Top 7 Roofing Scams: How to Identify and Avoid Them

Roofing scams are like a nightmare for both homeowners and businesses. They not only drain out the hard-earned money but also leave behind a poorly maintained or damaged roof.

Whether your property is a residential or a commercial roofing system, you must know how to identify and avoid common scams. In this blog of “Top 7 Roofing Scams,” you’ll know how to spot them and find ways to protect the roof.

The common 7 roofing scams

A list of the common 7 roofing scams that help to protect your roof from being damaged are:

1. Storm chasers:

Storm chasers are like contractors who have severe weather events, offering multiple services to repair damaged roofs after the storm. You can identify these defacements after a big storm, offering quick and cheap fixes.

How do we identify these storm chasers?

They show signs of invitation, which are immediately visible after the storm chaser scams.
They claim to have leftover substances from a nearby job.
Basically, they pressure you to sign a contract immediately.

How to avoid storm chasers?

To stop storm chasers, they always look for local references and check them.
Check out for the licensed contractor and insurance.
Look carefully for multiple quotes and check reviews online.

2. Low initial bids:

A contractor mostly offers surprisingly low bids for the security of the business. Once the project gets started, they claim to find out additional issues, leading to the increment of the cost.

How do we identify low initial bids?

The bid is significantly lesser than others.
The contractor is vague, and they find a scope to work.
Detailed written estimates are avoided.

How to avoid low initial bids?

Be wary of bids. They seem good, but they are not.
Always get complete details into written estimates and compare them.
Before hiring, look for the contractor’s reputation and reviews online.

3. Insurance fraud:

A contractor gives you the suggestion of inflation to your roof insurance claim or offers to cover a deductible to get the job done for “Free.”

How do you identify insurance fraud?

Frauders mostly offer you insurance claims and turn your mind to inflate them.
Continuously pinging you to pay your deductible.
Get you an incomplete contract or provide a vague one.

How to avoid insurance fraud?

You must see that they work directly with an insurance company.
Ensure all proposals or agreements are reviewed and written carefully.
Never go with the rights of insurance to inflate.

4. High-pressure sales tactics:

Contractors basically use the high pressure sales tactics for signing a contract immediately, i.e., at the highest price than necessary.

How do you identify high-pressure sales tactics?

They take the mind to make a decision on the spot.
The seller uses scare tactics for potential damages.
The type of discount they offer is “Today Only.”

How to avoid high-pressure sales tactics?

Always think or make decisions before getting involved and getting multiple quotes.
Do research work and compare before you figure out any decision.
Avoid roofing scams who pressurize you.

5. Unnecessary Repairs:

A contractor claims that your roof requires a wide range of repairs or even sometimes needs a full roof replacement when only minor repairs are necessary.

How do we identify unnecessary repairs?

There will be multiple issues that the contractors must find out.
They always recommend a full replacement without giving them a proper explanation.
They are vague about the general problems and solutions.

How to avoid unnecessary repairs?

Always get a second or third opinion from other professional contractors.
Ensure you make a request for detailed explanations and written estimates.
Get research for common roofing scams and their solutions.

6. Door-to-door roofing contractors:

Most of the roof contractors go door-to-door to offer their services, claiming they will complete their job in your area within a specified time and offering you a discount.

How do you identify door-to-door roofing contractors?

They come or embrace their work without an appointment.
They claim to give away the leftover materials from a nearby job.
They will offer a limited time for a discount.

How to avoid door-to-door contractors?

Take care of unsolicited offers.
Always check the credentials and look for local references.
Get multiple quotes from established contractors.

7. No contract or incomplete contract:

A roofing contractor scams either will not give any written contract or an incomplete one, leaving room for misunderstandings and additional costs later.

How do we identify a contract that is no contract or an incomplete contract?

These contractors are reluctant to serve a written contract.
You will lack details like the scope of work, materials, and costs.
They always request a large upfront payment.

How do we avoid no contract or incomplete contract?

Always insist on a written or detailed contract.
Ensure the contract mentions all the aspects of the job, including materials, timeline, and costs.
Don’t let yourself pay large upfront payments.

Tips for protecting your commercial roofing system

To protect your commercial roofing scams system, go with the following requirements:

Schedule regular commercial roof maintenance for your commercial roofing system to address minor defacements.
Get only from reputable contractors who hold licenses and insurance and have good reviews.
Clearly understand the roof insurance claim procedure.
Educate yourself on common roofing scams and maintenance tips.

Conclusion

Be aware if not! Roofing scams are costly and stressful, therefore, with the right knowledge, you can protect yourself and your property. Whether it’s for residential or commercial roof maintenance, always go with the time to understand research work, scope, and get multiple quotes. By taking informed decisions, ensure the roofing project is successful and scams free.

Remember, to maintain your roof is a long-term investment, hence regular maintenance and working with reputable contractors help you to free from unusual payment. Therefore, take the help of the RSH Commercial Roofing experts to protect your roof, stay informed, stay cautious and keep your roof in top condition.