Overhead view of a new black metal roof installed by a roofing contractor
We’ve seen too many families sign with a roofing contractor without knowing what to ask. Some ended up with shoddy work, no warranty, or worse. That’s why we always tell folks across East Tennessee: Ask the right questions before you sign anything.

Here’s what we recommend you ask any roofing contractors near you.

Are You Licensed and Insured?

Start by asking for the contractor’s license number. You can look it up yourself on the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance site.

Ask for a copy of their general liability insurance and confirm the policy is active. Make sure they also carry workers’ compensation on every crew member, not just subcontractors.

How Long Have You Been in Business?

Experience matters. Ask how long they’ve operated under the current name and license. Then ask for recent photos of work completed near your area and contact info for three local homeowners they’ve served.

A lot of roofing companies pop up after big storms, but they often disappear just as quickly. At Mountain View Exteriors, we’ve been serving East Tennessee homes for years with a dedicated crew that sticks around.

What Materials Will You Use?

Roof shingles vary in quality, and so do metal panels. Ask what brands the contractor installs and why. Then dig into the installation methods. Confirm that essentials like drip edge, synthetic underlayment, ridge vents, and ice-and-water shields are included in the base price.

We’re big believers in transparency. You can read more about our asphalt roofing and metal roofing systems on our site.

What Does the Warranty Really Cover?

Warranties are one of the most misunderstood parts of roof replacement. Make sure you get the workmanship warranty in writing, separate from the manufacturer’s material warranty.

Ask how long the warranties last, who handles claims, and what happens if you sell the house. A strong warranty should follow the home, not just the installer.

Can I See the Full Quote?

Insist on a line-item breakdown. This should include tear-off, new materials, decking repairs, and accessories.

Also ask who pulls permits, how change orders are handled, and what their timeline looks like. Rain delays are common, so get their policy on scheduling and what happens if materials arrive late.

What Safety Measures Do You Use?

Roofing is dangerous work. Ask what fall protection will be used and how the crew protects your landscaping and property. You should also ask if they’ll run magnet sweeps at the end of each day to pick up nails.

At Mountain View Exteriors, we take cleanup and safety seriously. Our crew leads are trained to walk you through expectations every morning.

Who Will I Talk to Daily?

Clear communication matters. You need to know who your point of contact will be. Ask how often they’ll check in and what to do if something goes wrong.

You should also ask how they handle disputes. A good roofing business near you should be able to explain their process without hesitation.

Do You Work Locally?

Some companies drop into town for a few weeks and leave no forwarding address. Ask if the company has handled local permitting and inspection processes before. If your home is in an HOA, confirm they’ve worked with your neighborhood’s roof color requirements too.

We’ve served homeowners all across East Tennessee. We know the building codes, the inspectors, and the weather.

Before you commit to anything, we encourage you to speak with someone you can trust. At Mountain View Exteriors, we’re happy to answer every question you have. You can contact us directly or call the office anytime. It’s your roof, your money, and your peace of mind. Let’s protect it together.