Combs Roofing in Baltimore: Residential and Commercial Work with Fixed Labor Rates

Combs Roofing is a licensed and insured roofing contractor serving Baltimore's residential and commercial properties, offering asphalt shingle, metal, and flat roof installation and repair with clearly stated labor rates and written estimates before work begins.

What Combs Roofing actually is

A full-service roofing company operating in the Baltimore area, Combs handles everything from emergency leak repairs to complete roof replacements on houses, small commercial buildings, and multi-unit properties. The operation is Maryland-licensed and insured, a basic requirement that filters out unlicensed crews operating out of trucks. Unlike one-off contractors who disappear after the job, Combs maintains an office-based presence and backs work with written warranties on materials and labor.

Materials, warranties, and what they cost

Combs works primarily with asphalt shingles (the standard for Baltimore's residential stock), metal roofing, and built-up or TPO systems for flat roofs. Material costs vary sharply by type: asphalt shingles range from $3 to $5 per square foot installed, metal roofing runs $8 to $12 per square foot, and flat roof systems cost $6 to $10 per square foot depending on the system chosen. Labor rates are quoted per job based on roof pitch, square footage, and complexity; confirm current pricing directly, as material costs fluctuate seasonally.

Warranties typically split into two parts: the manufacturer's warranty on shingles (usually 20 to 30 years on standard asphalt) and Combs' labor warranty, which covers workmanship defects. Request the specific terms in writing; some contractors offer only a one-year labor warranty, while others extend five years or more on residential work.

How Combs compares to other Baltimore roofing options

Baltimore has several established roofing firms. Schuler Roofing, operating since the 1980s, focuses heavily on commercial work and larger residential projects; their overhead is higher, and pricing reflects that. Stetson Roofing operates on the smaller end, handling repairs and reroof jobs on single-family homes; they are faster for simple jobs but have less capacity for complex multi-unit or commercial work. Combs positions itself in the middle: larger than single-operator crews but more agile than the biggest firms, making them a practical choice for homeowners who want professional work without massive markup and for small commercial property owners who need a contractor that moves faster than the major players.

Choose Combs for a mid-sized residential reroof or commercial repair. Choose Schuler if you manage a large property portfolio and value deep commercial experience. Choose a local handyman-level crew only if the work is cosmetic patching, not structural.

The inspection and estimate process

Combs provides free roof inspections and written estimates. During inspection, they document the roof's age, material condition, deck condition (whether there is rot or structural damage), and any current leaks. This takes photos and produces a detailed estimate breaking down materials, labor, and timeline. Many contractors estimate over the phone; Combs' in-person approach means fewer surprises mid-job. Estimates are valid for 30 days, giving homeowners time to compare without pressure.

If the roof needs work urgently (a storm leak or active water damage), Combs will expedite an inspection. They also handle insurance claims: they'll document damage, provide paperwork to support a homeowner's claim, and coordinate with adjusters, which saves time for people dealing with storm or wind damage.

Licensing, permits, and what comes with the job

Combs is licensed in Maryland and carries liability insurance, protecting homeowners if someone is injured during work. Most residential reroof work in Baltimore does not require a permit, but work on some buildings (particularly older rowhouses with historic designations) may require city approval. Combs handles those conversations and will alert homeowners upfront if permits are needed; this prevents costly stops and start orders mid-job.

Who this fits and who it does not

Combs is right for Baltimore homeowners with aging asphalt roofs (15+ years old), small commercial property owners handling maintenance, and anyone who wants a local firm that shows up in person and stands behind the work. They are not the lowest-cost option; that would be unlicensed crews or handymen working cash jobs. They are not the best fit for complex custom work (like standing seam metal installations on historic homes), where a specialist is better. They work primarily during warm months (April through October); emergency repairs happen year-round, but scheduling for a new roof in winter takes longer.

Hours, logistics, and first contact

Combs operates business hours Monday through Friday; confirm current hours and whether Saturday work is available for your timeline. Get an estimate by calling or requesting one online; scheduling an inspection typically takes a week unless the work is emergency-related. Once contracted, roof work takes two to five days depending on size and weather.

Combs Roofing earns its place in Baltimore because it closes the gap between fly-by-night crews and oversized commercial firms, making professional roofing accessible to the city's mix of single-family homeowners and small landlords without padding the bill or cutting corners.