Roofing scams are unfortunately a reality for many homeowners, and having been in business for over 40 years in Alabama, Guyette Roofing and Construction has seen far too many fall victim to them. Whether you’re looking to repair a leak, replace your roof, or perform general maintenance, scammers often target homeowners who are unfamiliar with roofing work or are in a vulnerable position due to storm damage. How to hire the best roofing contractor? Recognize the warning signs of roofing scams and know how to protect yourself to ensure that your home receives quality service at a fair price. Here are some of the most common roofing scams and how to avoid falling victim to them:
1. Storm Chasers
After a major storm or extreme weather event, you may receive unsolicited offers from roofing contractors claiming to be in the area to assess storm damage. These “storm chasers” are often not local to your area and may offer unusually low quotes. While some of these contractors may be legitimate, many are scammers looking to take advantage of homeowners in urgent need of repairs.
Warning signs of storm chasers include:
- Contractors who show up uninvited and offer immediate roof repairs at unusually low prices
- Claims of “free inspections” without any formal written estimate
- Requests for full payment upfront
How to avoid this scam:
- Always choose a local contractor with a proven reputation and check their credentials
- Don’t be pressured into signing a contract on the spot—take the time to research and get multiple estimates
- Avoid paying for the full cost of repairs upfront
2. The “Door-to-Door” Salesperson
Some roofing scams involve door-to-door salespeople who go from house to house offering discounts or deals on roof repairs or replacements. Often, they claim they’ve noticed damage or that they are working on a nearby home and can give you a “special” deal if you agree to immediate work. These salespeople often target elderly or vulnerable homeowners who may not fully understand what they’re being offered.
Warning signs of door-to-door scams include:
- Unsolicited visits from roofing contractors offering immediate “deals”
- Offers that sound “too good to be true,” such as deep discounts or no-interest financing
- A lack of written contracts or vague explanations of what work will be done
How to avoid this scam:
- Always verify the legitimacy of the contractor by researching their business online and checking reviews
- Ask for a written estimate and a contract that outlines the full scope of work, timeline, and payment terms
- Avoid signing any contracts on the spot—take your time to consider your options
3. The “Low Bidder” Scam
A roofing scam that many homeowners fall victim to is the low bidder scam. In this scenario, a contractor offers an incredibly low estimate to entice you into hiring them. Once the work begins, the contractor may try to add hidden fees or make unnecessary repairs to increase the price. In some cases, the roofing work may be subpar or even incomplete, leaving you with a roof that needs additional repairs in the future.
Warning signs of the low bidder scam include:
- An estimate that’s significantly lower than others you’ve received
- Vague or unclear explanations of how the price is calculated
- Contractors who pressure you to sign the contract quickly in order to “lock in” the low price
How to avoid this scam:
- Get estimates from local, reputable roofing contractors and compare them to the low bid
- Be wary of quotes that seem too good to be true—they may be a tactic to lure you in
- Ensure that the estimate includes a breakdown of costs, including labor, materials, and any additional fees
4. The “Unnecessary Repair” Scam
Another common roofing scam involves contractors telling you that your roof needs major repairs or replacement when, in fact, it doesn’t. Scammers may exaggerate the damage or make false claims to pressure you into paying for unnecessary repairs. They might even go as far as to “create” damage, like loosening shingles or removing flashing, to make it seem like the roof is in worse condition than it actually is.
Warning signs of the unnecessary repair scam include:
- Contractors who claim urgent and expensive repairs are needed immediately without showing clear evidence
- An inspection that lasts only a few minutes with no detailed explanation of the issues
- Contractors who refuse to provide a written report or estimate for the work
How to avoid this scam:
- Get a second opinion from another local, reputable contractor if you’re unsure about the necessity of the repairs
- Ask for a detailed written estimate that clearly outlines the work needed
- Never allow a contractor to start work before providing you with a clear agreement on what’s included
5. The “Cash-Only” Payment Scam
Some roofing scammers ask for payment upfront in cash or suggest a cash-only deal. These contractors often avoid using credit cards, checks, or other traceable forms of payment to avoid detection if they don’t fulfill their obligations. Once they take the cash, they may perform shoddy work, disappear, or fail to complete the job altogether, leaving you without recourse.
Warning signs of the cash-only payment scam include:
- Contractors requesting cash payment or insisting on a large cash deposit before starting the work
- Refusal to provide a written invoice or receipts
- The contractor seems eager to avoid a formal paper trail or payment method that can be traced
How to avoid this scam:
- Always use a traceable payment method, such as a credit card or check, for any roofing work
- Avoid paying for the full cost of the job upfront. A reasonable deposit may be required, but the final payment should be made after the work is completed to your satisfaction
- Ask for a written invoice and receipt for any payments made
6. Fake or Misleading Warranties
Some contractors may offer warranties that sound too good to be true or fail to provide the necessary paperwork for their warranty. Contractors who don’t honor their warranties often leave homeowners with significant repair costs down the road.
Warning signs of warranty scams include:
- The contractor promises an extended or lifetime warranty but provides no written details
- The warranty seems overly broad or difficult to understand
- The contractor insists that warranty paperwork can only be completed after payment is made
How to avoid this scam:
- Always ask for a written warranty that includes clear terms and conditions
- Ensure that the warranty is provided directly by the manufacturer or a reputable contractor
- Never accept vague or verbal warranties—ask for specifics in writing
Conclusion
Over the years, Guyette Roofing and Construction has seen the results of roofing scams countless times. We have received calls from customers who hired the cheapest contractor and were left with subpar work that we were then asked to repair; we’ve had frantic calls from people who paid another contractor for the entirety of their work upfront and then never saw that contractor again; and we’ve seen roofs where damage was obviously done intentionally by previous contractors in an effort to secure work. We have seen firsthand how roofing scams can cause significant financial and emotional stress to homeowners, but by being vigilant and informed, you can avoid falling victim to these deceptive practices. Always take the time to research contractors, get estimates from local contractors with good reputations and solid reviews, and ensure that any work done is properly documented. A trustworthy, reliable contractor will provide transparent, clear communication and stand behind their work. This is one of the reasons we remind people that we have had the same phone number since our founding in 1982–Guyette Roofing and Construction is local, we’re reputable, and we’re here for you when you need us and aren’t going anywhere.