5 Common Roofing Scams Going Around – How To Avoid

Your roof is a big deal, protecting your home from all sorts of weather. Unfortunately, some folks try to take advantage of homeowners needing roof work. These common roofing scams can cost you a lot of money and leave you with more problems than you started with. But don’t sweat it! We’ll walk you through some of the sneaky tricks out there so you can keep your home and your wallet safe.

Key Takeaways

• Roofers that knock on your door, especially after a storm, should be avoided. They may utilize high-pressure sales and offer unrealistic deals.                                                                     
• Contractors from out of town regularly respond to extreme weather as storm chasers. They may exaggerate harm, disappear with your money, or do a substandard job.
• Never pay in whole upfront. A deposit is normal, but a contractor demanding full payment before starting work is suspicious. Some take money and never return or do poor work.
• Always choose insured, licensed roofers. Unlicensed and uninsured contractors may not be qualified and may cause damage and injuries.
• Beware of contractors that claim to locate ‘hidden damage’ as work begins, thus boosting costs. Get a second opinion if this happens.

1. Door-to-Door Sales Tactics

A knock at the door interrupts your afternoon of reading or relaxing at home. Someone you don’t know has a roof tale. They may state they were in the neighborhood or saw something while passing by and now they’re advising you your roof requires quick repair. If someone unexpectedly arrives with roof news, be wary.

They often utilize pressure to get you to comply immediately. The discount may sound great, but it’s usually only good if you sign up immediately. They may not have an office or company name on their vehicles. Identifying them as legitimate can be difficult. Always do your research before accepting a job. If you’re unsure, respectfully refuse and say you’ll investigate. You may always ask a trusted roofer for a second viewpoint or check local company reviews.

Here are a few things to watch out for:

• High-pressure sales: They push you to decide quickly without giving you time to think or compare.
• Lack of clear information: They might not have business cards, a local address, or be able to show you proof of insurance and licensing.
• Vague offers: The deal sounds great, but the details about materials or the exact work to be done are unclear.

When someone sounds so sure about a home problem, it’s tempting to get caught up. But a good roofer would understand if you need time to collect bids and check references. Avoid rash decisions that could cost you a lot.

If you’re looking for a contractor, it’s wise to check if they have a local presence in your community. This can make a big difference if you need them to come back for any reason.

2. Storm Chasers

New people may appear after a major storm. Some call them ‘storm chasers.’ Traveling contractors look for areas with recent terrible weather. They aim to repair quickly and affordably. The truth is, they’re often from elsewhere. Without a local office, it’s hard to tell if they’re licensed or insured in your state.

Uninvited visitors after a storm should be avoided, especially if they persuade you to sign a contract. They may say your roof is damaged and needs immediate repair or that your insurance won’t cover it if you don’t. This is a popular way to get impulsive commitments.

Here’s what you should watch out for with storm chasers:

• Unsolicited offers: They arrive without you asking, sometimes saying they’re already working for a neighbor.
• High-pressure sales: They create a sense of urgency, making you feel like you have to decide right then and there.
• Vague credentials: They might use generic company names or be unclear about their business address or licensing.
• Substandard work: If you hire them, the quality of the repair might be poor, or they might even disappear after taking your money, leaving you with no recourse.

Best to wait out the early commotion. Look for local, trusted roofing providers. Multiple quotes from local businesses are always wise. To choose a reputable contractor, check out resources.

Storm chasers exploit the desperate need for repairs after extreme weather. They want to earn a quick profit, therefore they may not care about your home’s long-term value. Take advantage of local, well-reviewed, licensed companies.

Related: Hail Roof Damage? Here’s What You Need to Do

3. Deposit Scams

“A penny saved is a penny earned.” In roofing, a penny paid upfront can feel like a penny lost. Deposit scams cause homeowners a lot of trouble. Smart scammers will take a percentage of your money before starting work, then disappear! They may vanish or say the project costs more than promised.

This fraud involves taking your money and not delivering. This is like ordering a lavish meal and only getting an appetizer but paying for the full thing. They may request a deposit to “secure materials,” but the contractor and money disappear. Sometimes they ask for a huge deposit, then charge you a lot of extra fees and charges, raising the total bill. A financial bait-and-switch.

Here’s how to spot and avoid these tricky situations:

• Be wary of requests for large upfront payments. While some contractors do ask for a deposit to cover initial material costs, it should be a reasonable percentage of the total job. Anything over 20-30% is often a red flag, especially if they’re not delivering those materials to your home right away. Always get a clear breakdown of what the deposit covers.
• Insist on a detailed written contract. This document should clearly outline the scope of work, the total cost, a payment schedule (including when deposits are due and what they cover), and projected start and completion dates. If a contractor is hesitant to provide a contract or offers vague paperwork, that’s a major warning sign.
• Use traceable payment methods. Never pay in cash. Opt for checks or credit cards, which provide a record of your transaction. This gives you a much better chance of recourse if something goes wrong. You can research reputable local contractors to ensure you’re working with legitimate businesses.

Remember, a legitimate roofing company will have a clear process for payments that aligns with the work being done. They won’t pressure you into handing over a huge sum before they’ve even picked up a hammer.

Don’t let a deposit scam leave you with a hole in your roof and your finances. By staying informed and cautious, you can protect yourself from these dishonest practices.

Related: Roof Replacement Cost In Florida by Material

4. Unlicensed and Uninsured Roofers

After a large storm, you may believe any roofer is better than none. But if they’re not licensed and insured, your house and finances are at risk. You must check a contractor’s qualifications before permitting them on your premises.

A roofer without a license usually doesn’t meet state skill or knowledge criteria. In many countries, this is illegal. What about uninsured people? Another can of worms. If someone is hurt working on your roof or damages your property, you could be liable. Not something you want to face.

Here’s what can happen when you hire unlicensed or uninsured roofers:

• Legal Trouble: You could face fines or penalties for hiring someone who isn’t legally allowed to do the work in your area.
• Financial Liability: If an accident happens, you might be responsible for medical bills or property damage.
• Poor Quality Work: Without proper training or oversight, the work might be shoddy, leading to leaks or other problems down the road.
• No Recourse: If the job is done badly or they disappear with your money, you might have no way to get your money back or have the work fixed.
• Warranty Issues: They likely won’t offer a warranty, leaving you unprotected if something goes wrong later.

It’s always a good idea to check if a contractor is licensed and insured. You can usually find this information on your state’s licensing board website. Don’t be afraid to ask for proof! A reputable company will happily provide it. Always get a written contract that details the scope of work, materials, timeline, and payment schedule. This protects both you and the contractor.

Related: What To Know before Hiring A Roofing Contractor

5. Inflating Storm Damage Claims

Sometimes, after a big storm, you might get a contractor who seems a little too eager to point out damage on your roof. They might tell you that a few missing shingles mean you need a whole new roof, or that some minor hail marks are actually catastrophic. This is where they try to inflate the damage to charge you more, or to get more money from your insurance company. It’s like going to the doctor for a sniffle and being told you need major surgery.

Here’s how these inflated claims often play out:

• Suggesting Unnecessary Work: They might claim you need more repairs than you actually do, or push for a full roof replacement when a simple fix would do. The goal is to make the job bigger and more expensive.
• Exaggerating Existing Damage: They’ll take a small problem and make it sound like a disaster. They might show you pictures of damage from a different roof or even cause minor damage themselves during the inspection to make their case.
• Using Scare Tactics: To get you to agree to these extra repairs, they’ll often create a sense of urgency. They’ll say things like, “If you don’t fix this now, your whole house could be ruined!” This pressure makes it hard to think clearly or get a second opinion.

Be cautious of contractors who pressure you to sign a contract immediately after an inspection, and seek multiple quotes for significant repair work. A reputable roofer will be honest about the damage extent and provide clear documentation, while your insurance adjuster will also evaluate the damage.

It’s a common problem: after a big storm, people might try to claim more damage than actually happened to their homes. This can make things harder for everyone. If you’ve had storm damage and need honest repairs, we’re here to help. Visit our website to learn more about getting a fair assessment and reliable service.

Stay Safe and Smart with Your Roof

We’ve covered a number of strategies used by roofing scammers to deceive you. Yes, it can be a bit overwhelming. As if getting your roof fixed requires you to be a detective. To be honest, though, it’s primarily about being wise and patient. Always gather multiple quotations and opinions before agreeing to anything, and don’t let anyone pressure you into making a choice. Examine reviews, get references, and if something seems strange, it most likely is. You deserve to work with someone you can trust since your roof is a major deal. You can keep those dodgy folks away and ensure that your home remains safe by being vigilant and conducting some research.