By Lawrence Reinholt, Roofing Guides Editor
Updated September 2026
Quick answer: Before hiring a roofer in Albuquerque, ask how many layers are coming off, how they check for wet insulation, what they will do about ponding, who files the City permit, how every penetration will be flashed, and what cleanup includes. Get the answers in a written scope with photos, and confirm licensing and insurance before work begins.
Part 1 of 6
How many layers are coming off?
The answer should come from a core sample or an inspection, not a guess. Two existing layers mean a full tear-off under the building code, and tear-off is one of the biggest cost differences between quotes. If one quote assumes an overlay and another a tear-off, they are not quoting the same job.
Part 2 of 6
How will you check for wet insulation?
Wet insulation under a flat roof is invisible from the top and ruinous if covered. Ask whether the roofer probes and cores the roof, and what happens if wet board is found during tear-off. A good scope says it will be cut out and replaced, and how that is priced.
Part 3 of 6
What will you do about ponding?
If water sits on your flat roof for days after rain, the new roof should fix that with tapered insulation or crickets. Ask to see the drainage plan. A quote that replaces the membrane without addressing ponding is quoting a shorter-lived roof.
Questions about your own roof? Call and talk to a roofer.
Call (505) 636-9496Part 4 of 6
Who files the permit, and when is the inspection?
Inside Albuquerque, re-roofing requires a building permit, and the contractor files it when hired. The quote should list the permit and the mid-job inspection. See re-roof permits in Albuquerque for the details.
Part 5 of 6
How will each penetration and edge be flashed?
Swamp cooler curbs, skylights, pipe boots, chimneys, canales and parapets are where roofs leak. Ask whether old flashing is replaced or reused, and whether curbs are rebuilt when needed. Sealant alone is not flashing. Our page on flashing and chimney repair shows what proper detailing involves.
Part 6 of 6
What is in writing, and what is not?
The written scope should name the system and its thickness, the insulation plan, the flashing details, the permit, cleanup and haul-away, and how hidden damage will be handled. Ask for photos of the current roof. Before anyone starts work, confirm licensing and insurance yourself, as you would with any contractor.
Finally, ask who answers the phone if something goes wrong after the job. A roof is a long relationship, and the answer tells you a lot.
FAQ
Hiring questions
Yes, and compare them line by line on layers, insulation, drainage, flashing and permit.
Not always, but it usually leaves something out. Find which line is missing.
Yes. A quote from the ground or from satellite images is a guess.
The current condition of each slope, the outlets and the penetrations, before and after.
New Mexico contractor licenses can be checked with the state's Construction Industries Division.
Haul-away of old material and a magnet sweep of the yard and driveway for nails.
Ask directly, and get the contact in writing.