5-Star Roofers Wilmington: A Homeowner’s Checklist

The first time I climbed into an attic in August in Wilmington, the air felt like a wet towel around my face. The homeowner had a brown water ring blooming on the master ceiling and a roofer’s quote that ranged from “maybe a small patch” to “tear it all off.” That gap says a lot. Roofing is equal parts craft and judgment, and not every contractor sees the same thing when they look at your shingles, flashing, and decking. If you want the best Wilmington roofers on your side, you need more than a few online reviews. You need a way to separate marketing gloss from trade-level competence, especially in a coastal market where storms and salt complicate everything.

This checklist comes from years of walking roofs, reading contracts, and getting called after a bad install to fix what should never have failed. It’s written for homeowners who don’t live on ladders but want to protect their biggest asset, and their sanity, when hiring roofers Wilmington trusts.

Why roof work in Wilmington is its own animal

Plenty of places get rain. Not many have our cocktail of wind, salt air, solar load, and code requirements shaped by hurricanes. The roof over your head faces three big stressors here. First, uplift from sustained winds and gusts that test shingle adhesion and nail patterns. Second, moisture from sideways rain and tropical systems that probe every weak seam around step flashing, chimneys, and skylights. Third, corrosion from salt carried inland, which chew on metal fasteners and flashing faster than you might expect.

Those forces change what “good” looks like. A roof that would be fine two hours inland can fail early at the beach. Five-star work in Wilmington means more than a clean truck and sharp logo. It means understanding uplift ratings, nail length that bites deep enough into the deck, corrosion-resistant components, and venting that can keep an attic from baking the shingles into brittle chips.

Start with the roof, not the bid

Most people start with “roofers near me” or “best Wilmington roofers” and then chase quotes. That logic is backward. Your roof dictates what you need, so the very first step is an honest condition assessment. You don’t need an inspection that nitpicks every shingle, but you do want an evaluation that answers practical questions. Is your deck sound or delaminating in spots? Are leaks coming from failed flashing or blown-off tabs? Are shingles at the end of their life or just prematurely aged from heat and lack of ventilation?

Watch how a contractor inspects. The dependable roofing contractors bring a ladder, not just binoculars. They check for soft decking by walking the surface, look at nail pops, lift a shingle tab or two to see sealant quality, and open the attic hatch. A quick attic scan reveals moisture stains, rusty nails from condensation, and whether the soffit vents are clear or choked with insulation. If a contractor never asks to see the attic, they missed half the picture.

I once had a homeowner convinced their roof was toast because shingles looked curled. In the attic, we found a bath fan vented into the insulation, superheating the space and cooking the shingle underside. Fixing venting and replacing a few squares around a chimney bought them three more quiet years before a planned full replacement. A five-star roofer finds the cause, not just the symptom.

The Wilmington code and wind zone reality

Local code matters. New Hanover County and surrounding municipalities follow North Carolina’s building code with coastal adjustments. That means wind ratings for shingles, underlayment specs in certain exposures, and nailing patterns that exceed what your cousin in Raleigh might use. Pay attention to three specifics. First, the wind rating of the shingle line. Look for ASTM D7158 Class H or higher, or comparable uplift documentation, if you are in a more exposed spot or east of College Road. Second, starter strips and sealant lines at eaves and rakes that match the shingle manufacturer’s high-wind installation instructions. Third, nail count and placement. The difference between four nails and six nails per shingle becomes obvious after a tropical storm.

Roofing contractors who do a lot of work from Monkey Junction to Ogden can recite these rules from memory and show photos of their nailing pattern. They will also spec drip edge that sits under the underlayment at the rakes and over it at the eaves, and they will use stainless or hot-dipped galvanized nails and flashing near salt exposure. The cheap way is electro-galvanized nails and thin aluminum flashing. You will not love that choice after five hurricane seasons.

Shingle, metal, or something in between

Asphalt shingles dominate here, but metal has been gaining ground on coastal homes for good reason. Shingle roofs remain popular because they are cost effective and carry wind warranties that, with proper install, hold up well for 20 to 30 years. Architectural shingles in the mid-tier strike a good balance. Ultra-thick designer lines look fantastic, but they are heavier and can be overkill unless you want the aesthetic. On the other end, three-tabs are almost extinct for a reason. They age quickly in our sun and lift too easily in gusts.

Metal, especially standing seam with concealed fasteners, resists wind and sheds rain like a champ. It costs more up front, often two to three times the price of shingles depending on gauge and panel type. Fastener choice matters here too. Coastal projects should use stainless screws and high-quality butyl washers. Exposed fastener metal panels, often called AG or R-panel, can work inland and on outbuildings, but they demand regular maintenance. Every screw is a potential leak point as washers harden over time.

I usually suggest homeowners price both. Get a shingle bid with an honest life expectancy for your location, not a marketing number, and a metal option with panel gauge, paint finish, and clip type spelled out. Then compare the total ownership cost over 25 years. Metal might cost more in year one, but after the second big storm and the third high electric bill in August, the math can change, especially if you add ridge venting and light-colored finishes that cut heat gain.

The heart of a five-star install lives under the shingles

If you judge a roof by what you can see, you miss the part that keeps you dry. In Wilmington, membrane choice and flashing skill matter more than anything. Ice and water shield is not just for snow country. It is your insurance policy in wind-driven rain. Used along eaves, valleys, around dormers, and at penetrations, it stops water that sneaks past shingles. I like to see a full-width strip along all eaves and in every valley, and a field wrap at chimneys that ties into step flashing. Some crews apply membrane only in valleys to save time and money. It works until it doesn’t, usually in a sideways rain at 2 a.m.

Underlayment used to be felt. Synthetic underlayments now dominate. They are lighter, more tear resistant, and less likely to absorb water. Not all synthetics are equal. Thin membranes that turn slick in the heat are an accident for roofers and can wrinkle under shingles. Ask which product they use and why. A good contractor can explain friction, UV exposure time, and fastener schedule for the underlayment without checking a brochure.

Flashing separates the good from the best. A proper step flashing job weaves each shingle course with a new piece of L-shaped metal at sidewalls, not a single long continuous strip. Tar is not a substitute for flashing. Counterflashing should be cut into mortar joints on brick and not just surface mounted with a lap of sealant. If you have a stucco wall, ask how they plan to handle it. I want to hear about removing a small section, installing kick-out flashing that dumps water into the gutter, and repairing the stucco patch. If they plan to smear mastic in the corner, keep looking.

Two quotes that look the same usually are not

I have watched homeowners pick a contractor because the number was lower and the shingles had the same brand name. They thought they were comparing apples to apples, but one bid included new drip edge, ridge vent, and chimney flashing. The other assumed existing flashing would be “reused if serviceable” and made no mention of drip edge or ridge vent. The latter bid won the day and then turned into change orders after tear-off. The total ended up higher than the first proposal.

Ask for a line item breakdown and a scope of work that says exactly what happens at every edge and penetration. Be specific about wood replacement. Rot hides under old leaks, and it is not fair to expect a contractor to eat that sight-unseen cost. On the other hand, open-ended “per sheet” language can balloon. I prefer a reasonable allowance and a per-sheet price spelled out, with photos of any replaced decking added to the closeout packet.

Timing and weather windows

If a roofer says your full tear-off and replacement will take one day any best roofers wilmington nc time of year, they are either overpromising or running a huge crew. Both can be fine in the right context, but pay attention to how they schedule around heat and storms. In late summer, a mid-day thunderstorm is almost a ritual. Good crews stage their tear-off in sections and dry-in each section immediately with underlayment before moving on. Leaving half a roof open because the radar looked clear is how you get stained ceilings.

Also consider temperature ranges for seal strips on shingles. Most will bond well once they see heat and sun for a few days. In cool months, installers may use hand sealing at edges and rakes to ensure they stick before the next blow. That extra step separates a roof that survives the first northeaster from one that sheds a few tabs into your neighbor’s yard.

The licensing, insurance, and paperwork that protect you

North Carolina does not require a statewide roofing license the way some trades do, but that does not mean paperwork is optional. Verify general liability insurance sized for your project and workers’ compensation for any crew on your property. Ask for certificates sent directly from the insurer, not a photocopy from the glovebox. If a contractor says their crew is 1099 so they don’t carry workers’ comp, remember that any injury on your property can become a headache very fast.

If your job exceeds certain cost thresholds or includes structural work, a local permit is often required. The best Wilmington roofers pull permits without making it your problem and schedule the inspections at tear-off and final. If your roofer tries to avoid permitting to “save time,” you are the one who inherits the risk when you sell or if there is a claim.

Warranties that actually mean something

Roof warranties are a maze. There is the manufacturer’s limited warranty on the shingles, which can range from basic material coverage to enhanced system coverage if you install their underlayment, starter, and ridge components with a certified contractor. Then there is the workmanship warranty from the roofer. A shingle warranty will not pay for a leak caused by skipped flashing or bad nail placement. Workmanship coverage is the part that protects you against installer error.

I like to see at least 5 years of workmanship coverage from a local contractor who has been in business long enough that they will likely be there if something goes wrong. Many offer 10. Manufacturer-backed extended warranties can stretch material and labor coverage to 25 or 50 years, but they usually require a factory-certified installer and a full “system” package. The upgrade can be worth it if you plan to own the home long enough, or if the warranty is transferable and helps at resale. Read the registration requirements. Failing to register within the window can turn a premium warranty into a basic one.

Ventilation, heat, and the long game

Attic ventilation gets ignored until it causes trouble. In Wilmington’s climate, heat and humidity chew shingles from both sides if you trap them. Balanced intake through soffits and exhaust through ridge vents or mechanical vents keeps attic temperatures closer to ambient and purges moisture that condenses on nails and decking. I walk roofs where the shingles were decent, but the decking grew mold from trapped humidity. The fix was not just a new roof. It was baffles at the eaves to keep insulation from choking intake air, a continuous ridge vent with a proper cut, and a conversation about bath fans. Roofers who skip this talk set you up for a repeat.

If a contractor says you don’t need ridge venting because “we’ve always done it this way,” ask them to show attic temperature readings and the manufacturer’s installation requirements. Many shingle warranties require proper ventilation to remain valid. In older homes with minimal soffit, you may need a hybrid solution with additional intake vents or even a small, well-placed powered vent. Choose the approach that solves your home’s specific physics, not a one-size-fits-all.

Pricing signals that tell you what kind of job you will get

Prices vary by roof size, pitch, material, and complexity. Two-story homes with dormers and multiple valleys cost more per square than simple ranch roofs. What matters is not chasing the lowest number but understanding how the number got there. Labor is the biggest variable. Crews that are trained, insured, and given enough time to do the careful parts do not come cheap. If a bid is far below the pack, something was shaved. It might be membrane coverage, flashing replacement, or the time allowed for prep and cleanup.

I look for bids that include protection for landscaping and AC units, ridge vent material, replacement of most roof-to-wall flashings, new pipe boots, and a plan for satellite dish or solar attachment points. If you see “reuse existing flashing” and “no ridge vent” and “felt underlayment,” you are not comparing the same scope as a bid that includes modern standards.

Neighbors and references with real details

Review sites and maps are a starting point. The phrase “roofers Wilmington 5-star” will find you a handful of contractors with dozens or hundreds of positive reviews. Read for specifics. A strong review mentions the estimator who explained roof-to-wall flashing or the foreman who hand-sealed the rakes before a storm, not just “great guys, great price.” Ask for addresses of recent jobs like yours. Drive by at dusk and look along the ridges for straight lines and clean cuts. If you feel awkward, don’t. Most folks are happy to tell you if their roofer showed up on time, covered the pool, and returned when they said they would.

I had a homeowner call three references from one company and learned something useful from each. One said their project started a day late but the crew kept them updated every hour. Another said the company found rotten decking and showed pictures before proceeding, with a fair price per sheet. The third said cleanup was “so thorough my toddler didn’t find a single nail,” which, if you’ve ever rolled a driveway magnet, sounds like a miracle. Notice the pattern. Communication, documentation, and a crew that respects your property matter as much as nail guns and ladders.

Insurance claims after a storm

After a serious wind event, roofing contractors flood into Wilmington. Some are excellent and licensed elsewhere, partnering with local crews. Others are storm chasers who will be gone before your first warranty claim. If you are dealing with an insurance claim, hire a contractor who understands how to document wind damage and can meet the adjuster on site. Photos of creased shingles, missing tabs, lifted seal strips, and collateral damage on soft metals like gutters and vents will matter.

Do not let anyone pressure you into signing a contingency that binds you to them before you see scope and price. A good roofer will explain the process, help you navigate supplements for code upgrades like drip edge, and still give you breathing room to decide. If you get three door knocks the day after a storm, just remember that the best Wilmington roofers are already busy calling their existing clients and tarping critical areas before they print new yard signs.

What a 5-star job feels like before, during, and after

Five-star is not just a ratings badge. It shows up in how the project runs. Before the first shingle comes off, you should have a written scope, a clear schedule, and a single point of contact. Materials arrive a day early and are stacked cleanly on the driveway or roof, not crushing the camellias. The crew sets up tarps and plywood lean-tos to protect the deck and AC condenser. During tear-off, they stage debris into dump trailers, not your flower beds. If weather threatens, they stop early enough to dry-in and seal edges, even if that pushes the schedule. That choice costs them, and it tells you everything.

After the last ridge cap, they run magnets along driveways and lawns, check gutters for granules, and walk the attic to look for daylight where it shouldn’t be. They hand you a packet with product registrations, photos of replaced decking, and a summary of ventilation improvements. If you have a callback for a small drip at a pipe boot after the first storm, they come within 24 hours and fix it with a smile, not a debate.

Your short checklist for roofers Wilmington homeowners can trust

They inspect the attic and roof, explain cause, not just symptoms, and show photos. Their proposal spells out underlayment, membrane locations, flashing replacement, ventilation, and wood replacement terms. They use wind-rated shingles, stainless or hot-dipped fasteners, and kick-out flashing at walls, all matched to Wilmington’s coastal conditions. They carry proper insurance, pull permits when required, and offer a real workmanship warranty with manufacturer registration handled. Their crew protects your property, stages tear-off in weather-safe sections, and communicates if schedules shift.

When repair beats replacement, and when it doesn’t

Not every leak means a new roof. If your shingles still have pliability and granule coverage, and the leak traces to a single penetration or a bad transition, a repair can be smart. Chimney flashings, skylight curbs, and pipe boots are common failure points. The key is honesty about remaining shingle life. If the roof is brittle and near the end, a repair becomes a bandage that might tear the material around it. At that point, the money is better aimed at a full replacement with updated details.

One house in Wrightsville Beach had a pretty roof at a distance, but close up the shingles were crazed and thin. A leak showed up at a kitchen vent. We could have fixed the flashing and tarred it to get past the next rain, but the shingle field would not hold nails well. The owner chose replacement. We tied new step flashing into the siding properly, installed a continuous ridge vent, added baffles at the soffits, and cut their August attic temperature by 20 degrees. Their HVAC thanked us, and so did their power bill.

The messy truth about cleanup

Roofing is dirty work. Nails go flying. Shingle crumbs sneak into gutters, flower beds, and mulch. A five-star cleanup is not magic, it is discipline. Good crews tarp down slopes to funnel debris, use catch screens along the eaves, and run magnets daily. They check neighbor yards if you live close, and they return a week later if you find stragglers. I carry a homeowner-grade magnet and always encourage an extra pass the next morning. Sunlight reveals what evening hides.

Ask how they handle gutters. Blowing granules into downspouts can clog underground drains and create a mess after the first storm. A better practice is to sweep or scoop gutters by hand and flush with a hose, capturing granules at the downspout splash area instead of sending them into the landscape.

The peace of mind test

You do not need to become a roofer to hire one. You do need a framework that reduces risk. If you can answer yes to the checklist above, and you feel steady about how they explained your roof’s specific needs, you are probably in safe hands. The best Wilmington roofers are not just “roofers near me” who happen to be close. They are the ones who treat your home like a system, respect the coastal environment, and build roofs that age gracefully through salt, sun, and squalls.

I have watched storms parade through here, from quick summer cells to long nor’easters and the occasional hurricane that makes everyone check their flashlights. The roofs that hold up share the same DNA. Solid deck, six properly placed nails per shingle in high-wind zones, membrane in the right places, careful flashing, and honest ventilation. All of that comes from a contractor who cares.

When you find that team, keep their number. Share it with your neighbor when they ask. Five-star is not a label; it is a pattern of choices. If you focus on those choices at every step, you’ll hire not just one of the best Wilmington roofers on paper, but the one who will still pick up the phone a few years from now, when you call with a question about that skylight or a plan to add solar. That steady relationship is worth far more than saving a few dollars on the day the dump trailer rolls away.