The Roofing & Supply Co. in Chattanooga: Materials, Warranties, and Local Contractor Licensing
The Roofing & Supply Co. operates as a supplier and contractor hybrid serving Chattanooga's residential and light commercial roofing market, handling everything from material sales to full installation with in-house crews.
What The Roofing & Supply Co. actually is
The business functions primarily as a roofing contractor with an attached supply operation, meaning homeowners can source materials and hire installation through the same company. Most of their work involves asphalt shingle replacement on pitched residential roofs across the greater Chattanooga area, though they also stock and install metal roofing, architectural shingles, and flat-roof systems for commercial properties. The company maintains both a retail counter for walk-in material purchases and a contracting division with full-time crews.
Materials and warranty structure
Asphalt shingles dominate their retail stock and comprise the bulk of installed jobs. Standard three-tab shingles run from $80 to $120 per square (a roofing square equals 100 square feet) depending on grade and brand; architectural shingles, which have deeper texture and longer stated lifespans, range from $130 to $180 per square. Metal roofing, offered in standing-seam and metal shingle profiles, costs $250 to $400 per square installed. Flat-roof materials (TPO and EPDM membranes) price between $4 and $8 per square foot.
Warranties vary by material and installation. Most asphalt shingle manufacturers, including GAF and Owens Corning, offer 25-year limited coverage against manufacturing defects when installed by an approved contractor; The Roofing & Supply Co. carries both brands. Metal roofing typically includes manufacturer warranties of 30 to 50 years on the panel itself, though fasteners and sealants carry shorter terms. Ask at estimate whether the company backs its own installation with a separate labor warranty, which typically runs 5 to 10 years and covers workmanship issues like improper flashing or inadequate ventilation.
Licensing, insurance, and the estimate process
Tennessee requires roofing contractors to hold a valid home improvement license issued by the Secretary of State. Confirm the company's license number at the time of your estimate; this information is public and searchable online. Similarly, verify active general liability insurance before signing a contract. Both protections matter because roof failures from poor installation often emerge years later, after the contractor's visibility has dimmed.
The estimate process typically begins with a roof inspection, either from ground level or via climbing (some contractors use drone photography, which The Roofing & Supply Co. may offer; call to confirm current practice). A detailed estimate should itemize materials by type and quantity, specify the removal or overlay of existing shingles, note whether permits are required by your city, and break labor costs separately from materials. Chattanooga's permit requirements depend on roof size and slope; the contractor should handle permit acquisition or clearly state that you will. Many Chattanooga homes built before 1980 trigger additional lead inspection costs if the contractor disturbs existing roofing.
How it compares to other Chattanooga roofing options
The Roofing & Supply Co. operates at the mid-market level. It differs from large regional chains like Owens Corning Roofing and interior-focused contractors (who subcontract roofing to specialists) by maintaining its own crews and material inventory, which typically means shorter lead times and fewer middlemen. It differs from one-person or two-person roofing crews by having enough payroll to handle commercial flat-roof work and coordinate with property managers. For homeowners prioritizing a single point of contact and material availability, the hybrid supplier-contractor model suits faster projects. For those seeking the lowest bid, smaller crews often underbid larger operations; for those wanting premium material choices and extended warranties, some roofing retailers emphasize higher-grade shingles and extended labor guarantees.
Who it suits and who it does not suit
The company works well for homeowners with pitched roofs needing asphalt or architectural shingle replacement, light commercial properties with flat-roof issues, and buyers who want to visit a physical supply counter to inspect materials before purchase. It is less suited to owners seeking bespoke custom roofing systems (like slate or clay tile), those with severely damaged roof decking or structural issues requiring carpentry expertise, or very time-sensitive jobs where a two-week lead is unacceptable.
What the first visit involves
If you visit the retail location, bring measurements or photos of your roof's footprint and pitch (or the company can perform that assessment). If you request an on-site estimate, a crew member will inspect sheathing condition, measure square footage, photograph flashing and valleys, and assess whether existing shingles can be removed or overlaid. Expect the estimate to arrive within 5 to 7 business days. The contract should specify a start date, crew size, dumpster placement, and a completion window. Clarify whether the price includes tear-off and haul-away of old material or only new installation over the existing roof.
Hours, location, and logistics
Verify current hours and address by calling directly, as retail hours may differ from contracting dispatch hours. Most Chattanooga roofing contractors operate Monday through Saturday and take winter weather as cancellation triggers. On-site parking at your home is standard; confirm whether the crew uses a dumpster in your driveway or hauls debris daily.
The Roofing & Supply Co. fills a practical middle ground between big-box material suppliers (which often lack installation services) and freelance roofers (which may lack a retail counter and documented insurance). For homeowners wanting a known local contractor with material choices immediately visible, it remains a core option in Chattanooga's residential roofing market.
