Hiring a roofer can feel like you’re handing over a huge check and hoping for the best. In Rhode Island, that stress is amplified by coastal wind exposure, older housing stock, and the reality that storm-chasers still show up after big weather events.
This 2026 guide is built to help Rhode Island homeowners (Providence, Cranston, Warwick, East Greenwich, Barrington, Newport, Narragansett, Jamestown, Little Compton, and beyond) hire a roofer with confidence—and avoid the most common (and expensive) mistakes.
If you want a documented roof inspection and a clear scope before you commit, call (401) 425-4108 or text/call 401-234-2452.
The 2026 Rhode Island roofer checklist (quick version)
Use this as your fast filter before you even schedule estimates:
- Proof of general liability insurance and workers’ comp
- Clear business presence: real address, reviews, and local track record
- Written scope that lists materials, ventilation, flashing, and cleanup
- Warranty that explains workmanship and manufacturer coverage
- A payment schedule that doesn’t demand a huge deposit upfront
Step 1: Where to find reputable roofers in Rhode Island
Start with the sources that tend to produce the best outcomes:
- Neighbors and local referrals (ask to see photos and ask how cleanup went)
- Google reviews (look for detail, not just star ratings)
- BBB and local directories (useful for pattern spotting)
- Manufacturer contractor networks (Owens Corning, CertainTeed, etc.)
Tip: Don’t stop at “my friend used them.” We regularly meet homeowners who were referred to a contractor and still ended up with installation errors. Verify the details yourself.
Step 2: The non-negotiables (what every roofer must provide)
Before anyone climbs a ladder, ask for these items. A professional contractor won’t hesitate.
License + insurance documentation
Ask for:
- Proof of liability insurance (with current dates)
- Workers’ comp coverage
- Company name matching the contract name
If they dodge this, move on.
A real scope of work (not a one-line quote)
A legitimate proposal should spell out:
- Tear-off vs overlay (and why)
- Underlayment and ice/water protection approach
- Flashing scope (chimney, walls, skylights, pipe boots)
- Ventilation plan (intake + exhaust)
- Cleanup plan (magnets, landscaping protection, dumpster/hauling)
Local experience with your roof type
Rhode Island homes vary a lot. Make sure they have experience with:
- Asphalt shingles (most common)
- Low-slope/flat roofs (EPDM/rubber)
- Metal roofing
- Slate or specialty systems (requires true specialists)
Step 3: Interview questions that reveal the truth fast
You’re not interviewing for friendliness—you’re interviewing for competence.
Ask these questions and listen for specifics:
- What do you think is the failure point on my roof? (They should mention flashing, ventilation, valleys, penetrations—not just shingles.)
- How will you protect my property? (Landscaping, siding, windows, driveway.)
- What’s your ventilation plan? (If they don’t talk intake + exhaust, that’s a red flag.)
- Who is my point of contact during the job?
- How do you handle rotten decking if you find it? (Change order process should be clear.)
- What’s the realistic timeline and what could delay it?
Step 4: Red flags Rhode Island homeowners should take seriously
These are the patterns that most often lead to “we need to fix what the last roofer did.”
- “We can start tomorrow” after a major storm (often storm-chaser behavior)
- No written scope, just a price
- Pressure tactics: “sign today or the price goes up”
- Huge deposit request before materials arrive
- Vague warranty language (or “lifetime warranty” with no details)
- They won’t discuss ventilation or flashing
Step 5: How to compare estimates (without getting tricked)
When you have 2–3 proposals, compare them line-by-line.
What should be identical across good estimates
- Same roof areas included
- Same tear-off plan
- Similar ventilation approach
- Similar flashing scope
What will differ (and why)
- Brand and shingle line
- Underlayment and accessory upgrades
- Warranty options
- Workmanship approach and documentation
If one estimate is dramatically lower, it usually means something is missing: ventilation, flashing, underlayment, cleanup, or proper labor.
Step 6: What a “real” roofing estimate includes in 2026
A strong estimate should clearly list:
- Roofing system components (not just shingles)
- Ice and water protection approach (especially important in New England)
- Starter, ridge cap, and ventilation components
- Flashing details and replacement plan
- Disposal and site protection
- Permits (if applicable)
If you want a roof that performs in Rhode Island weather, the estimate must treat the roof like a system.
Step 7: Repair vs. replace (a practical decision framework)
Repairs can be smart when:
- The roof is relatively young
- The problem is isolated (one area)
- The roof system is otherwise healthy
Replacement is usually the better value when:
- You’re chasing repeat leaks
- There’s widespread shingle failure
- Ventilation/flashing issues are systemic
- The roof is near end-of-life
Step 8: Insurance claims in Rhode Island (what to expect)
If storm damage is involved, a good contractor should help you understand the process and document conditions.
A typical claim flow:
- Inspection + documentation
- Adjuster visit
- Scope alignment (what’s covered vs not)
- Work completion
- Final paperwork for recoverable depreciation (if applicable)
Why homeowners choose Mighty Dog Roofing of Rhode Island
We focus on clarity, documentation, and long-term performance:
- 25-point roof inspections
- Drone inspections when appropriate
- Clear scopes and photos so you can make confident decisions
- Emergency response when time matters
- Strong manufacturer certifications and workmanship standards
FAQs (2026)
How many roofing estimates should I get?
Usually 2–3. More than that often creates confusion because every contractor scopes the job differently. The goal is to compare complete scopes—not just prices.
What’s a reasonable deposit for a roofing job?
Many reputable contractors take a small deposit to secure scheduling, but you should be cautious with large upfront payments—especially before materials are delivered.
How do I know if a roofer is a storm chaser?
Common signs include out-of-state branding, pressure tactics, no local address, and “we can start tomorrow” right after a storm. Always verify insurance, reviews, and local presence.
Do you still offer solar?
No—solar services are discontinued. Our focus is roofing and exterior systems delivered with consistent quality. However, we do offer solar panel detach and reset services for homeowners who need roof work completed beneath an existing solar array, or who are experiencing complications with their solar provider.
Ready to hire a roofer with confidence?
If you want a documented inspection and a clear scope before you commit:
- Call: (401) 425-4108
- Text/Call: 401-234-2452
- Get an instant quote
- Learn about inspections
- Roof maintenance program
- Mighty Watchdog Warranty
Rhode Island Service Locations:
Ashaway, Barrington, Bradford, Bristol, Carolina, Central Falls, Charlestown, Chepachet, Clayville, Coventry, Cranston, Cumberland, East Greenwich, East Providence, Exeter, Forestdale, Foster, Glendale, Greene, Greenville, Harrisville,Hope,Hope Valley, Hopkinton, Jamestown, Johnston, Kenyon, Kingston, Lincoln, Little Compton, Manville, Mapleville, Middletown, Narragansett, Newport, North Kingstown, North Providence, North Scituate, North Smithfield, Oakland, Pascoag, Pawtucket, Portsmouth, Providence, Riverside, Rockville, Rumford, Saunderstown, Shannock, Scituate, Slatersville, Smithfield, Tiverton, Wakefield, Warren, Warwick, West Greenwich, West Kingston, West Warwick, Westerly, Wood River Junction, Woonsocket, Wyoming
Last updated: 2026