documentation and adjuster meetings, but the claim belongs to you. Any contractor who asks you to sign over your insurance benefits is a serious red flag.
Both a manufacturer’s material warranty (25 to 50 years) and a separate workmanship warranty from the contractor (5 to 15 years). The material warranty alone does not cover installation problems.
Itemized costs, exact products (manufacturer, product line from the available roofing types), start and completion dates, and payment schedule. Never pay more than one-third as a deposit.
Unsolicited door-to-door estimates after a storm, demands for large cash deposits, pressure to sign immediately, and no verifiable local address or Louisiana license. If they cannot provide a license number, local address, and proof of insurance on the spot, do not sign.
Offering to waive your deductible, verbal-only estimates, no local references, pressure to decide before getting competing bids, unmarked vehicles, and reluctance to pull permits. Getting at least three written, itemized estimates is the most effective way to identify outliers.
Before signing a contract for a roof replacement, confirm: active Louisiana license, current insurance, manufacturer certifications, familiarity with repairs and full replacements, a clear written contract, both material and workmanship warranties, and local references.
Big Easy Roof Team is a licensed, insured New Orleans roofing contractor with deep experience in hurricane-rated installations and insurance claim coordination. We also offer roofing financing options. Call 504-285-5388 to schedule an inspection.
We serve New Orleans, Metairie, Kenner, Slidell, Baton Rouge, and throughout Louisiana and Florida.
Request your free estimate online to get started.
Visit the LSLBC website and search by the contractor’s name or license number. Confirm it is active and covers roofing work.
A FORTIFIED-trained contractor installs sealed roof decks, enhanced nailing patterns, and reinforced connections that exceed minimum code. Louisiana insurers must offer premium discounts for FORTIFIED roofs.
Your contractor should assist with documentation and adjuster meetings, but you should retain control of the claim. Be wary of anyone who asks you to sign over insurance benefits or offers to waive your deductible.
Get at least three written, itemized estimates from licensed Louisiana contractors. Comparing side by side helps identify fair pricing and spot unusually low bids.
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Jun 28, 2026