Louisiana has officially raised the bar for roofing work — and that’s a good thing for homeowners.
A new state law now requires stricter licensing, permitting, and insurance standards for roof replacement contractors. While change often creates uncertainty, this update is designed to protect homeowners, improve roof quality across the state, and bring long-term stability to Louisiana’s struggling home insurance market.
At Acadiana Roof Restoration, we want to explain what this law really means, why it exists, and how homeowners can make smart decisions moving forward — without fear or confusion.
Why the New Roofing Law Was Passed
Louisiana homeowners have been hit hard in recent years by:
- Rising home insurance premiums
- Inconsistent roof installation quality
- Storm-chasing contractors who disappear after the job
- Claim disputes tied to poor workmanship or improper permitting
The new law aims to solve these problems by raising professional standards for roof replacement. Over time, better-built roofs and fewer bad actors should help reduce risk for insurers — and that’s a necessary step toward stabilizing insurance costs statewide.
How This Impacts Roofing Prices in the Short Term
While the long-term outlook is positive, there is a short-term reality homeowners should understand.
Under the previous system, thousands of small “home improvement” contractors were legally able to perform roof replacements with minimal licensing. As of August 1, 2025, that changes.
Roof replacement now requires:
- Proper state licensing
- The ability to pull permits
- Higher levels of liability and roofing-specific insurance
For many small operators, this means:
- Thousands of dollars in education and testing
- A difficult, 5-hour contractor exam with a high failure rate
- Insurance premiums increasing from hundreds per month to thousands
Those added costs don’t disappear — they get passed on to the customer. As a result, roof replacement pricing in Louisiana is likely to rise, especially as hundreds of contractors exit the legal market.
Why This Law Benefits Roof Restoration Homeowners
Here’s the overlooked upside: not every roof needs to be replaced.
For homeowners with structurally sound roofs, restoration options — including rejuvenation treatments — are becoming more attractive than ever. Restoration can:
- Extend the life of a roof by years
- Cost significantly less than replacement
- Reduce waste and disruption
- Delay the need for a full tear-off during a high-cost period
Because Acadiana Roof Restoration already meets all licensing and insurance requirements, this law allows us to continue serving homeowners without disruption — while helping more families explore cost-effective restoration solutions instead of unnecessary replacements.
The Real Risk: Hiring an Unlicensed Roofer
One important warning for homeowners: this law won’t stop everyone from trying to earn a living.
Some unlicensed contractors may still offer roof replacements without permits or proper insurance. When that happens, homeowners can face serious issues:
- Denied insurance claims
- Void workmanship warranties
- Personal liability if a worker is injured
- Problems selling the home later due to unpermitted work
Even if the contractor “does good work,” the legal and financial risk falls on the homeowner.
What Homeowners Should Do Before Hiring a Roofer
Before you sign anything, make sure your contractor:
✔ Holds the correct state license for roofing
✔ Can legally pull roof replacement permits
✔ Carries insurance that specifically covers roofing (not just “home improvement”)
✔ Is established locally — not just after storms
If a contractor can’t clearly show these items, that’s a red flag.
The Bottom Line
Louisiana’s new roofing law is a step in the right direction. It protects homeowners, improves roof quality, and helps bring stability to a volatile insurance market.
In the meantime, the smartest move you can make is simple:
Hire licensed, insured professionals — and explore restoration when replacement isn’t truly necessary.
If you have questions about your roof, the new law, or whether restoration makes sense for your home, our team is happy to help.
📞 Call Acadiana Roof Restoration at 337-999-ROOF (7663)
🌐 Visit www.aroofrestore.com to schedule a consultation