You just got hit with a big storm, and now someone’s knocking at your door offering a “free roof inspection.” They say your insurance will cover everything but something doesn’t feel right. Should you trust them?
Roofing scams tend to spike right after bad weather, when homeowners are stressed and trying to act fast. The problem is, not every roofer showing up is there to help some are hoping you won’t ask too many questions.
This guide will help you spot the signs of dishonesty, avoid high-pressure sales tactics, and work only with legitimate roofers who do the job right the first time.
It’s more common than most homeowners think. Roofing scams aren't just a few bad apples they cost people over $1 billion a year, according to the FBI. And when you dig into the numbers, roofing fraud shows up in about 15% of all home improvement scams reported to the Better Business Bureau.
After major storms, especially, the roofing industry sees a flood of so-called “contractors” going door-to-door. These storm chasers prey on urgency and confusion, offering fast fixes and “insurance-approved” deals that often lead to more damage than repair. During the pandemic, reports of roofing scams surged again a sign that the problem isn’t going away.
This is why it's so important to know what to look for and how to spot a dishonest roofer early on. A quick decision made under pressure can turn into a financial headache that takes months or even years to fix.
A roofer who’s being dishonest won’t usually come out and say it the signs are more subtle. That’s why you need to know what to watch for. These warning signs don’t just help you avoid bad service; they protect your home, your money, and your peace of mind.
Each of these is based on real situations homeowners have faced. If you notice any of these red flags, it’s a signal to stop and ask more questions or walk away entirely.
It usually starts with a knock at the door right after a storm. The person says they’re doing work “in the area” and noticed damage to your roof. This kind of door-to-door roofing sales pitch is a classic storm chaser move.
Legitimate roofers don’t need to chase storms or pressure homeowners. A local roofer will have a reputation you can check and won’t use fear to sell you anything.
If one roofing contractor comes in with a quote that’s way lower than everyone else, it’s tempting to say yes. But in many cases, those bids come with hidden costs or shortcuts that show up after work begins.
One homeowner hired the cheapest contractor on a roofing project only to find out weeks later that half the materials used were reused scraps. If the deal sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
You shouldn’t feel like you’re buying a used car when hiring someone for roofing services. If the contractor tells you the deal is only good today or pressures you to sign on the spot, that’s a major red flag.
A reputable roofing contractor will give you space to think, ask questions, and compare bids. Don’t let urgency override your ability to choose carefully.
Asking for a deposit is normal but asking for 50% or more upfront or insisting on cash-only payments is not. This is one of the most common signs of roofing scams.
Real contractors use staged payments based on project milestones. If a roofer wants most of the money before the job starts, they may not come back at all.
Some dishonest roofers offer a “deal” using leftover or low-grade materials. It might sound like a smart way to save money, but you could end up with roof damage or leaks within the year.
One customer was told they were getting high-quality shingles turns out they were mismatched pieces from three different brands. Don’t take vague material promises at face value.
A roofer says your roof has major issues but you can’t see any of them yourself. Worse, they rush to file an insurance claim on your behalf. That’s a warning sign.
Dishonest roofers may inflate the extent of the damage or even create damage to justify repairs. Always get a second opinion before making a claim or agreeing to work.
If a roofer can’t provide their license or proof of insurance, stop right there. It’s not just about paperwork it’s about protecting yourself from liability.
A trustworthy roofer will always be licensed and insured and will handle permits properly. Scammers either don’t have them or hope you won’t ask.
Some roofers will say, “We’ll get started and work the details out later.” That’s not how a real roofing job should start.
If there’s no written contract outlining the cost, scope, and schedule, you have no protection. A reputable contractor makes everything clear in writing from day one.
They don’t return your calls. They dodge your questions. Their answers don’t make sense or keep changing. Poor communication is more than annoying it’s often a sign of dishonesty.
If a roofer can’t clearly explain what they’re doing or avoids responsibility, that’s not someone you want on your roof.
You’re promised a “lifetime warranty” but when something goes wrong, no one picks up the phone. Some scammers count on homeowners never reading the fine print.
A legitimate roofing company will provide a written warranty with clear terms. If they can’t back up their promises, it’s not a warranty it’s just a sales tactic.
Most roofing scams don’t stop once the work begins some issues only show up after the job is “done.” Knowing the warning signs of a bad roofing job can help you act quickly before more damage occurs.
If your new roof looks uneven, has gaps, or starts leaking during the first rain, that’s a red flag. Shoddy work like crooked shingle lines or standing water could mean the contractor cut corners or rushed the job.
Another sign something’s off is if the roofer suddenly stops answering your calls especially when you try to use the warranty they promised. One homeowner reported leaks just two weeks after their roof was replaced, but the contractor vanished and stopped responding completely.
If your yard is left full of nails, shingles, or trash, and there’s no final walk-through, that’s also a sign they were never planning to stick around. A legitimate roofer finishes cleanly and makes sure you’re happy with the job before they leave.
Doing a little homework before you hire can make all the difference. A good roofer doesn’t just show up they have a track record you can check.
Start with their reviews. Look at Google, BBB, or even local Facebook groups. Does the company have a real website? Are people talking about their work in your area? A roofing specialist with no online trail or only perfect reviews that feel too polished might be hiding something.
Ask for their license and insurance, and take five minutes to look it up through your state’s licensing board. A reputable roofing contractor won’t hesitate to provide this and it protects you from legal and financial risks if something goes wrong on the job.
Don’t settle on the first price you’re given. Get two or three estimates so you can spot anything suspicious like a bid that’s unusually low or one that’s vague about what’s included. A real professional will be upfront about their pricing.
A reliable roofer should have no problem giving you names and numbers of recent customers. Calling a couple of these homeowners can give you peace of mind or help you avoid a bad experience.
One homeowner shared that speaking to just two past clients confirmed everything the contractor promised and it made her feel much more confident moving forward.
If your roof issue involves an insurance claim, stay involved. Some dishonest roofers may try to speak directly with your insurer and take control of the claim. That can open the door to fraud. Always make sure your insurance company is aware of what’s happening, and don’t sign over your benefits without understanding what it means.
Asking the right questions can tell you everything you need to know about whether you’re dealing with a professional roofer or someone looking to take advantage. The goal isn’t to interrogate, just to protect your home and your investment.
Start with the basics: Can they show you proof of their license and insurance? If they hesitate, that’s not a good sign. Ask to see a detailed written estimate that includes what materials they’ll use, how long it will take, and how payment is structured.
You’ll also want to know who handles permits if they put that on you, they might be trying to avoid responsibility. A trustworthy roofer takes care of the entire process.
Finally, ask for a few local references. Talking to past clients gives you a clear picture of what to expect. If the contractor dodges these questions or seems annoyed, that’s reason enough to keep looking.
Before you sign anything or make a payment, it helps to know where you stand legally. Many homeowners don’t realize they have built-in protections when dealing with roofing contractors.
In most states, there’s a 72-hour cancellation period for home improvement contracts. That gives you time to change your mind if something doesn’t feel right. A legitimate roofing company will never pressure you to waive that right.
You’re also entitled to a written roofing contract not just a verbal agreement or a quick email. If a contractor refuses or says “we’ll figure it out later,” that’s a sign to walk away. In fact, some states require roofing professionals to provide specific details like scope of work and material type.
Another thing to know: waiving your insurance deductible may sound like a deal, but it’s illegal in many states. It could open the door to insurance fraud and that risk often falls on the homeowner.
If a contractor acts shady or you feel misled, you can report them. The FTC, your state attorney general’s office, or NICB (National Insurance Crime Bureau) all handle reports of roofing fraud. You don’t have to handle it alone.
Preventing a roofing scam starts before the work begins. A few smart steps can protect your money, your roof, and your peace of mind.
Never pay the full amount upfront. A good contractor will break the payment into stages like deposit, mid-job, and final payment after completion. This keeps everyone accountable and ensures the job gets done right.
Get everything in writing. That includes your roofing contract, the payment schedule, materials list, and warranty terms. It’s the only way to avoid “he said, she said” situations if problems come up later.
If someone’s rushing you with a now-or-never deal or offering a “free roof through insurance,” pause. That’s the kind of pitch that scam artists use to trap homeowners. Real roofing companies don’t use pressure to close deals.
Finally, stick with local, verified, and reviewed roofers. Whether it’s a small repair or a full roofing job, choosing someone trusted in your area lowers your chances of running into a dishonest roofer.
It’s easy to feel rushed when there’s a leak or storm damage, but acting fast doesn’t mean acting blindly. Choosing the right roofing contractor protects your home, your wallet, and your future peace of mind.
A trustworthy roofer won’t try to upsell you on things you don’t need or leave you guessing about what’s happening on your roof. They’ll offer honest feedback, a clear scope of work, and deliver quality roofing work that lasts.
At IBEX Roof, we believe in doing things the right way with licensed professionals, detailed written estimates, and no-pressure inspections. We’ve helped hundreds of homeowners find real solutions without the runaround.
Contact us at IBEX Roof today for a free inspection and let’s make sure your next roofing project is handled by a team you can trust.
