How Refuge Roofing Works and What to Expect

What Refuge Roofing Is

Refuge Roofing is a roofing contractor based in South Carolina that handles residential and commercial roof repair, replacement, and maintenance. The company works with homeowners and business owners across the state to assess roof damage, provide estimates, and complete work—often coordinating with insurance companies when claims are involved.

If you've found Refuge Roofing through a search or recommendation, you're likely trying to figure out whether they're the right fit for your roof problem, what their process looks like, and how to move forward. This guide walks through how the company operates, what to expect during a project, and what questions to ask before hiring.

Key Takeaways

• Refuge Roofing handles storm damage, wear-and-tear repairs, and full roof replacements for homes and businesses in South Carolina.
• Most roofing projects start with a free or low-cost inspection where the contractor assesses damage and provides a written estimate.
• If your roof damage is covered by homeowners insurance, Refuge Roofing can often work directly with your insurance company and file paperwork on your behalf.
• Roof work typically takes anywhere from a few days to a few weeks depending on the size of the job and weather conditions.
• Before signing a contract, confirm the warranty terms, the timeline, and whether the company is licensed and insured in South Carolina.

How to get your free guide with an Inspection

The first step is to contact Refuge Roofing directly to request an inspection. You can usually do this by phone, email, or through their website. When you call, be ready to describe the problem—whether it's visible leaks, missing shingles, storm damage, or simply age-related wear. The company will ask for your address and may ask when the damage occurred.

Most roofing contractors, including Refuge Roofing, offer inspections at no charge or for a small fee that gets credited toward the final bill if you hire them. During the inspection, a representative will climb onto your roof (or use a drone in some cases), photograph the damage, and assess what repairs or replacement is needed. They'll also check the interior of your attic or upper floors for signs of water damage or structural problems.

After the inspection, you'll receive a written estimate. This document should list the scope of work, materials to be used, labor costs, timeline, and warranty information. Don't sign anything until you've reviewed the estimate carefully and compared it with at least one other contractor's bid.

Working with Insurance Claims

If your roof damage is from a storm, fire, or other covered event, your homeowners insurance may pay for repairs or replacement. Refuge Roofing can often handle the insurance side of the process, which saves you time and paperwork.

Here's how it typically works: after the inspection, Refuge Roofing prepares a detailed estimate and submits it to your insurance company. Your insurer sends an adjuster to inspect the damage independently. If the adjuster agrees the damage is covered, the insurance company issues payment—usually to you and the contractor jointly. Refuge Roofing then uses that payment to complete the work.

If the insurance company's estimate is lower than Refuge Roofing's, you may have to pay the difference out of pocket, or the contractor may negotiate with the insurer. Ask Refuge Roofing upfront whether they've worked with your specific insurance company before and what to expect in terms of timeline and communication.

Materials and Warranty Options

Refuge Roofing typically offers several roofing materials, each with different costs, durability, and appearance. Common options include asphalt shingles (the most affordable and widely used), metal roofing (longer-lasting and energy-efficient), and architectural or premium shingles (higher-end appearance and durability). During your estimate, the contractor will recommend materials based on your roof's pitch, your climate zone, and your budget.

Warranties vary by material and manufacturer. Asphalt shingles usually come with a 20- to 30-year manufacturer warranty, while metal roofs may be warranted for 40 to 50 years. Refuge Roofing should also offer a workmanship warranty—typically 5 to 10 years—that covers installation defects. Ask for the warranty in writing and understand what is and isn't covered before work begins.

Timeline and What Happens During the Job

A typical roof replacement takes 1 to 3 days for a single-story home, longer for larger or more complex roofs. Repairs may take just a few hours or a full day. Weather plays a major role—Refuge Roofing won't work in heavy rain or high winds, so the actual timeline depends on the forecast.

Before work starts, the crew will set up tarps and containment to protect your landscaping and neighboring properties. They'll remove the old roofing material, inspect the underlying structure for damage, make any necessary repairs, and install new material. At the end of each day, they should clean up debris and secure the site. Once the roof is complete, a final inspection ensures everything meets code and the warranty terms.

Stay in touch with the project manager during the job. If you notice problems—uneven shingles, missing flashing, or poor cleanup—speak up immediately so they can be corrected before the crew leaves.

Questions to Ask Before You Hire

Before signing a contract with Refuge Roofing, confirm these details in writing:

• License and insurance: Ask for proof that Refuge Roofing is licensed to do roofing work in South Carolina and carries liability and workers' compensation insurance. You can verify a contractor's license through the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.
• References: Request contact information for at least three recent customers. Call them and ask about the quality of work, whether the job stayed on budget and on time, and how the company handled any problems.
• Payment terms: Confirm how much is due upfront, when payments are due during the job, and when final payment is due. Reputable contractors typically ask for 25 to 50 percent down, with the balance due upon completion—not before.
• Permits: Ask whether Refuge Roofing will pull any required permits and handle inspections. In South Carolina, most roof replacements require a permit and a final inspection by the local building department.
• Cleanup and debris removal: Confirm whether the price includes hauling away old roofing material or whether that's an extra charge.

Red Flags and How to Avoid Problems

Be cautious if a contractor pressures you to sign immediately, quotes a price far below other estimates, or asks for full payment upfront. Legitimate roofing companies are transparent about costs and timelines and don't rush you into a decision.

After a major storm, scams are common. Some contractors go door-to-door claiming they can file your insurance claim for you or offering to cover your deductible—practices that are often illegal and can void your insurance. Work only with contractors you've researched, and never sign a blank estimate or contract.

If Refuge Roofing or any contractor fails to show up, misses deadlines repeatedly, or does poor-quality work, document everything with photos and written communication. Keep copies of all contracts, estimates, and receipts. If a serious dispute arises, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation or pursue small claims court.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a roof replacement cost in South Carolina?

Costs vary widely based on roof size, material, and local labor rates. A typical asphalt shingle replacement for a 2,000-square-foot home ranges from $8,000 to $15,000. Metal roofing costs more upfront but lasts longer. Get multiple estimates to understand the range in your area.

Does homeowners insurance cover roof repairs?

Insurance covers damage from storms, fire, and other sudden events, but not wear-and-tear or neglect. Your policy's deductible applies, and the insurer may depreciate the payout based on the roof's age. Review your policy or call your agent to understand your coverage.

How long does a roof last?

Asphalt shingles typically last 15 to 25 years in South Carolina's climate. Metal roofs last 40 to 70 years. Lifespan depends on installation quality, maintenance, and weather exposure. Have your roof inspected every few years to catch problems early.

Can I repair just part of my roof instead of replacing the whole thing?

Yes, if damage is isolated to one area. However, if your roof is old or has widespread damage, a full replacement may be more cost-effective long-term. Refuge Roofing can advise whether patching or replacement makes sense for your situation.

What should I do if Refuge Roofing's estimate seems too high?

Get estimates from at least two other licensed contractors and compare the scope of work, materials, and warranty terms. If Refuge Roofing's price is significantly higher, ask them to explain the difference—it may reflect better materials, a longer warranty, or more experienced crews. Don't choose based on price alone.