Roofing has a reputation problem, and a lot of it is earned. Too many homeowners in Memphis have a story about a deposit that disappeared, a job that was never finished, or a "lifetime warranty" that didn't survive the first leak. Here's how to pick a contractor you can actually trust — and the red flags that should send you running.

1. Hire Local

This is the single most important rule. After a big storm, out-of-state "storm chaser" companies flood Memphis. They rent a temporary office, knock doors, pressure-sell, take deposits, and disappear after the season. When something goes wrong with your roof in year 3, they're gone and your warranty is worthless.

A local contractor has a real shop you can drive to, real long-term reviews, and a name they have to protect. If you're 8 years into a warranty issue, you want to be able to find them. Our shop is on Poplar Aveive — you can stop by.

2. Check For License And Insurance

Tennessee doesn't have statewide roofing licensure, but Memphis County and most municipalities require contractors to be registered and insured. Ask for proof. A reputable roofer will provide a certificate of insurance (liability + workers' comp) without hesitation. If they hedge, walk away.

3. Read Recent Reviews — And Read Past The 5-Star Ones

Look at recent Google reviews, not just the all-time count. A contractor with 50 reviews from 2018 and nothing since is a red flag. Read the 3-star and below reviews too — every contractor has them. The question is how they respond. A professional response that addresses the issue is good. A defensive or no response is bad.

4. Get Multiple Itemized Quotes

Always get at least 2–3 quotes for a major project. Make sure each quote is itemized — not just "Roof Replacement: $11,500" but tear-off, underlayment, shingles, flashing, ventilation, cleanup, warranty, all broken out. This lets you compare apples to apples.

5. Beware The "Today Only" Discount

Any contractor who pressures you to sign on the spot — "we can give you 20% off if you commit today" — is using a sales tactic, not pricing honestly. A real estimate is good for 30 days. Walk away from anyone who pushes the deadline.

6. Don't Pay A Big Deposit

Industry standard for materials is a small good-faith deposit (5–15% max), or no deposit at all on smaller jobs. If a contractor demands 50% upfront before they've ordered materials, that's a huge red flag. We've seen this scam play out a hundred times.

7. Get The Warranty In Writing

Verbal warranties aren't worth the paper they aren't written on. Get the workmanship warranty and manufacturer warranty paperwork before you sign. Superior Roofing includes a 10-year workmanship warranty on every install, plus GAF/Owens Corning manufacturer warranties up to lifetime.

8. Look At The Cleanup Promise

A good roofer does a magnetic nail sweep across the entire property after the job. Cheap roofers skip it. Three months later you're picking nails out of your tires. Ask specifically about cleanup before you sign.

9. Trust Your Gut

If something feels off — high-pressure sales, vague answers, defensive responses to your questions — walk away. There are honest roofers in Memphis. Find one.

A Few Final Tips

• Ask to see photos of recent local jobs in your area
• Ask how they handle insurance claims (a good contractor handles the whole process)
• Ask who the project manager will be and whether you'll have direct contact
• Ask what happens if there's a problem 5 years down the road

If you'd like a no-pressure conversation about your roof — repair or replacement — we're happy to have it. Free inspection, full photo report, honest answer.