Free Roofing Contract Template for 2026
A roofing contractor contract template isn't just paperwork — it's the document that determines whether you get paid, whether you're protected when things go wrong, and whether a homeowner dispute ends with a conversation or a lawsuit.
Yet most roofing companies are using contracts they copied from another contractor years ago, with outdated terms, missing clauses, and language that wouldn't hold up in court. Or worse — they're working off handshake agreements and verbal promises.
Below is a comprehensive roofing contract template covering every clause a storm restoration roofing company needs, with explanations of why each section matters.
The 12 Essential Sections of a Roofing Contract
1. Parties and Property Identification
ROOFING CONTRACT
This agreement is entered into on [DATE] between:
Contractor: [COMPANY NAME]
License #: [NUMBER]
Address: [ADDRESS]
Phone: [PHONE]
Email: [EMAIL]
Property Owner: [HOMEOWNER NAME]
Property Address: [ADDRESS]
Phone: [PHONE]
Email: [EMAIL]
Why it matters: Clearly identifying both parties and the property address prevents disputes about which property the contract covers — especially important for contractors working multiple jobs on the same street after a storm.
2. Scope of Work
SCOPE OF WORK:
Contractor agrees to perform the following work at the above property:
- Complete tear-off of existing roofing system (approximately [X] squares)
- Install [MANUFACTURER] [PRODUCT LINE] shingle system in [COLOR]
- Install synthetic underlayment per manufacturer specifications
- Install drip edge at all eaves and rakes
- Install ice and water shield per local code requirements
- Replace all pipe boot flashings ([X] penetrations)
- Install ridge vent and ridge cap shingles
- Install starter strip at all eaves and rakes
- Complete debris removal and magnetic nail sweep
- Final inspection and walkthrough with property owner
Materials and colors are subject to availability. Contractor will notify
property owner of any substitutions prior to installation.
Why it matters: Vague scope descriptions are the #1 source of disputes. "Install new roof" means different things to different people. Itemize every element so the homeowner knows exactly what they're getting and you have documentation of what you agreed to deliver.
3. Insurance Claim Assignment (Storm Damage Jobs)
INSURANCE CLAIM INFORMATION (if applicable):
Insurance Company: [CARRIER NAME]
Claim Number: [NUMBER]
Date of Loss: [DATE]
Adjuster: [NAME]
The property owner authorizes the contractor to communicate with
the insurance company regarding this claim, including but not limited
to discussing scope of work, submitting supplements, and coordinating
adjuster inspections.
This contract is contingent upon insurance approval. If the insurance
claim is denied, this contract is void and no amounts are owed by
either party.
Why it matters: For storm restoration roofing contractors, the insurance claim clause is critical. It establishes your authority to communicate with the carrier, submit roofing insurance supplements, and negotiate on the homeowner's behalf. The contingency clause protects both parties if the claim is denied.
4. Pricing and Payment Terms
CONTRACT PRICE AND PAYMENT TERMS:
Total Contract Price: $[AMOUNT]
Payment Schedule:
- Deposit: $[AMOUNT] due upon contract signing
- Progress Payment: $[AMOUNT] due upon material delivery
- Final Payment: $[AMOUNT] due upon completion and final walkthrough
For Insurance Claims:
- Homeowner is responsible for their deductible: $[AMOUNT]
- Deductible is due upon contract signing or material delivery
- Insurance proceeds will be assigned directly to contractor upon receipt
- Any depreciation holdback recovered will be applied to final balance
Accepted Payment Methods:
Check, Credit Card, ACH Transfer, Financing (if approved)
Late Payment: A fee of [X]% per month will apply to balances
outstanding more than 30 days past due.
Why it matters: Clear payment terms prevent collection headaches. For insurance work, specifying when the deductible is due and how insurance proceeds are handled prevents the most common payment dispute in storm restoration.
5. Change Order Process
CHANGE ORDERS:
Any changes to the scope of work described above must be documented
in a written change order signed by both parties before the additional
work begins.
Change orders will include:
- Description of additional or modified work
- Additional cost or credit
- Impact on project timeline (if any)
Verbal agreements for additional work are not binding and will not
be performed without a written change order.
Why it matters: "While you're up there, can you also fix the chimney flashing?" Without a change order process, that verbal request becomes a dispute about whether it was included in the original contract price. Written change orders protect both parties.
6. Project Timeline
PROJECT TIMELINE:
Estimated Start Date: [DATE] (subject to weather and material availability)
Estimated Completion: [X] working days from start of work
Working Hours: [TIME] to [TIME], Monday through Saturday
Delays: Contractor is not responsible for delays caused by weather,
material shortages, insurance processing, permit delays, or other
circumstances beyond the contractor's control. Contractor will
communicate any delays promptly.
Why it matters: Setting expectations prevents homeowner frustration. The delay clause is especially important for storm restoration — insurance processing delays are common and outside your control.
7. Permits and Code Compliance
PERMITS AND INSPECTIONS:
Contractor will obtain all necessary building permits for this project.
Permit fees are [INCLUDED IN / IN ADDITION TO] the contract price.
All work will be performed in accordance with local building codes
and manufacturer installation specifications.
Contractor will schedule and attend all required inspections.
8. Warranty Information
WARRANTIES:
Manufacturer Warranty: [MANUFACTURER] [WARRANTY TYPE] covering
materials for [X] years. Warranty registration to be completed
by contractor within 30 days of project completion.
Workmanship Warranty: Contractor provides a [X]-year workmanship
warranty covering installation defects. This warranty covers labor
to repair any defect in workmanship from the date of completion.
Warranty Exclusions: Warranties do not cover damage caused by
subsequent storms, falling objects, foot traffic, improper
maintenance, or modifications by others.
9. Liability and Insurance
INSURANCE AND LIABILITY:
Contractor maintains the following insurance coverage:
- General Liability: $[AMOUNT]
- Workers' Compensation: Per state requirements
- Vehicle Insurance: Per state requirements
Certificates of insurance available upon request.
Contractor is responsible for damage to the property caused by
contractor negligence during the course of work. Contractor is
not responsible for pre-existing conditions or damage discovered
during the course of work that was not visible during initial
inspection.
10. Hidden Damage Clause
HIDDEN DAMAGE:
If concealed damage is discovered during the course of work that
was not visible during the initial inspection (including but not
limited to rotted decking, structural damage, or mold), the
contractor will:
1. Stop work in the affected area
2. Document the damage with photos
3. Notify the property owner immediately
4. Provide a written estimate for the additional repair
5. Obtain written approval before proceeding
For insurance claims, hidden damage will be submitted as a
supplement to the insurance carrier.
Why it matters: Rotted decking is the most common hidden damage on roofing projects. Without this clause, you're either eating the cost of repair or fighting with the homeowner about who pays for it.
11. Cancellation and Dispute Resolution
CANCELLATION:
Property owner may cancel this contract within [X] days of signing
per [STATE] right of rescission laws without penalty.
After the cancellation period, cancellation by the property owner
will result in payment for all work completed to date plus
materials ordered or delivered.
DISPUTE RESOLUTION:
Any disputes arising from this contract will first be addressed
through good-faith negotiation between the parties. If unresolved,
disputes will be submitted to [MEDIATION/ARBITRATION] in [COUNTY],
[STATE].
12. Signature Block
ACCEPTANCE:
By signing below, both parties agree to the terms of this contract.
Property Owner: _________________________ Date: ___________
Printed Name: _________________________
Contractor: ____________________________ Date: ___________
Printed Name: _________________________
Title: _________________________________
Roofing Contract Tips for Storm Restoration
Include a contingency clause. For insurance work, always include language making the contract contingent on claim approval. This protects the homeowner from owing money on a denied claim and protects you from doing work that never gets paid.
Photograph the signed contract. If you're signing in the field, photograph every page immediately. Better yet, use digital proposals with electronic signatures so the signed contract is permanently stored in your system.
Keep contracts attached to the job. When your roofing contractor contract is stored separately from your CRM, job photos, and communication history, you lose the full picture. Document management that ties contracts to jobs prevents this.
Use consistent templates. Every contract from your company should use the same template, same terms, same language. This prevents reps from making side deals or promising terms you don't offer. HailMate's proposal templates ensure consistency across your entire team.
Stop Printing Contracts — Go Digital
Paper contracts get lost, damaged, and forgotten in truck consoles. Digital contracts with e-signatures are:
- Instantly stored on the job record — never lost
- Signed anywhere — at the kitchen table on a phone or tablet
- Legally binding — electronic signatures carry the same legal weight as ink
- Automatically filed — attached to the job, accessible to your whole team
Learn about digital proposals in HailMate →
Related Reading
- Free Roofing Estimate Template for 2026 — Your estimate feeds into your contract. Make sure both are professional.
- How to Choose the Best Roofing CRM in 2026 — The right CRM stores contracts, estimates, and all job documentation in one place.
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This roofing contract template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in your state to ensure your contracts comply with local laws and regulations.