How To Spot A Roofing Scam

The roof is one of the most important aspects of a home, which is why you need to hire trustworthy professionals to take care of it. While there are many legitimate roofing companies with experience and skill out there, a few businesses exist just to scam clients. Homeowners need to be vigilant and know how to identify a roofing scam before wasting money on it.

Common Roofing Scams 

A residential roof is very resilient. It just requires regular maintenance and prompt repairs to last for decades. Scammers target these properties because most homeowners are more trusting and less aware of roofing systems. Here’s a look at some that you should be wary of:

Beware of storm chasers looking to restore your roof after a serious hailstorm.

• Storm Chasers – Storm chasers are roofing companies that contact clients directly, appearing out of nowhere to assess the structure and recommend expensive repairs. They usually arrive after a major storm, which allows them to capitalize on the urgency of such a situation.
• No Local Ties – Most roofing companies have a local focus and presence. They are a part of the community and develop a dedicated client base in a specific area. Scammers can’t hold a client’s trust for long, which means they don’t stay long enough in one place to develop a strong reputation. They rarely have any local ties or even a legitimate office. 

You can avoid a roofing scam by conducting some research into the roofer when they appear. A simple Google search will tell you if the company is legitimate or has a local presence. 

Signs Your Roofing Company is Legitimate 

Several signs indicate a roofing establishment is legitimate. Here are some things you should look for in a contractor:

• Factory Trained Employees – Roof manufacturers train experts to install their products. They only fulfill warranties if the structure is installed by a factory-trained professional. Look for roofing companies that have a team of experienced and reliable factory-trained employees.
• Insurance – Most legitimate roofing contractors will have comprehensive public liability insurance. They will mention all insurance details on their website and provide information on request. If the company doesn’t have any insurance coverage, find an alternative.
• Qualifications – Make sure your roofing company has all the required permits, licenses, and certifications. Homeowners can easily find this information online or request a roofer to provide it. Roofing scam companies rarely have legitimate permits.
• Referrals – Always ask a contractor to provide referrals. Speaking with past clients will give you a clear idea of what to expect. 

Get a detailed estimate on repairs or maintenance from a reliable contractor like Horn Brothers Roofing. We are local to the area and have all the training, insurance, licenses and certifications required to help you feel comfortable with any roofing repairs or replacement you may need.