Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT)

The Roofing Contractors Association of Texas (RCAT) is a statewide trade association for roofing contractors and related businesses in Texas, United States. It describes itself as supporting Texas roofing since 1975 and lists a mailing address in Fort Worth.

Voluntary licensing

Texas does not require roofing contractors to hold a state licence. Because of this gap, RCAT created its own voluntary credential. After more than two decades of lobbying the state for mandatory licensing, the association rebranded its earlier "RCAT Certification" as the "RCAT Roofing License" in 2017. The program does not carry the force of law, but it gives property owners a way to identify contractors who have met set requirements.

Under the program as described in 2017, applicants:

• choose a commercial, residential or combined licence and pass a matching exam, plus a required business and safety exam;
• carry general liability and workers' compensation insurance;
• for commercial work, show they can provide a performance bond;
• pass a background check and sign a notarised statement covering felony convictions, abandoned roofing contracts and bankruptcy;
• complete 10 hours of roofing-related continuing education to keep the licence.

Events

RCAT organises the Texas Roofing Conference, which it describes as the largest roofing event in the state.

Context

Texas is exposed to hail, high winds, hurricanes on the Gulf Coast and extreme heat. After major storms, out-of-state and unqualified contractors often arrive to seek repair work, a pattern sometimes called "storm chasing". RCAT's voluntary licence and its participation in recovery efforts, such as after Hurricane Harvey in 2017, are aimed partly at helping owners avoid scams. Homeowners in Texas should still check local permit rules, insurance and references, since a state licence does not exist for roofing.