Thompson Roofing in South Carolina: What to Know Before You Call

Thompson Roofing serves residential and commercial properties across South Carolina

Thompson Roofing is a roofing contractor operating in South Carolina that handles both residential and commercial roof work. Like any roofing company, they're one option among many in the state, and the decision to hire them—or any contractor—depends on your specific project, budget, and location.

Before contacting any roofing company, you'll want to understand what questions to ask, what to look for in a contractor, and how to protect yourself during the process. This guide walks you through those steps so you can make an informed choice about your roofing project.

Key Takeaways

• Thompson Roofing is one of many roofing contractors in South Carolina; compare multiple bids before deciding on any company.
• Ask any roofing contractor for proof of licensing, insurance, and references from recent jobs in your area.
• Get written estimates from at least three contractors that break down materials, labor, and timeline separately.
• Verify a contractor's license through the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation before signing a contract.
• A detailed written contract protects both you and the contractor by spelling out scope, cost, timeline, and warranty terms.

How to evaluate any roofing contractor

When you're comparing roofing companies—whether Thompson Roofing or others—start by checking their credentials. South Carolina requires roofing contractors to be licensed. You can verify a license through the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation website, which lists active licenses and any disciplinary history. A contractor who resists this check or cannot provide a license number is a red flag.

Ask for proof of current insurance, including general liability and workers' compensation. If a worker is injured on your property and the contractor lacks coverage, you could be held responsible. Request references from jobs completed in the last year or two—not just names, but addresses of homes or buildings where you can see the work. Call those references and ask specific questions: Did the crew show up on time? Was the site cleaned up daily? Did the final bill match the estimate?

Get written estimates from at least three contractors. A solid estimate breaks down the cost of materials, labor, and any additional work (like removing old roofing or repairing underlying damage). Estimates that are vague or significantly lower than others should prompt you to ask why. Sometimes a low bid means the contractor is cutting corners or hasn't fully assessed the job.

What to include in a roofing contract

Before any work begins, you and the contractor should sign a detailed contract. This protects both of you by making expectations clear in writing. The contract should include the scope of work (exactly what is being done), the total cost, a payment schedule, the start and completion dates, and what happens if the job takes longer than expected.

The contract should also spell out the warranty—how long the materials are may provide and how long the workmanship is may provide. Most roofing materials come with manufacturer warranties ranging from 20 to 50 years, but the contractor's labor warranty is typically shorter, often 5 to 10 years. Ask what's covered: does the warranty include leaks, wind damage, or only manufacturing defects?

Include language about cleanup and site conditions. Will the contractor remove old roofing and haul it away, or is that extra? Who is responsible if weather delays the job? What happens if the contractor discovers hidden damage once the old roof is removed? A good contract addresses these scenarios so there are no surprises mid-project.

Common roofing materials used in South Carolina

South Carolina's climate—hot, humid summers and occasional severe weather—affects which roofing materials perform best. Asphalt shingles are the most common and affordable choice, lasting 15 to 25 years depending on quality and maintenance. They're available in many colors and styles, making them popular for residential homes.

Metal roofing is increasingly popular in South Carolina because it reflects heat, lasts 40 to 70 years, and handles wind and hail well. It costs more upfront but can lower cooling costs and requires less maintenance. Tile roofing, common in coastal areas, is durable and fire-resistant but heavy and expensive. Flat roofing (often TPO or EPDM membrane) is standard for commercial buildings and some modern homes; it typically lasts 15 to 20 years.

Your choice depends on your budget, the style of your home, local building codes, and your insurance rates. Some insurers offer discounts for impact-resistant materials in areas prone to hail or hurricanes. Ask your contractor which materials they recommend for your specific location and why.

Timing and weather considerations for roofing work

South Carolina's weather affects when roofing work can happen. Spring and fall are ideal—temperatures are moderate, and the risk of heavy rain or extreme heat is lower. Summer heat can make roofing work uncomfortable and even dangerous for crews, and it can affect how some materials set. Hurricane season (June through November) brings unpredictable weather and can delay projects or damage work in progress.

If you need emergency roof repairs after a storm, expect longer wait times and potentially higher costs, as many contractors will be handling storm damage simultaneously. Plan non-emergency roofing work for spring or early fall if possible. Ask your contractor about their typical timeline for your type of project and what factors might delay it.

Questions to ask before hiring

Beyond the basics, ask your contractor: How long have you been in business? Do you handle permits and inspections, or is that my responsibility? What's your payment schedule—do you require a deposit, and how much? Will you provide a detailed invoice after the job is done? What's your process if I'm not satisfied with the work?

Ask whether they use their own crew or subcontractors. Some contractors manage their own teams; others hire subcontractors for specific jobs. Both approaches can work, but you should know who will actually be on your roof. Ask about cleanup: will they remove all debris daily, or only at the end? Will they protect your landscaping and other property during the work?

Finally, ask for everything in writing. Verbal agreements are hard to enforce. A contractor who is confident in their work and professionalism will be happy to put terms in writing.

Protecting yourself during the project

Once work begins, stay involved. Check the site regularly to make sure the work matches the contract. Take photos of the work in progress and the finished roof. Don't pay the full balance until the job is complete and you've inspected it. Many contractors ask for a deposit upfront (often 25 to 50 percent) and the balance upon completion; this is standard and protects both parties.

If the contractor discovers additional damage once the old roof is removed—rotted wood, structural issues—get a written change order before they proceed. This documents the extra work and any additional cost. Never pay cash without a receipt, and keep all receipts and contracts together in one place.

After the job is done, ask for a copy of the warranty paperwork and any manufacturer documentation for the materials used. Register the warranty with the manufacturer if required. Keep these documents for as long as you own the home.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if Thompson Roofing is licensed in South Carolina?

Visit the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation website and search their contractor database by company name or license number. A licensed contractor will appear in the system with an active status. If you can't find them, contact the department directly to confirm.

What should I do if a roofing contractor wants full payment upfront?

Be cautious. Standard practice is a deposit (usually 25 to 50 percent) upfront and the balance upon completion. Requiring full payment before work begins puts you at risk if the contractor doesn't finish or the work is poor. A reputable contractor understands this and won't ask for it.

How often should I have my roof inspected?

Most experts recommend a professional inspection every 3 to 5 years, or after severe weather like hail or high winds. You can also do a visual check from the ground twice a year—spring and fall—looking for missing shingles, sagging areas, or debris buildup in gutters.

What's the difference between a roof repair and a roof replacement?

A repair fixes a specific problem—a leak, missing shingles, or damaged flashing—and typically costs a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars. A replacement removes the entire old roof and installs a new one, costing several thousand dollars depending on size and materials. If your roof is over 20 years old or has widespread damage, replacement is usually more cost-effective than repeated repairs.

Can I install a new roof over my old one?

Sometimes, but not always. South Carolina building codes allow one layer of roofing over an existing roof in some cases, but many contractors and inspectors recommend removing the old roof first. This lets them inspect the underlying structure for damage and ensures proper installation. Ask your contractor and check your local building department's requirements.