Franciscus Roofing

Roofing scams are more common than many homeowners realize. These scams usually appear after severe weather, during times of home renovations, or when roofs begin to show visible wear.

Scammers know how to take advantage of stress, urgency, and confusion. They often blend in with legitimate contractors, making it difficult to tell them apart at first glance.

Learning how to identify the signs of a roofing scam can prevent costly mistakes. This guide outlines common warning signs and what to look for during the roofing process.

Spotting Door-To-Door And Storm Chasers

Storm chasers are individuals or groups that travel to neighborhoods recently affected by severe weather. They go door-to-door offering roofing services, claiming to have noticed damage from the street. These approaches typically happen shortly after hailstorms, wind events, or heavy rains.

Reputable roofing companies rarely show up uninvited. Storm chasers often use out-of-state license plates and provide vague company information. Their goal is to secure fast agreements before homeowners can research or get second opinions.

• Suspicious claims: They might say they’re “working in the area” or were “sent by your insurance company”
• High-pressure tactics: They push for immediate contracts or insurance checks
• Limited identification: They lack business cards, local addresses, or proper company vehicles

If someone knocks on your door after a storm offering roofing services, it’s best to thank them for their time and research local companies instead.

Watching For Low-Ball Bids And Bait And Switch

Scammers often present initial bids that are 30–50% lower than the typical market rate. After work begins, they claim to find unexpected issues that require additional money. These contractors may use vague language or falsified credentials to appear trustworthy.

1. Compare Estimates From Multiple Roofers

Getting three to five quotes helps identify unusually low estimates. In Northeast Ohio, roof replacement costs for an average home range from $7,000 to $12,000. Estimates significantly below this range may signal a scam.

Estimate Element	Legitimate Contractor	Scammer/Red Flag
Price	Within local average	30–50% below market
Details	Itemized, clear	Vague, missing specifics
References	Readily provided	Avoids or cannot provide

2. Request Clarification On Materials And Labor

A proper estimate includes specific information about materials and labor:

• Brand names and types of shingles
• Underlayment specifications
• Labor costs breakdown
• Timeline for completion
• Warranty terms and coverage periods

Vague descriptions like “standard shingles” or “industry materials” without specifics can indicate a potential roofing scam.

Recognizing Exaggerated Or Fake Damage

Some roofing scams involve reporting damage that doesn’t exist or making existing issues appear worse. Dishonest contractors might break or remove shingles during an inspection to create the appearance of problems.

Others may present photos of different roofs, claiming they’re from your property. Claims of hail damage are common following weather events, even when there’s no official report of hail in the area.

• Manufactured damage: Breaking shingles during “inspection”
• False evidence: Showing photos from other properties
• Exaggerated problems: Claiming normal wear is severe damage
• Unverifiable issues: Pointing to supposed mold or rot that can’t be easily confirmed

To protect yourself, take photos of your roof before any inspection and consider getting a second opinion from another contractor or your insurance adjuster.

Being Wary Of High Pressure Sales Tactics

Scammers use urgency to rush decisions. They might offer one-day-only pricing, warn about limited materials, or claim your roof is unsafe and needs immediate work. These tactics limit your time for research or comparison.

Legitimate roofers provide written estimates, allow time for review, and answer questions without pushing for immediate signatures.

1. Take Time To Compare Bids

A normal decision process takes several days to a week. During this time, you can gather multiple estimates, review contract terms, and verify company credentials.

Common pressure phrases include:

• “This price is only good today”
• “We have leftover materials from another job”
• “Your roof is dangerous and needs immediate repair”

These statements create false urgency and discourage comparison shopping.

2. Seek A Second Opinion

Getting another inspection helps verify whether repairs are truly necessary. Insurance adjusters, licensed roofing contractors, and local building inspectors can provide reliable assessments of your roof’s condition.

Avoiding Large Or Upfront Payments

Standard roofing contracts include a deposit between 10% and 30% of the total project cost. Requests for full payment before work begins aren’t normal business practice.

1. Typical Deposit Percentage

Project Type	Typical Deposit	Payment Schedule
Small repair	10–20%	Deposit, balance on completion
Full replacement	20–30%	Deposit, progress payments, final on completion

The deposit helps secure materials and schedule labor. Additional payments are tied to progress milestones or project completion.

2. Safe Payment Methods

Credit cards and checks create a paper trail and allow for transaction tracking or dispute resolution. Cash and wire transfers don’t provide proof of payment and are difficult to recover if problems arise.

• Payment red flags: Requests for cash only, full payment upfront, or untraceable payment methods like wire transfers or gift cards
• Safer approach: Use credit cards or checks, and tie payments to completion of specific project milestones

Checking Insurance And Licensing

Legitimate roofing contractors have both licensing and insurance. A state license confirms they’ve met the qualifications to perform roofing work. Insurance protects both you and the contractor if accidents or property damage occur.

In Ohio, roofers need a valid license from the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board. They should also carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage if they employ a crew.

1. Verify Credentials Through State And BBB

You can confirm a contractor’s license and reputation through:

• Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board: https://www.com.ohio.gov/
• Better Business Bureau (BBB): https://www.bbb.org/

Look for an active license, consistent business name, and a clean complaint record.

2. Confirm Liability And Workers’ Comp

Ask contractors for proof of insurance, including:

• A certificate of general liability coverage
• Workers’ compensation documentation
• The name of their insurance provider

To ensure the coverage is valid, request the certificate directly from their insurance provider rather than accepting a photocopy.

Preventing Insurance Roofing Scams

Insurance roofing scams involve dishonest practices like inflating repair costs, offering to pay your deductible, or submitting claims for nonexistent damage. These actions violate insurance rules and may lead to legal consequences or canceled policies.

1. Speak With Your Insurance Adjuster

Insurance companies typically require that you notify them before beginning any roof repair related to a claim. An adjuster will inspect the damage and determine what your policy covers.

Get written approval for repairs after the inspection is complete, and keep your insurance company informed throughout the process.

2. Never Allow Contractors To Inflate Claims

Watch for these warning signs:

• Contractors offering to “cover your deductible”
• Requests to sign blank insurance forms
• Suggestions to increase the damage amount on a claim

These practices constitute insurance fraud and can result in serious consequences for homeowners who participate.

Identifying Substandard Or Discounted Materials

Some scammers use cheaper materials than promised in the contract. These substitutions might not be immediately visible but can lead to early roof failure.

Inferior shingles often come from off-brand manufacturers without proper labeling or warranty coverage. Quality underlayment should be branded synthetic material, not unmarked felt that tears easily. Good flashing is made from thick-gauge metal, not thin, painted material that corrodes quickly.

Material Type	Quality Material	Low-Quality Substitute	How To Identify
Shingles	GAF, CertainTeed	Off-brand, no warranty	Check packaging, documentation
Underlayment	Synthetic, branded	Cheap felt, unmarked	Inspect before installation
Flashing	Thick-gauge metal	Thin, painted metal	Compare samples

Ask to see material packaging and documentation before installation begins.

Securing A Detailed Written Contract

A written contract documents the agreement between you and the roofing contractor. It defines responsibilities, expectations, and protections for both parties.

1. Outline Of Materials And Scope

The contract should list specific materials being used, including brand, type, and amount of shingles, underlayment, flashing, and other components. It should also describe the exact work to be completed.

Important contract elements include:

• Start and end dates
• Warranty terms and conditions
• Cleanup and disposal plans
• Permit responsibilities

2. Timeline And Payment Schedule

Milestone-based payments link payments to progress rather than calendar dates:

• 20% deposit
• 40% after materials delivery
• 30% after installation
• 10% after final inspection

Contracts missing written agreements, material details, labor specifics, or warranty terms are warning signs of potential problems.

Your Next Steps For A Reliable Roof

Taking specific steps before signing a contract helps avoid roofing scams. Check licenses, verify insurance coverage, compare written estimates, and understand what’s included in the work scope.

Licensed contractors follow state and local regulations. Insurance protects both you and the contractor from financial risk. Written estimates provide a breakdown of materials, labor, payment schedules, and warranties.

Franciscus Roofing offers free roof inspections by licensed professionals that provide clear documentation of roof conditions. With over 25 years serving Northeast Ohio, the company maintains current licensing and insurance while following transparent project guidelines. Request your free roof inspection here.

FAQs About Roofing Scams

What if I already signed a contract with a suspicious roofing company?

Contact a lawyer to review the contract for cancellation terms or legal violations, and report the company to your state’s consumer protection office and the Better Business Bureau.

Can I cancel a roofing contract if I discover red flags after signing?

Many states have a “cooling off” period (typically 3-5 business days) allowing cancellation of home improvement contracts, but you must follow the specific procedures outlined in your contract or state law.

How can I verify a roofing company’s insurance is current?

Request a certificate directly from their insurance provider (not a photocopy) and call the insurance company to confirm the policy is active and covers the appropriate type of work.

Should I make the final payment before the roof is completely finished?

Wait until the project is completed, all materials are verified as matching what was specified, and the job site is cleaned before making the final payment.