What should Dallas homeowners know before hiring a roofer?

Dallas sits in one of the country's most damaging hail zones. The 1995 Mayfest storm caused about $2 billion in damage in Tarrant and Dallas counties, and a 2012 storm dropped softball-size hail on parts of Dallas. The city requires a re-roof permit when large areas or an entire roof are replaced, and registered contractors apply for it. Texas has no state roofing license, so check insurance, references and a local address yourself.

Key facts for Dallas, TX

• The Mayfest storm of May 5, 1995 dropped hail up to softball size and caused about $2 billion in damage in Tarrant and Dallas counties, according to NWS Fort Worth.
• NWS Fort Worth says 15 people died in Dallas County in the 1995 storm, including two killed in a roof collapse caused by heavy rain.
• On June 13, 2012, storms pummeled parts of Dallas, Collin and Fannin counties with hail up to softball size, and early estimates put the cost at $900 million.
• The City of Dallas says replacing large areas of a roof or an entire roof requires a re-roof permit.
• Dallas says no permit is needed for temporary measures such as tarps to stop more water damage.
• If storm damage is structural, Dallas requires a building permit rather than a roofing permit.
• Dallas has a separate form for homeowners doing their own repairs so they don't have to register as a contractor.

How bad is hail in Dallas?

North Texas has a long record of costly hail. The National Weather Service's Fort Worth office calls the May 5, 1995 Mayfest storm one of the costliest hailstorms in history. Hail up to softball size fell, and damage in Tarrant and Dallas counties reached about $2 billion. Fifteen people died in Dallas County, many in floodwaters, including two killed when heavy rain collapsed a roof.

On June 13, 2012, storms hit parts of Dallas, Collin and Fannin counties with hail as large as baseballs, oranges and softballs. Early estimates put the cost at $900 million.

Big hail events bring waves of roofers. Get bids in writing, check references, and don't sign anything on the spot.

What permit does a Dallas re-roof need?

Dallas Development Services says minor repairs don't need a permit, but replacing large areas of a roof or the entire roof requires a re-roof permit. If damage is limited to shingles and decking, the roofing permit can be obtained over the counter or online. Structural damage requires a building permit.

Tarps and other temporary measures to prevent more water damage don't need a permit.

Registered contractors apply online through the city's permit portal. Homeowners doing their own repairs can use a city form so they don't have to register as a contractor. Ask any roofer you hire whether they are registered with the city and who will pull the permit.

What Texas rules protect Dallas homeowners?

Texas has no state roofing license, so city registration and permits are some of the few official checkpoints. Beyond that, state law makes it illegal for a contractor to offer to waive or rebate your insurance deductible. TDI says to report offers to the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-621-0508.

TDI's storm guidance applies here too: use local companies when possible, get bids in writing, and never pay in full up front. After a declared disaster, TDI says it is against the law for out-of-area contractors to ask for payment before they start.

How to choose a provider in Dallas, TX

• Ask whether the roofer is registered with the City of Dallas to pull permits.
• Confirm the re-roof permit is pulled before tear-off starts.
• If decking or framing is damaged, ask whether a building permit is needed instead.
• Get the roofer's insurance certificates and a local business address.
• Compare at least three written bids that list the same materials.
• Photograph hail damage from the ground before any repairs.
• Don't sign a contract at the door after a hailstorm.
• Refuse any offer to cover or rebate your deductible.

Questions people ask

Do I need a permit to replace my roof in Dallas?

Yes, for large areas or a full roof. The City of Dallas says replacing large areas of a roof or an entire roof requires a re-roof permit. Minor repairs and temporary tarps do not.

Can I tarp my roof without a permit in Dallas?

Yes. Dallas says no permit is required for temporary measures such as tarps to protect from more water damage.

Does a Dallas roofer have to be registered?

The city says registered contractors apply for permits online, and it offers a form for homeowners doing their own work so they don't have to register. Ask your roofer to confirm their city registration.

What was the worst hailstorm in Dallas history?

NWS Fort Worth calls the May 5, 1995 Mayfest storm one of the costliest hailstorms in history, with about $2 billion in damage in Tarrant and Dallas counties. A June 13, 2012 storm that hit parts of Dallas was estimated at $900 million.

Can a Dallas roofer waive my insurance deductible?

No. Texas law makes it illegal for contractors to offer to waive a deductible or rebate it, with penalties up to a $2,000 fine and six months in jail.

Sources

• NWS Fort Worth: The Mayfest Storm, May 5, 1995
• NWS Fort Worth: June 13, 2012 hailstorm
• City of Dallas Development Services: Storm damage repair information
• TDI: State law cracks down on roof scams
• TDI: Fraud resources for storm repairs
• Texas House bill analysis, C.S.H.B. 3344 (89th Legislature, 2025)
• NWS Houston/Galveston: Severe thunderstorm awareness

This guide was written by our editorial team from the public sources listed above. It is general information, not legal advice; confirm licensing and terms directly with any provider.