Protect Yourself: Identifying Roofing and Gutter Scams

Scammers are everywhere, including in the roofing industry. They’re heartless and out to rip you off for their gain, regardless of how much they hurt their victims. The financial loss and hardship they inflict are just the beginning; those caught in their crafty schemes are left with fear, anger, embarrassment, anxiety, and guilt. The list goes on. We’re here to expose roofing scams so you don't fall victim.

This post will reveal common roofing and gutter scams, often performed by storm chasing companies, to help you stay protected. We will also discuss the advantages of hiring a local roofing company. Local roofers bring a level of trust and accountability that is invaluable. They are members of your community, invested in their reputation, and dedicated to providing quality service. Local companies often rely on word-of-mouth referrals and repeat business, which motivates them to maintain high standards and build lasting relationships. By choosing a trusted local roofing company, you protect yourself from scams, support your community, and receive personalized, reliable service.

The Importance of Identifying Roofing and Gutter Scams

Common Roofing Scams to Watch Out For

Storm Chasers: Like hawks zoning in on their prey, storm chasers are roofers knocking on doors, targeting areas affected by storms. They offer quick and cheap repairs. These scammers often swoop out of town before you realize the poor quality of their work, making it difficult to hold them accountable. 

Red Flags:

• Unsolicited offers after a storm 
• Out-of-state license plates 
• High-pressure tactics urging you to act quickly 
  

Door-to-Door Scammers: These roofing scammers will claim to have noticed damage on your roof while in the neighborhood. Often they will offer free roof inspections, to get their foot in the door. 

Red Flags:

• Unsolicited visits 
• Insistence on inspecting your roof immediately 
• Refusal to provide identification or credentials 
  

Exaggerated Damage Reports: Devious roofing scams include jokers who exaggerate or fabricate damage to justify costly repairs. They know how to use technical jargon to confuse and pressure you into unnecessary work. 

Red Flags:

• Claims of extensive damage without showing evidence 
• Use of scare tactics about the urgency of repairs 
• Unwillingness to provide a second opinion or detailed report 
  

No Insurance or License: Know how to check if a roofing company is legit. Reputable roofing companies are licensed and insured. Roofing scammers often don’t produce credentials. This leaves you liable for any accidents or damages during the project. 

Red Flags:

• No proof of insurance or licensing 
• Evasive answers when asked for documentation 
• Out-of-date or invalid credentials
  

No Contract Provided: Scammers avoid contracts leaving you with no legal recourse if something goes wrong.

Red Flags:

• Reluctance to provide a written contract 
• Vague or incomplete contract details 
• Encouragement to rely on verbal agreements
  

High-Pressure Sales Tactics: High-pressure sales strategies are how roofers rip you off. They may offer limited-time discounts or claim that your roof needs immediate attention to scare you into action. 

Red Flags:

• Urgency to sign a contract immediately 
• Unwillingness to allow time for you to compare quotes 
• Threats of severe consequences if you don’t act quickly 
  

Large Down Payments Required: A standard requirement of a legitimate roofing company to ask for a small deposit. Scammers often demand large down payments upfront and then disappear with your money. 

Red Flags:

• Requests for a substantial percentage of the total cost upfront 
• Payment demands in cash 
• Refusal to start work without full payment in advance 

Protect yourself from roofing scams. Always research and verify any roofing company before agreeing to any work. Roofing scammers will use alarming language to make you think your roof is in immediate danger. They often share personal stories to gain your trust and sympathy. Some unscrupulous roofing scams include showing photos of damage that doesn’t exist on your roof. 

Common Gutter Scams to Be Aware Of

Like roofing scams, gutter scams lead to financial loss and stress. Gutter scams will use similar tactics such as inflating repair costs or making extensive repairs or replacements when only minor fixes are necessary. They do not provide warranties or offer contracts. Gutter scams might offer discounts and promotions that are too good to be true - often with hidden fees - or are used to justify unnecessary work. They may demand upfront payments and offer fake inspections and assessments. 

Substandard Materials: Scammers often use low-quality materials while charging the same amount as for premium products. 

Red Flags:

• No brand or product information given 
• Discrepancies between the cost and the quality of materials 
• Refusal to provide material samples of specifications 
  

Fly-by-Night Companies: These gutter scam companies set up shop temporarily, and disappear after collecting enough money leaving behind unfinished or subpar work. 

Red Flags:

• Lack of a physical business address or online presence 
• Out-of-state license plates on company vehicles
• Short business history 
  

Improper Installation: Water damage and other complications result from improperly installed gutters. 

Red Flags:

• Lack of a physical business address or online presence 
• Out-of-state license plates on company vehicles
• Short business history 

Always verify the credentials of any roofing and guttering company you plan to hire. Get multiple quotes, and insist on detailed, written contracts to avoid falling victim to a scam. 

How to Verify a Roofing Company's Legitimacy

Verify the legitimacy of a roofing company by assessing the communication and professionalism of the company you are considering. As you do so, check the following: 

• Check for Licensing and Insurance 
• Verify Business Information 
• Research Online Reviews and Ratings 
• Ask for References 
• Confirm Manufacturer Certifications 
• Visit Completed Projects 
• Get Multiple Quotes 
• Confirm Warranties 

Due Diligence will save you from roofing scams and provide peace of mind. 

The Dangers of Free Roof Inspections

Free roof inspections are a scam tactic used to pressure homeowners into fixing damage that doesn’t exist, usually with high-pressure sales scares. These scammers rip you off with low-quality work. Scammers offering free inspections often disappear after being paid without finishing. Allowing unverified inspectors into your home can invite theft or property damage. 

How Can Homeowners Protect Themselves from Roofing and Gutter Scams?

Be aware of roofing scams, always verify the company's credentials offering the inspection, and consider seeking a second opinion from a trusted roofing professional. 

The Benefits of Working with a Local Roofing Company

Hiring a local roofing company will protect you from scams and is your best bet for receiving high-quality service. Local companies are more accountable and trustworthy because they have a vested interest in the community. To stay in business they rely on a good reputation and word-of-mouth referrals by maintaining high standards to foster lasting relationships with their clients. 

Our family-owned Preferred Roofing & Seamless Guttering business has been established in the Kansas City Metro area since 2006. We are GAF Master Elite certified, allowing us to provide the GAF "Lifetime Roofing System" for your home. We are proud to hold an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. All our services come with a FREE estimate; we offer integrity with our communication and promised service. Contact us today to experience the benefits of working with a trusted local roofing company.