Mays Roofing & Contracting: What to Know Before You Call
Who Mays Roofing & Contracting is and what they do
Mays Roofing & Contracting is a South Carolina-based roofing company that handles residential and commercial roof work across the state. They work on new installations, repairs, and replacements, and also take on general contracting projects beyond roofing alone. The company has been operating in South Carolina for years and maintains a local presence, which means they understand the climate challenges specific to the region—heavy summer storms, salt spray near the coast, and the wear that humidity puts on roofing materials.
If you are considering them for a project, it helps to know what kind of work they typically handle, what their process looks like, and how to prepare before you contact them. This guide walks through the practical steps of working with a roofing contractor in South Carolina and what questions to ask before you commit.
Key Takeaways
- Mays Roofing & Contracting handles residential and commercial roofing plus general contracting work across South Carolina.
- Before calling any roofing contractor, document the condition of your roof with photos and note any visible damage, leaks, or age of materials.
- Get written estimates from multiple contractors so you can compare pricing, materials, timeline, and warranty terms side by side.
- Ask about insurance, licensing, and references from past projects in your area before signing a contract.
- Understand what your homeowner's insurance covers for roof damage, as this affects what you will pay out of pocket.
What to prepare before you contact a roofing contractor
When you call Mays Roofing & Contracting or any roofing company, having information ready speeds up the process and helps you get an accurate estimate. Take photos of any visible damage, leaks, or areas of concern from the ground and, if safe, from a ladder or upper window. Note the approximate age of your roof if you know it—most asphalt shingles last 15 to 20 years, and knowing this helps contractors assess whether repair or replacement makes sense.
Write down the square footage of your roof or the dimensions of your house, which contractors use to calculate material and labor costs. If you have had previous roof work done, gather those records. If you have experienced leaks, note where they appear inside the house and when they occur—during heavy rain, wind from a particular direction, or after snow melt. This information helps a contractor diagnose the problem faster and give you a more realistic quote.
Check your homeowner's insurance policy to see what roof damage is covered. Some policies cover storm damage but not wear and tear; others have deductibles that affect your out-of-pocket cost. Knowing this before you get an estimate helps you understand what you will actually pay.
How to get and compare estimates
Contact Mays Roofing & Contracting and at least two other local contractors to request written estimates. A good estimate includes the scope of work (repair, partial replacement, or full replacement), the materials they will use (shingle type, color, grade), the labor cost, the timeline, and the warranty on both materials and workmanship. It should also specify whether they will remove old roofing or install over it, and what happens to debris.
Do not choose based on price alone. A significantly lower estimate may mean the contractor is cutting corners on materials, using inexperienced labor, or planning to skip steps like proper ventilation or flashing. Compare what each contractor is actually offering. A $5,000 difference might reflect better materials, a longer warranty, or more experienced crews—or it might reflect a contractor who will not finish the job properly.
Ask each contractor for references from projects they completed in your area within the past year or two. Call those references and ask whether the work was completed on time, whether the crew was professional, and whether any problems have come up since. This takes time but is worth it for a project that will sit on top of your house for 15 years.
Insurance, licensing, and legal protection
Before you sign a contract with any roofing contractor, confirm that they are licensed to do business in South Carolina. You can verify this through the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (SCDHEC) or by asking the contractor directly for their license number. Ask whether they carry general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance. If a worker is injured on your property and the contractor is not insured, you could be liable.
Request a written contract that spells out the total cost, the start date, the expected completion date, what happens if the project runs over, and what warranty they offer. The contract should also state what permits they will pull (most roof work in South Carolina requires a permit) and who pays for them. Do not pay the full amount upfront; a typical arrangement is a deposit to secure the start date, a payment when the work is halfway done, and a final payment when the work is complete and inspected.
If the contractor asks you to pay in cash or to pay before the work is done, that is a red flag. Legitimate contractors have a business structure and a payment process that protects both of you.
South Carolina weather and roof durability
South Carolina's climate is hard on roofing. Summer storms bring high winds and heavy rain; coastal areas face salt spray that corrodes metal and degrades shingles faster than inland regions. Humidity year-round promotes algae and moss growth on shingles, which can trap moisture and shorten the life of the roof. When you talk to Mays Roofing & Contracting or another contractor, ask what materials they recommend for your specific location and climate.
Asphalt shingles are the most common and affordable option, but they wear faster in South Carolina's heat and humidity than in cooler climates. Metal roofing lasts longer and handles storms better, but costs more upfront. Architectural shingles (thicker, more textured asphalt shingles) split the difference. The contractor should explain the trade-offs and help you choose based on your budget and how long you plan to stay in the house.
Ask about maintenance. Most roofs benefit from inspection after major storms, clearing of debris and moss, and occasional repairs. A contractor who explains this upfront is being honest about what the roof will need over its lifetime.
Timeline and disruption to your home
A full roof replacement typically takes three to five days, depending on the size of the house, the weather, and the complexity of the work. During that time, there will be noise, trucks in your driveway, and workers on your roof. Ask the contractor what time they start and stop each day, whether they work weekends, and what they do to protect your landscaping and gutters.
Weather delays are common. Rain stops work, and high winds make it unsafe to work at height. A good contractor will give you a realistic timeline that accounts for this and will communicate if the schedule changes. Ask what happens if the project is not finished by the promised date—do they come back the next day, or do you wait weeks for the next opening?
If you have concerns about disruption, discuss them upfront. Some contractors can work around your schedule or break the project into phases. Others work on a fixed schedule and move to the next job when this one is done.
What happens after the work is complete
Once the roofing work is done, the contractor should clean up debris, haul away old roofing materials, and leave your property in the condition it was before they arrived. Ask whether they will do a final walkthrough with you to show the completed work and point out any details you should know about maintenance or warranty coverage.
The contractor should provide you with documentation of the warranty—both the manufacturer's warranty on the shingles or materials and their own warranty on the labor and installation. Keep these documents in a safe place. If a problem comes up years later, you will need them to make a claim.
Take photos of the completed roof from the ground and from an upper window if you can safely do so. These photos are useful if you ever need to file an insurance claim for storm damage or if you sell the house and need to document the roof's condition and age.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for roof work in South Carolina?
Yes, most roof work requires a permit from your local building department. The contractor should pull the permit and include the cost in their estimate. The permit ensures the work meets building code and allows the inspector to verify it was done correctly. Do not hire a contractor who offers to skip the permit to save money—this creates problems if you sell the house or file an insurance claim.
What should I do if my roof is damaged in a storm?
Document the damage with photos and contact your homeowner's insurance company to report it. They will send an adjuster to assess the damage and determine what they will cover. Once you have the insurance information, you can get estimates from contractors like Mays Roofing & Contracting. Do not sign a contract with a contractor until you know what your insurance will pay.
How often should I have my roof inspected?
Most experts recommend a professional inspection every three to five years, or after major storms. You can also do a visual check from the ground twice a year—look for missing or curling shingles, moss or algae growth, or debris in the gutters. If you notice anything unusual, call a contractor for a closer look.
What is the difference between repair and replacement?
Repair means fixing specific damaged areas—replacing a few shingles, sealing a leak, or patching flashing. Replacement means removing the old roof and installing a new one. If your roof is less than 10 years old and the damage is localized, repair is usually the right choice. If the roof is 15 years or older, or if damage is widespread, replacement is often more cost-effective in the long run.
Can I stay in my house while the roof is being replaced?
Yes, but it will be loud and disruptive. There will be hammering, nail guns, and heavy footsteps on the roof. If you work from home or have young children or pets, you may want to plan to be elsewhere during the work. Ask the contractor what hours they work so you can plan accordingly.