Roofing Scams That Can Cost You Money

Never give an unsolicited roofing contractor an upfront deposit. If your roof sustains damage from a storm, you should first call your insurance agent, who will send an adjuster to inspect the damage and initiate the claim process. If a roofing contractor shows up unannounced with an estimate in hand and requests a deposit, close the door, or disconnect the call.

Some roofing companies practice door-to-door sales, but they will have proper ID as a representative from a company and won’t pressure you to sign a contract or pay anything upfront. This is a completely different scenario from having multiple roofing companies door-knock and blanket neighborhoods with flyers and yard signs after a storm. You want to choose a reputable roofing contractor to replace your roof, which means being careful with door-to-door salespeople.

Disreputable roofing contractors will use high-pressure sales tactics, such as insisting that you accept their offer on the spot before it “expires.” Other tricks include scaring a homeowner into believing that their home is in imminent danger if they don’t replace their roof immediately. If you have a roof salesperson, use this tactic, research reputable roofing companies for a roof inspection.

You can easily identify a storm-chaser if they don’t have a company ID or uniform (such as a logo shirt), don’t offer a credible business card (such as only listing a P.O. box as their address), and don’t appear to have a permanent address or online presence. Ask the salesperson about the company’s licensure and see how they respond. It’s easy enough to verify the company’s existence and credibility online and by checking customer reviews.

Beware a roofing contractor who tries to bid against what your homeowner’s insurance adjuster quoted. This could work in one of two ways: 1) the salesperson will cite “unseen extensive damage” that will increase the estimate, OR 2) they could low-ball your insurance company. Keep in mind that without a proper inspection, there is no way a random person off the street will understand the extent of the damage to your roof and give you a reliable quote.

Replacing a roof is more than just materials and labor. There are many other factors including the size and pitch of the roof, extent of damage (for a roof repair), permits, and cost of roofing squares (the cost to cover a 10’ x 10’ area). When choosing a roofing contractor, it is important to get several bids to know the average cost to replace your roof. Choosing a roofing contractor who underbids the job may lead to poor installation, short cuts, and a lower lifespan of your new roof.

We’ve also seen roofers who waive the insurance deductible and then add it back to the total roof cost. So while your cost out of pocket may seem lower, you end up paying for the deductible in the end. This is technically insurance fraud, which can land you in hot water with your insurance company.

Never accept an on-the-spot, handshake agreement with a roofing contractor. A reputable roofing contractor will provide a detailed written estimate that breaks down the costs of materials, labor, permits, timeframe for completion, etc.

If you have the misfortune of sustaining roof damage due to a storm, take a deep breath and start taking photos. Next, call your insurance agent to start the claims process. Your insurance adjuster will most likely recommend a trusted roofing contractor who has a proven track record with the insurance company. Listen to their advice and don’t fall for storm-chaser scams. It is important that you choose the right roofer to complete your roof restoration job.

Premier Roofing has a solid reputation with insurance companies across the nation and has helped thousands of homeowners replace their roofs after a major storm. You can feel confident in working with Premier, from the initial roof inspection to navigating the insurance claims process and installation of your new roof. We only use the highest-quality materials and back our roofing jobs with a 10-year workmanship warranty to ensure your new roof lasts for years to come. Schedule a roof inspection for your residential, business, or multi-family roofing needs today.