A roofing contract is the written agreement between a homeowner and a roofing contractor for a re-roof or major repair. It pins down the few things that cause nearly every roofing dispute: whether the old roof comes off, exactly which materials go on, what rotten decking costs, who stands behind the work, and how the yard looks when the crew leaves. This free roofing contractor agreement is written for residential jobs, in Word and PDF.
Roofing is also where storm chasers and door-knockers turn up after hail, so a few consumer protection rules matter more here than on most jobs. We cover those below.
Tear-off or overlay: what should the contract say?
The contract should state which one you’re getting and how many existing layers there are. A tear-off removes the old roofing down to the deck so the crew can inspect and replace damaged decking. An overlay installs new shingles over the existing layer. It costs less, but it hides the deck, adds weight, and may not be allowed by local code or by the shingle maker’s warranty terms, so check both before choosing it.
The template has a checkbox for each, a line for the number of existing layers, and a line confirming that removal and disposal are included in a tear-off price.
Which materials need to be named?
All of them, by brand and product line, not just “architectural shingles.” Hypothetically, a homeowner in Wichita signs for a $17,400 tear-off quoted as “30-year shingles, new underlayment.” The crew shows up with a cheaper synthetic felt and reuses the old pipe boots. Nothing in the contract said otherwise.
Our template has a materials table: shingle manufacturer, line and color; underlayment type; ice and water barrier (where and how far up); drip edge; flashing (new or reused, and where); pipe boots; ridge vents or other ventilation. The more specific this table is, the easier it is to hold both sides to it.
Why does decking get its own price?
Because no one can see it until the old roof is off. Rather than leave rotten decking as an open-ended extra, the template sets a price per sheet (for example, per 4 by 8 foot sheet of OSB or plywood) and an optional cap on how many sheets the roofer can replace without calling you first. It also asks the roofer to photograph the damaged sheets. That gives the homeowner a predictable number and gives the roofer a clean way to get paid for real work.
Manufacturer warranty or workmanship warranty: what’s the difference?
They’re two separate promises from two different companies. The manufacturer’s warranty covers defects in the materials and is governed by the manufacturer’s own terms, which may require registration or installation by a certified installer, so read the actual warranty document for your product. The workmanship warranty comes from the roofer and covers installation errors like bad flashing or improperly nailed shingles.
The template lists both, has the roofer register the manufacturer’s warranty if registration is required, and fills in the length of the workmanship warranty in years. A long manufacturer’s warranty paired with a one-year workmanship warranty is a weaker deal than it sounds, because only the roofer’s warranty covers installation mistakes.
Can the roofer handle my insurance claim?
Be careful here. After a storm, some roofers offer to “handle everything with your insurance.” State law may limit what a contractor can do. Florida’s statute on prohibited property insurance practices, section 489.147, bars contractors from offering homeowners things of value such as waiving the insurance deductible, and from interpreting policy provisions, advising on coverage, or adjusting a claim for the homeowner unless the contractor holds a public adjuster license. It also requires a good faith, itemized estimate for repairs under a property insurance claim.
Other states have their own rules. The template keeps it simple: the homeowner deals with the insurer, the contractor provides estimates and documentation the homeowner asks for, the contractor doesn’t waive or rebate the deductible, and the contract price isn’t tied to whatever the insurer pays.
Does the 3-day cooling-off rule apply to roofing sales?
It can. The FTC’s cooling-off rule covers sales made at the buyer’s home when the price is $25 or more (or $130 or more at temporary locations like a hotel or fairground), and it excludes, among others, sales that follow earlier negotiations at the seller’s permanent place of business. The buyer can cancel until midnight of the third business day after the sale. The seller must give the buyer a contract or receipt with the date, the seller’s name and address, and a cancellation notice, and must refund all payments within 10 business days of a cancellation.
There’s an exception for true emergencies, but only when the buyer started the contact, and it needs a separate personal statement in the buyer’s own handwriting, signed and dated, describing the emergency and waiving the right. A roofer shouldn’t be writing that for you. Some states add their own rules for home improvement contracts. Connecticut, for example, requires a written, signed contract and lets the customer cancel up to midnight of the third business day.
What about cleanup and nails?
Put it in writing. The template requires daily cleanup, protection of landscaping and siding with tarps, removal of all debris, and a magnetic sweep of the driveway, lawn and beds at the end of the job. It’s a small clause that tires and bare feet will appreciate.
How do you fill in a roofing contract and get it signed?
- Get the roofer’s license or registration number, insurance certificates and the manufacturer warranty terms.
- Fill in the materials table line by line.
- Set the decking price per sheet and the call-first cap.
- Agree the payment schedule. Connecticut’s consumer agency, for one, advises keeping the first deposit to a third of the cost.
- Sign, and keep the cancellation notice with your copy.
The ESIGN Act lets contracts like this be signed electronically. If the contract is signed at your home, the cancellation notice still has to be given. For extra work found mid-job beyond decking, use a change order form. For a bigger remodel, see our construction contract.
Download it, fill in the blanks, and send it for e-signature with any tool you like. (We’re building SignWren for exactly this; join the waitlist.)
This template and guide are general information, not legal advice. For a specific contract, claim or dispute, talk to a lawyer licensed where the house is.
Template from signwren.com. General information, not legal advice. Check your state's rules and adapt it before you use it.
ROOFING CONTRACT
This Roofing Contract ("Contract") is made on [date] between:
Homeowner: [full legal name(s)], of [property address] ("Homeowner"), and
Roofing Contractor: [business legal name], license or registration no. [number], of [address] ("Contractor").
Property: [street address, city, state, ZIP]
1. Type of Work
☐ Tear-off. Contractor will remove all existing roofing down to the deck ([number] existing layer(s)), dispose of it off site, inspect the deck, and install the new roof described below.
☐ Overlay. Contractor will install the new roof over the existing single layer. Contractor confirms that an overlay is allowed by local code and by the terms of the manufacturer's warranty for the materials below.
☐ Repair. Contractor will repair the following area(s): [describe].
Roof area: approximately [number] squares (1 square = 100 square feet), including [main roof, garage, porch].
2. Materials
| Component |
Specification |
| Shingles or roofing |
[manufacturer, product line, color] |
| Underlayment |
[type and brand] |
| Ice and water barrier |
[where, e.g. eaves to [number] ft, valleys] |
| Drip edge |
[material and color] |
| Flashing |
☐ New ☐ Reused where sound: [chimney, walls, skylights] |
| Pipe boots / vent collars |
☐ New ☐ Reused |
| Ventilation |
[ridge vent, box vents, intake vents] |
| Other |
[gutters, skylights, starter strip, hip and ridge caps] |
Contractor will not substitute different materials without Homeowner's written approval.
3. Decking
After tear-off, Contractor will inspect the deck. Damaged or rotten decking will be replaced at [$ amount] per 4 x 8 ft sheet of [plywood / OSB, thickness], installed. Contractor will photograph the damaged decking before replacing it and give Homeowner the photos. Contractor may replace up to [number] sheets without further approval. Beyond that, Contractor will contact Homeowner before continuing. Other deck repairs (such as rafter repair) require a signed change order.
4. Price and Payment
The contract price is [$ amount], plus decking replacement under Section 3 and any signed change orders.
| Payment |
When due |
Amount |
| Deposit |
At signing, or after any cancellation period ends |
[$ amount] |
| Materials payment |
On delivery of materials to the Property |
[$ amount] |
| Final payment |
On completion, final inspection (if required), and cleanup |
[$ amount] |
5. Insurance Claims
Homeowner is responsible for dealing with Homeowner's insurance company. On request, Contractor will provide itemized estimates, photos and invoices. Contractor will not interpret Homeowner's policy, advise on coverage, or negotiate or adjust the claim on Homeowner's behalf unless it is licensed to do so where the Property is located. Contractor will not waive, rebate or absorb Homeowner's deductible. The contract price is not tied to the amount the insurer pays. If the insurer approves additional work, it will be added only by a signed change order.
6. Permits and Schedule
Contractor will obtain required permits and arrange required inspections. Permit fees are ☐ included ☐ billed at cost. Work will start on or about [date] and take about [number] working days, weather allowing. Contractor will not leave the roof open overnight without secure temporary protection.
7. Weather and Delays
Contractor is not responsible for delays caused by weather, material shortages, or other events beyond its control, but will keep Homeowner informed and protect the Property from water entry during the Work.
8. Protection of Property and Cleanup
Contractor will protect landscaping, siding, windows, decks and driveways with tarps or boards as needed. Contractor will clean up debris daily, remove all roofing debris from the Property at completion, and run a magnetic nail sweeper over the driveway, walkways, lawn and beds [daily / at completion]. Contractor will repair or pay for damage to the Property caused by its crew. Homeowner will move vehicles, patio furniture and valuables from beneath the work area and tell Contractor about any items in the attic that could be affected by debris or nails coming through the deck.
9. Warranties
Manufacturer's warranty. Materials carry the manufacturer's warranty on the manufacturer's terms. Contractor will ☐ register the warranty for Homeowner and provide proof ☐ give Homeowner what is needed to register it. Contractor will install materials according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Workmanship warranty. Contractor warrants its workmanship for [number] years from completion. If a leak or defect caused by installation appears during that time, Contractor will repair it at no charge after written notice. This warranty does not cover damage from storms beyond the materials' rated limits, falling objects, foot traffic by others, or work by others on the roof.
10. Changes
Any change to the work, materials or price, other than decking under Section 3, must be in a written change order signed by both parties.
11. Lien Waivers
With final payment, Contractor will provide a final lien waiver for Contractor and, on request, from its major suppliers and subcontractors.
12. Contractor's Insurance
Contractor carries general liability insurance of at least [$ amount] per occurrence and workers' compensation as required by law, and will give Homeowner certificates before work starts.
13. Right to Cancel
If this Contract was signed at Homeowner's home (for a price of $25 or more) or at another place that is not Contractor's permanent place of business (for $130 or more), Homeowner may have the right to cancel under the FTC Cooling-Off Rule until midnight of the third business day after signing. Contractor will attach the required Notice of Cancellation to this Contract. If state law gives a longer or different right to cancel, that law applies. Contractor will not start work before the cancellation period ends unless Homeowner has validly waived the right for a genuine emergency as the Rule allows.
14. Termination
Either party may terminate this Contract by written notice if the other materially breaches it and does not cure within [number] days after written notice. If terminated, Homeowner will pay for work performed and materials delivered, and Contractor will leave the roof watertight.
15. General Terms
Notices. Notices must be in writing and delivered by hand, email or mail to the addresses above.
Entire agreement. This Contract, the Notice of Cancellation, and any signed change orders are the entire agreement.
Amendments. Changes must be in writing and signed by both parties.
Governing law. The laws of the State of [State] govern this Contract.
Severability. If any part is found unenforceable, the rest stays in effect.
Counterparts and electronic signatures. The parties agree this agreement may be signed electronically and in counterparts, and an electronic signature has the same effect as a handwritten one.
Signatures
Homeowner
Signature: ______________________________
Name: [full name]
Date: [date]
Roofing Contractor
Signature: ______________________________
Name: [full name]
Date: [date]