When you’re dealing with roof leaks, storm damage, or a full roof replacement, the last thing you want is to hire the wrong person for the job. Yet every year, hundreds of homeowners in Arizona unknowingly hire unlicensed or uninsured roofers — and end up paying the price. That’s why choosing licensed roofing contractors in Scottsdale AZ isn’t just smart… it’s essential.
Take Donna Wilson, a longtime North Scottsdale homeowner. After a late-summer monsoon damaged her roof, she received a flyer from a contractor offering a “full roof repair for half the price.” Excited to save money, she hired them immediately.
Two weeks later, her ceiling collapsed after the contractor failed to properly seal a ridge cap. When she tried to contact them, the number was disconnected. And because the contractor wasn’t licensed or insured…
❌ Her homeowner’s insurance refused the claim
❌ No legal protection existed
❌ She had to pay $14,800 out of pocket
“I learned the hardest lesson,” Donna recalls. “If I had hired a licensed roofer, none of this would have happened.”
Stories like Donna’s happen every week in Scottsdale — especially after monsoon storms. This blog explains why licensing and insurance matter, how they protect you, and how to check whether a roofer is truly legitimate.
The Hidden Danger of Hiring Unlicensed Roofers
Unlicensed roofers often advertise on:
- Flyers
- Facebook groups
- Marketplace
- Craigslist
- Door-to-door visits after storms
Their prices look appealing because they skip the costs responsible contractors must pay, such as insurance, training, permits, certifications, and roofing warranties.
But here’s the truth:
Hiring unlicensed roofers is one of the riskiest decisions a homeowner can make.
They often:
- Use low-quality materials
- Skip safety protocols
- Avoid pulling permits
- Disappear before finishing the job
- Offer fake “warranties”
- Cause more damage than they fix
And you take on all the legal and financial risk.
Why Licensing Matters
In Arizona, all professional roofers must be licensed through the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC). This protects homeowners by ensuring the contractor meets strict requirements.
Here’s why licensing is essential:
1. Licensed Roofers Follow Arizona Building Codes
Scottsdale has strict roofing codes due to:
- Extreme heat
- High UV exposure
- Monsoon microbursts
- Wildfire safety zones
- HOA compliance
Unlicensed roofers often ignore these requirements, leading to:
- Failed inspections
- Voided insurance coverage
- Roof leaks
- Safety hazards
Licensed contractors MUST meet all local and state codes — giving you peace of mind.
2. Licensing Requires Skill, Training & Experience
Before the ROC issues a license, a contractor must:
- Pass trade exams
- Pass business and law exams
- Prove years of roofing experience
- Complete background checks
- Maintain good standing
This prevents inexperienced workers from taking on jobs they’re not qualified for.
3. You Get Access to the ROC Recovery Fund
This is HUGE.
If a licensed roofing contractor fails, disappears, or causes damage, the Arizona ROC Recovery Fund can reimburse homeowners up to $30,000.
But —
❌ If your roofer is unlicensed, you get ZERO protection.
4. Licensed Contractors Pull the Correct Permits
Roofing work in Scottsdale often requires permits.
Unlicensed roofers:
- Avoid permits
- Hide work from inspectors
- Rush installation
This leads to major problems when selling the home or filing insurance claims.
Why Insurance Matters
Even licensed roofers must carry proper insurance.
Here’s why:
1. Insurance Protects You from Liability
If a worker falls off your roof and the contractor lacks insurance:
YOU may be held legally and financially responsible.
This includes:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Legal fees
- Lawsuits
Licensed roofing contractors in Scottsdale AZ carry:
✔ General Liability Insurance
✔ Workers’ Compensation
✔ Vehicle Insurance
✔ Commercial Property Insurance
This means you are protected no matter what happens.
2. Insurance Covers Accidental Damage to Your Property
Roofing is dangerous.
Accidents happen.
A nail through your AC line, a broken skylight, or a cracked tile should be covered by the contractor’s insurance — not your wallet.
Uninsured roofers leave you with:
❌ No coverage
❌ No accountability
❌ No legal recourse
3. Insurance Protects Your Roofing Warranty
Manufacturers like GAF, Owens Corning, and CertainTeed require that only certified, insured contractors install their roofing systems.
If not, your warranty can be voided instantly.
Real Scottsdale Cases Caused by Unlicensed Roofers
Case 1: The $22,000 Leak Repair
A Paradise Valley homeowner hired a roofer who was $4,000 cheaper.
He welded TPO seams incorrectly.
After monsoon storms, water flooded the attic — and the roofer vanished.
Insurance refused the claim.
Total cost to repair: $22,000.
Case 2: Worker Injury Lawsuit
An uninsured roofer fell through a skylight on a Scottsdale home.
The homeowner was sued and paid over $90,000 in damages.
Case 3: Failed Home Sale
A homeowner tried selling her house, but the buyer’s inspector found the roof was installed without a permit.
She had to replace it entirely before closing.
How to Verify a Roofer’s License in Arizona
Checking a contractor’s license takes 30 seconds.
- Go to: https://roc.az.gov
- Click “Contractor Search”
- Enter the company name
- Verify:
- License status
- Bond
- Insurance
- Complaint history
If there’s no license, walk away immediately.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Roofer
Ask these to protect yourself:
✔ What is your ROC license number?
✔ Do you have general liability insurance?
✔ Do you have workers’ compensation insurance?
✔ Are you manufacturer-certified?
✔ Will you pull all necessary permits?
✔ What warranty do you provide?
✔ Can I see your recent Scottsdale projects?
Any hesitation is a warning sign.
Why Tip Top Roofing Service Is Fully Licensed & Insured
Tip Top Roofing Service provides complete peace of mind because we are:
- ✔ Arizona ROC Licensed
- ✔ Bonded
- ✔ Fully Insured
- ✔ Manufacturer-Certified
- ✔ Monsoon-Ready Experts
- ✔ Serving Scottsdale & Phoenix Metro for 20+ Years
Our team handles:
- Roof repairs
- Roof replacements
- Tile roofing
- Shingle roofing
- Flat/TPO roofing
- Commercial & residential projects
📞 Call Tip Top Roofing Service
(480) 877-1643
🌐 tiptoproofingservice.com
We protect your home — and your wallet — from unlicensed and uninsured contractors.
