Protect Yourself From Roofing Scams

Roofing scams are more common than homeowners realize. Every year, people hire contractors to fix their roofs only to end up with unfinished work, poor craftsmanship, or even more damage than they started with. While it’s nearly impossible to eliminate the risk entirely, there are several steps you can take to dramatically reduce your chances of becoming a victim.

Below is a practical, homeowner-friendly guide to help you choose trustworthy contractors and avoid costly mistakes.

When it comes to roof work, the contractor you choose matters just as much as the materials they use. Before committing to anything, pause and thoroughly research your options.

Start with trusted online sources such as:

Look for rating trends, any complaints, and how companies respond to complaints. No company is flawless, but any red flag should prompt you to proceed with caution when choosing a roofer.

A reliable indicator of quality is whether the company is part of the Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor Program. This program membership is selective, so companies in this program have already passed several layers of vetting. Contractors in this program must meet strict requirements:

However, we recommend to continue reviewing customer feedback and ratings for Platinum Preferred companies to ensure an additional level of caution.

See https://www.owenscorning.com/en-us/roofing/contractors for more information regarding Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractors.

Roofing prices vary widely based on location, materials, and project size. Research the typical cost of roof repairs or replacements in your region before collecting quotes. If a bid seems significantly higher/lower than the local average, it may be a sign to dig deeper into the company to catch anything fishy.

Online roofing calculators and satellite imagery should not be completely relied on. Obtain multiple estimates from different contractors and compare them to ensure the most accurate assessment of your project.

Even from personal experience, some of the best referrals come from family, friends, and neighbors. People who have recently had roof work done can provide honest insights about their experience, craftsmanship, communication, and price fairness.

One of the biggest red flags in roofing scams is a lack of transparency. A reputable roofer will be more than willing to provide any documentation you request. Your roof protects your entire home. You should never feel uncomfortable asking for proof that your contractor is qualified and insured.

According to homeowners in the subreddit r/homeinsurance, some companies avoid sharing this information or make excuses when asked. This is an immediate red flag.

Tip: Ask for the insurance certificate and call the insurer to verify it is active. Legitimate companies will provide this without hesitation.

Even if a company looks good on paper, cross-checking helps you protect yourself even further. Comparing at least three roofing estimates gives you a clearer picture of fair pricing. It takes time, but it can save you thousands of dollars.

One homeowner in r/homeinsurance shared a simple but clever tip: Ask the roofing company for addresses of homes they’ve recently worked on. Drive by to see the quality of work on the roof, the cleanliness of the job sites, and whether the roofs look consistent and professionally finished. A reputable roofer will have nothing to hide and will want to showcase their best projects.

According to another discussion on r/homeinsurance, many homeowners have reported an additional concern within the roofing industry: companies with negative reviews or legal issues may ‘close’ their business and reopen under a new name to present a clean slate. This practice has been observed by numerous homeowners and serves as a clear red flag for prospective clients.

So again, make sure to review the business history, verify its licensing, and check for any prior business aliases or past complaints.

With the wind and hail season on the horizon, staying cautious is your best defense against costly mistakes. Go the extra mile! Ask questions, verify everything, and choose wisely. A little diligence now can save you from big expenses later.