7 Ways to Avoid Unethical Roofing Companies When Replacing Your Roof

Replacing your roof can be an expensive and time-consuming process, but it is important to take the time to do it right and make sure you avoid being taken advantage of. Unfortunately, there are many people out there looking to take advantage of unsuspecting homeowners, so it’s important to know how to protect yourself. Here are seven ways to avoid unethical roofing companies when replacing your roof.

Visit the CRA (Colorado Roofing Association)

Before beginning any roofing project, it is essential to research the company and verify their legitimacy. Fortunately, the Colorado Roofing Association (CRA) makes it easy to do so. The CRA is a non-profit organization committed to promoting high ethics, education, and image of the roofing industry in the state of Colorado. It is important to only work with companies that are members of this organization and have been vetted by them. Their website https://www.coloradoroofing.org/ includes a list of all the CRA members, making it easy to verify if the roofer you are considering working with is a member or not. It is also helpful to review the information on the website about ethical practices and what to look for when hiring a roofer, so that you can avoid being taken advantage of. Horn Brothers Roofing is more than just a member of the CRA – we are a sponsor, which titles us as an “industry leader” through the CRA. With the help of the CRA, you can feel more confident and secure in your roofing decision.

It’s always a good idea to check reviews on the company as well. Google is a great source to see the reputation of a roofing company.

Look up SB38

SB38 is a bill that was passed into law on June 6, 2012, in the Colorado senate. It establishes a set of rules and regulations for the roofing industry in Colorado in order to protect consumers from unethical roofing practices. Additionally, it prohibits door-to-door sales and requires companies to provide written contracts that include detailed information about the job being done and the cost. It also allows homeowners to cancel their contract without penalty within three days of signing it. SB38 is a set of guidelines that ALL roofing companies should be adhering to.

Don’t Sign ANYTHING at the Door

One of the most important tips for avoiding unethical roofing companies is to never sign anything at the door. Intrusive door knockers or companies calling you right after a hail storm are probably NOT members of the CRA. There are also companies that will knock on your door and ask to look at your roof. They will show you photos of the hail damage and ask you to sign something to show their boss they were there. This then turns out to be a contract! Fortunately SB38 can protect you from these types of practices by giving you 72 hours to cancel this contract.

Door-to-door roofing companies may try to pressure you into signing a contract on the spot, but it’s important to take your time and read any paperwork carefully before committing to anything. This also applies to signing for a payment plan or down payment at the door. Do not allow anyone to pressure you into signing any type of contract or agreement at the door.

It’s best to wait until you’ve done your research and know more about the company and their services before you sign any document. You should also take the time to review any contracts thoroughly before signing them. Look out for anything that could be potentially misleading or too good to be true. This can include hidden fees, lowball estimates, rushed timelines, and poor quality materials. If something seems off, don’t be afraid to ask questions or call another contractor for a second opinion.

Request Proof of Licensing and Insurance

Before you hire a roofing contractor, it’s important to make sure they are properly licensed and insured. Ask for the contractor’s license number and proof of insurance. The state of Colorado requires roofing contractors to carry a valid license, so make sure the company is compliant with all applicable state laws. Additionally, make sure to ask how long the company has been in business—ideally more than ten years. This protects you from roofing companies that open after a hail storm, then close, only to reopen under a different name once another storm comes through.

Watch for Educating vs. Selling

When you’re meeting with a potential contractor to replace your roof, it’s important to pay attention to the conversation. If you feel like you are being pressured to make a decision, it may be a sign that the contractor is more focused on selling than educating. A reputable contractor should be invested in helping you learn about the re-roofing process, answering any questions you have, and providing sound advice.

A good contractor will take the time to explain the different materials and processes available for your roof replacement, so that you can make an informed decision. They should be willing to provide references and help you understand the details of the warranty they are offering. Furthermore, they should walk you through their plan of action before committing to any work.

If your contractor isn’t providing enough information or is pushing for you to make a quick decision, you should consider getting a second opinion. While it may be tempting to go with the first quote you receive, researching your options and ensure that you get a high quality roof. Keep in mind it’s never a great idea to go with the cheapest bid. When it comes to roofing, like everything else, you get what you pay for. Cheap costs typically come with unskilled labor and cheaper materials. If the bid is lower than the insurance payout, that isn’t money you get to pocket, just money the insurance company saves.

You should also beware of any company that uses high-pressure tactics to convince you to buy a certain type of roof or use certain materials. Any legitimate roofing contractor will take the time to explain the options and help you decide what is best for your particular situation.

Get a Bid Before Showing Your Insurance

It’s important to get a bid from a roofing contractor before you show them your insurance paperwork. Unfortunately, too many roofers rely on insurance proceeds to do their jobs and take advantage of unsuspecting customers. Don’t let this be you. Make sure that you get a quote from the roofer that includes labor and materials so that you have an understanding of the cost of the project before you commit to anything. Additionally, it’s important to ask if they offer any warranties on the materials they are using, as well as if they guarantee the work they’ll be doing. There is a manufacturer warranty that covers the product and a workmanship warranty that covers the company’s work. If a roofer is unwilling to provide these details, it’s best to look for another roofer.

Look for Insurance Fraud

Companies that offer to pay your deductible are committing insurance fraud! They are doing this to get the job and then cutting corners on the actual work to make up the difference in their costs. This is illegal and can cost you more in the long run when they don’t do the job correctly.

At Horn Brothers Roofing, we are always here to help. We offer free inspections and consultations to ensure that you get the best roof possible for your home or business. Our experienced staff will assess your roof’s condition and provide you with a comprehensive estimate. We can provide you with detailed information about all of our services, products, and warranties so that you can make an informed decision. We also offer a 5-year workmanship warranty.

Don’t wait, call us today to get started. Our roofing experts are ready to help educate you with all of your roofing needs!