Top 5 Roofing Scams to Spot and Avoid

Unfortunately some roofing contractors find it necessary to deceive or mislead their potential customer for one reason or another.  Below are some common practices that have cropped up in recent years as well as some tell tale signs you may be dealing with a less than acceptable contractor.

Top 5 Roofing Scams BelowA roofing scams pic

1) “Free Roof Inspection”  Some companies will use telemarketing for an entire area warning them of severe weather that effected a lot of roofs in their neighborhood.  Somehow they always find damage on your roof and tell you to open an insurance claim in the hope an adjuster will find damage or simply take their word for it.  While there are acceptable and legitimate companies doing free roof inspections make sure to do your homework and get a few opinions before committing to anything.  Of course of the roofing scams this one is the most in your face but also easy to verify with other contractors.  Do be appreciative though if the damage end up being real this is a legitimate way to get business as well and we hope you give them a fair shot.

2) “Storm Chaser” Beware of out of state or area companies that set up shop in an area of a large hail or wind storm.  There are some national companies that simply sub out work to local contractors or workers when a storm hits.  They will set up large signs and a trailer this is one sign of roofing scams to come.  The problem is these people LEAVE.  Most roofing problems described in sections on this site come down to workmanship issues and often don’t show up for several years.

3) “Buy Now!”  A high pressure roofing scams sales tactic used to take advantage of people and CONVINCE them to sign the contract immediately. Legitimate contractors can afford to wait while you make an informed and intelligent decision.  They tell you today is when you must sign the contract “or else”   Ignore high pressure sales tactics and ask the contractor to leave.

4) “Low Price Guarantee”  While this may seem like a good thing on the surface it always ends up costing you in the long run.  A contractor who simply lowers his/her bid to get the job isn’t doing you any favors! There was a reason for the higher price and you should ask them to explain it. The roofing field is FILLED with underground contractors, not properly licensed, insured, who don’t pull permits.  They often aren’t factory trained and improperly install products.  Don’t use the cheapest you’ll regret it.   It’s better to pay too much than too little!

Roofing Scams revealed

5) “Limited Time Discount”  To be clear there are occasionally manufacturers discounts or incentives to urge homeowners to use their products.  However, some contractors have resorted to telling prospects of non existent deals in order to get them to make a decision quickly.  This is a popular roofing scam because it uses a great psychology effect the roofer wants you to think “oh how nice of him to let me know about this special offer”   Ask for documentation of the supposed limited time deal and if possible get verification from involved third parties.

Don’t be scammed, deceived or tricked into buying a roof!

If the “deal” or contract doesn’t feel right it’s probably a one of the roofing scams! Trust yourself.

 

This is a warning roofing scams video check it out