Faile Roofing: What to Know About This South Carolina Contractor
Who Faile Roofing Is and What They Do
Faile Roofing is a roofing contractor operating in South Carolina that handles residential and commercial roof work. The company installs, repairs, and replaces roofs across the state, working with materials including asphalt shingles, metal roofing, and other standard residential systems.
Like any roofing contractor you might contact, Faile Roofing operates as a private business—not a government agency or nonprofit. Before hiring any roofer, you'll want to verify their licensing, insurance, and track record in your area. This guide explains what information matters when you're comparing roofing contractors and what to expect from the process.
Key Takeaways
- South Carolina requires roofing contractors to hold a license from the state's Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DHEC), which you can verify online before hiring.
- Any roofing contractor should carry general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance to protect you if someone is injured on your property.
- Get written estimates from at least two or three roofers before deciding, and compare the scope of work, materials, timeline, and warranty terms.
- Check references and online reviews, but also ask the contractor directly for contact information from recent jobs in your neighborhood.
How to Verify a South Carolina Roofing Contractor's License
South Carolina's Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (DHEC) maintains a public database of licensed contractors. You can search by company name or license number on the DHEC website to confirm that a roofer is licensed to work in the state. A valid license means the contractor has met training and bonding requirements and is subject to state oversight.
Before you call for an estimate, take five minutes to run this check. If a contractor cannot provide a license number or the number does not appear in the state database, that is a red flag. Unlicensed work may not be covered by your homeowner's insurance if something goes wrong, and you have fewer legal protections if a dispute arises.
Insurance and Liability Protection
Ask any roofing contractor—including Faile Roofing—to provide proof of general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance before work begins. General liability covers damage to your property or injury to a third party; workers' compensation covers injuries to the contractor's own employees. Both matter because roofing is high-risk work.
Request a copy of the insurance certificate, not just a verbal confirmation. The certificate should show current coverage dates and the policy limits. If a worker is injured on your roof and the contractor has no workers' compensation insurance, you could be held liable for medical bills and lost wages—a cost that can reach tens of thousands of dollars.
Getting and Comparing Estimates
Contact at least two or three roofing contractors to get written estimates for your project. A solid estimate includes the scope of work (what is being removed, repaired, or replaced), the materials being used, the timeline for completion, labor costs, and the warranty on both materials and workmanship.
Do not automatically choose the lowest bid. A price that is significantly lower than others may indicate the contractor is cutting corners on materials, skipping necessary steps, or underestimating the job. Compare what each estimate actually covers. One contractor might include removal and disposal of old roofing; another might charge extra. One might offer a 10-year warranty; another might offer 25 years. These differences explain price variation and affect your long-term costs.
Checking References and Reviews
Ask the contractor for references from customers in your area, ideally from roofs installed or repaired within the last two years. Call those references and ask specific questions: Did the work stay on schedule? Was the site cleaned up afterward? Did the roof perform as promised? Would they hire the contractor again?
Online reviews on Google, the Better Business Bureau, and local contractor directories offer a broader picture, but remember that unhappy customers are more likely to leave reviews than satisfied ones. Look for patterns—one negative review may be an outlier, but multiple complaints about the same issue (missed deadlines, poor cleanup, leaks after installation) suggest a real problem. If you see complaints, ask the contractor directly how they would handle those concerns on your job.
Understanding Roofing Warranties and Guarantees
Roofing warranties come in two parts: the manufacturer's warranty on the materials themselves, and the contractor's warranty on the workmanship. The manufacturer's warranty typically covers defects in the shingles or metal panels and lasts 20 to 50 years depending on the product. The workmanship warranty, which the contractor provides, usually lasts 5 to 10 years and covers installation errors.
Get the warranty terms in writing as part of your contract. Some warranties are transferable if you sell your home; others are not. Some require annual maintenance or inspections to remain valid. Understanding these terms before work begins prevents surprises if you need to file a claim later.
What to Expect During and After the Job
A typical residential roof replacement takes one to three days depending on the size of the house, the complexity of the roof, and weather. The contractor should provide a start date and estimated completion date in the contract. Ask about their cleanup process—old roofing debris should be removed from your property, and the site should be swept for nails and debris.
After the job is complete, do a walkthrough with the contractor to confirm the work meets the estimate. Ask them to show you how they handled flashing around chimneys, vents, and valleys—these are common leak points if installed incorrectly. Request a copy of the warranty paperwork and keep it with your home records. If you notice leaks or problems within the warranty period, contact the contractor in writing and keep copies of all correspondence.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my roof needs repair or replacement?
A roofer can inspect your roof and advise you. Generally, if shingles are curling, cracked, or missing, or if you see water stains on your ceiling, repair may work. If the roof is over 20 years old, has widespread damage, or has been repaired multiple times, replacement is usually more cost-effective long-term.
What should I do if a contractor shows up at my door offering a free roof inspection?
Be cautious. Door-to-door roofing sales, especially after a storm, often use high-pressure tactics and may recommend unnecessary work. Get a second opinion from a contractor you choose yourself. If you do want an inspection, ask for it in writing and get a detailed report before committing to anything.
Can I file a claim with my homeowner's insurance for roof damage?
That depends on the cause and your policy. Storm damage is often covered; wear and tear is not. Contact your insurance company directly to report damage and ask whether they will send an adjuster. Keep photos of the damage and get a contractor's estimate to include with your claim.
What happens if a roofer damages my gutters or siding during the job?
This should be covered under the contractor's general liability insurance. Document the damage with photos and notify the contractor in writing immediately. They should either repair the damage or file a claim with their insurance. Get the resolution in writing before the contractor leaves the site.