Richmond roof questions, answered with sources
Old houses, slate in the historic districts, wind and falling trees after storms. Plain answers on local rules, storms and contractors.
Local guides
Things that work differently in Richmond than in a generic roofing article.
After a storm
✓ Virginia DPOR news release: Beware of Unlicensed Contractors Following Storms · checked 2026-10-29Wind and falling trees are the main Richmond roof risk. Before anyone climbs on your roof, do three things.
Read the storm guide →- Look at the roof from the ground. Stay off it.
- Photograph every bit of damage, with the date.
- Look up any contractor on DPOR before you sign.
Historic district rules
✓ City of Richmond – Commission of Architectural Review · checked 2026-10-29Old and Historic Districts need CAR review for exterior changes. Confirm your address with the City first.
Read guide →Check a contractor
✓ Virginia DPOR License Lookup; Virginia Administrative Code 18VAC50-22-30 · checked 2026-10-29Look up the license on DPOR: it should be active, and its class or specialty should cover roofing.
Read guide →Wind and hail deductible
✓ Virginia Administrative Code 14VAC5-342-70 · checked 2026-10-29Know your dollar figure before you file a claim.
Read guide →Free tools
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We do not install roofs, give quotes or take a cut from roofers.
Every fact has a source
Each line links to the city, the state or the weather service, with the date we checked it.
Only Richmond
If a fact would be true in any city, it does not go on this site.
Areas covered
Rules that differ by place, so we say which place.
City of Richmond
Permits and the Old and Historic Districts.
All of Virginia
Contractor licenses, contracts and insurance rules.
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