Wilson Roofing & Sheet Metal: What to Know Before You Hire

Wilson Roofing & Sheet Metal serves residential and commercial properties across South Carolina

Wilson Roofing & Sheet Metal is a South Carolina-based contractor that handles roof installation, repair, and replacement alongside sheet metal work. The company works on both residential homes and commercial buildings, meaning the scope of projects ranges from a single damaged section on a house to full commercial roof systems.

Before hiring any roofing contractor, you need to know what services they actually perform, what their track record looks like, and what the process typically costs. This guide walks you through what Wilson Roofing & Sheet Metal does and what questions to ask before signing a contract.

Key Takeaways

• Wilson Roofing & Sheet Metal handles residential roof repair and replacement as well as commercial roofing projects and sheet metal fabrication.
• You should verify that any roofing contractor holds the proper South Carolina licensing and carries liability insurance before work begins.
• Get a written estimate that specifies materials, labor costs, timeline, and warranty terms rather than agreeing to work over the phone.
• Check references from recent projects and ask whether the contractor handles insurance claims or leaves that entirely to you.
• Roof work typically takes several days to weeks depending on size and weather, so confirm the project schedule before signing.

What services Wilson Roofing & Sheet Metal provides

The company performs roof installation on new construction and replacement of existing roofs on homes and commercial buildings. They also handle roof repair—patching leaks, replacing damaged shingles or panels, and addressing flashing problems. Sheet metal work includes gutters, downspouts, and custom metal fabrication for both residential and commercial applications.

Because they work on both residential and commercial projects, the materials and methods they use vary. A residential asphalt shingle roof follows different standards than a commercial flat roof or metal roof system. Ask specifically whether they have experience with the type of roof your building has before requesting an estimate.

How to verify licensing and insurance

South Carolina requires roofing contractors to hold a license through the South Carolina Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (SCDHEC). Before you hire Wilson Roofing & Sheet Metal or any contractor, ask to see their license number and verify it through the state database. This takes five minutes and protects you if something goes wrong during the project.

The contractor should also carry general liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance. Request a certificate of insurance and confirm the coverage amounts are adequate for the size of your project. If a worker is injured on your property and the contractor has no insurance, you could be held responsible for medical bills and lost wages.

Getting a written estimate and understanding costs

Never agree to roof work based on a phone quote or a contractor's word. A proper estimate should be in writing and include the specific materials being used (brand and type of shingles, metal gauge, etc.), labor costs broken down by task, the project timeline, and warranty terms for both materials and workmanship.

Roof replacement costs vary widely depending on the size of the roof, the pitch (steepness), the materials chosen, and local labor rates. A small residential repair might cost a few hundred dollars; a full roof replacement on a 2,000-square-foot house typically ranges from several thousand to over ten thousand dollars depending on materials. Commercial projects are usually larger and more complex. Ask the contractor to explain why their estimate is what it is, and get at least two other estimates from different companies to compare.

The estimate should also specify what happens if the project takes longer than expected or if additional damage is discovered once work begins. Some contractors include a contingency allowance; others charge extra for surprises. Knowing this upfront prevents arguments later.

Checking references and past work

Ask Wilson Roofing & Sheet Metal for references from at least three recent projects similar to yours—residential if you need residential work, commercial if you need commercial work. Contact those references and ask whether the work was completed on time, whether the contractor cleaned up afterward, and whether any problems have appeared since the roof was finished.

You can also search online for reviews on Google, the Better Business Bureau, or local South Carolina contractor directories. Look for patterns in feedback rather than getting hung up on a single negative review. If multiple people mention the same problem—missed deadlines, poor communication, or leaks that returned—that is a warning sign.

Understanding the warranty and what happens after installation

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 lasts 20 to 50 years depending on the material; the contractor's warranty is usually shorter, often 5 to 10 years. Ask Wilson Roofing & Sheet Metal which warranties apply to your project and get the warranty documents in writing before work starts.

After the roof is installed, the contractor should provide documentation of what was done, including photos of the finished work and any underlying repairs. Keep this paperwork in case you need to file an insurance claim later or if a problem appears during the warranty period. Some contractors also offer maintenance plans—annual inspections and minor repairs—which can extend the life of your roof.

Insurance claims and who handles the paperwork

If your roof was damaged by a storm or other covered event, your homeowner's or commercial insurance may pay for repairs or replacement. Some contractors handle the insurance claim process for you; others require you to file the claim yourself and then reimburse you once the insurance pays. This is a significant difference in convenience and should be discussed before you sign a contract.

If the contractor handles claims, ask how they communicate with your insurance company and what documentation they provide. If you handle the claim, understand that you will need to get estimates, file paperwork, and coordinate with the insurance adjuster. Either way, do not let a contractor pressure you to start work before the insurance company has inspected the damage and issued a decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a typical roof replacement take?

A residential roof replacement usually takes three to seven days depending on the size of the roof, the weather, and how much underlying damage is found. Commercial projects are often larger and may take two to four weeks. The contractor should give you a specific timeline in the written estimate and let you know if weather delays are possible.

What should I do if I notice a leak after the roof is finished?

Contact the contractor immediately and describe exactly where the leak is and when you first noticed it. If the roof is still under the contractor's warranty, they should return and repair it at no charge. Get this repair request in writing and keep records of all communication in case you need to pursue the warranty later.

Can I get a roof repair instead of a full replacement?

Sometimes, yes. If the damage is limited to a small area and the rest of the roof is in good condition, repair may be the right choice. However, if the roof is old or has multiple problem areas, replacement is often more cost-effective in the long run. The contractor can assess the roof and recommend whether repair or replacement makes sense for your situation.

What happens if the contractor finds damage under the old roof during removal?

This is common, especially on older roofs. The contractor should stop work, photograph the damage, and contact you before proceeding. They should provide a written estimate for the additional repairs needed. You then decide whether to approve the extra work or find a different solution. This is why a contingency allowance in the original estimate is helpful.

Do I need to be home while the roof work is happening?

You do not need to stay home the entire time, but you should be available to answer questions and inspect the finished work before the contractor leaves. Arrange a time to walk the roof with them and confirm everything looks correct. If problems appear later, you will have a harder time getting them fixed if you did not document the condition immediately after completion.