Top Roofing Contractors in Indianapolis, IN

Here's something important: Indiana requires roofing contractors to register with the state if they're doing work over $150. Always verify your contractor's credentials before signing anything. Ask for their business license, proof of liability insurance, and workers' compensation coverage. If someone gets hurt on your property and the contractor isn't properly insured, you could be liable.

Don't just take their word for it—ask to see the actual certificates. A legitimate contractor won't have any problem providing documentation. It's also smart to check reviews and ask for local references from recent jobs.

Licenses, Insurance, and Avoiding 'Storm Chasers'

This is a non-negotiable part of hiring an Indianapolis roofer. The State of Indiana doesn't require a statewide roofing license, but the City of Indianapolis (and Marion County) does require a General Contractor License for roofing work. Always ask to see it.

More importantly, your contractor needs to be fully insured. This means:

• General Liability Insurance: This protects you if they damage your property (a dropped tool, a smashed shrub, etc.). Indy requires a minimum of $500,000 in General Liability, with the Consolidated City of Indianapolis named as "Additional Insured."

• Workers' Compensation Insurance: This protects you if one of their crew members gets hurt on your job. If they don't have it, that injured worker could sue you.

Don't deal with "storm chasers"—out-of-town companies who rush in after a major storm, do shoddy work, and vanish. Use a reputable, local, licensed, and insured company.

Indianapolis sits right in the middle of some pretty intense weather patterns. Spring and summer bring severe thunderstorms that can pack a serious punch. We're talking heavy rain, strong winds, and hail that can range from pea-sized to golf ball-sized chunks of ice falling from the sky. Even smaller hail can damage shingles, knocking off the protective granules and creating weak spots that'll cause problems down the road.

Winter is no joke either. Heavy snow loads can stress your roof's structure, and the constant freeze-thaw cycle we experience creates ice dams that force water under your shingles. Then there's the summer heat—those 90-degree days with intense UV exposure gradually break down roofing materials over time.

Our roofs deal with everything. The biggest culprits are storm conditions and hail. Severe thunderstorms with high winds can easily tear off shingles, especially on older roofs, leaving your home exposed. And hail? Even pea-sized hail can loosen the protective granules on asphalt shingles—it's not always visible from the ground, but it accelerates wear and shortens your roof's life. If you see dents on your gutters or siding after a storm, get a professional inspection, pronto.

Then there's the freeze-thaw cycle. Heavy snow and ice dams are a real risk in the winter. Snow melts during the day, seeps under shingles, and refreezes at night, prying everything apart. And in the summer, the relentless heat just bakes and warps the materials. Our fluctuating temperatures mean constant expansion and contraction, which is tough on any roof system.

Prices vary widely depending on your roof size, pitch, and materials. For a typical Indianapolis home (around 2,000 square feet), you're looking at $5,500 to $12,000 for asphalt shingles. That's the most common choice around here because they're affordable and perform well in our climate.

Metal roofing runs higher—maybe $10,000 to $20,000—but it lasts 40-50 years. Architectural shingles cost more than basic three-tab shingles but offer better durability and curb appeal.

Get at least three written estimates before deciding. The cheapest bid isn't always the best deal—you want quality materials and workmanship that'll protect your home for decades. Ask what's included: tear-off of old materials, new underlayment, ice and water shield, ridge vents, and cleanup.

Your roof is a major investment, but it's also your home's first line of defense against everything Indiana weather throws at it.