Top 10 Tips to Avoid Roofing Scams After a Storm

Your home has been through a weather event—heavy rain, wind, hail, tornado, or even more. Trucks with logos and names you’ve never seen are parked on your normally calm and predictable streets. Your mailbox and front door are littered with advertisements of roofing companies promising free inspections and no cost replacement. With a marketplace so inundated with roofing companies flocking to storm-damaged homes, how do you avoid the scams? Here are 10 tips to protect yourself:

  1. Check Location and Duration of the Company: Choose a local company with an established track record and online presence. Compare reviews to include the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
  2. Be Wary of High-Pressure Sales: Be wary of unsolicited offers from door-to-door salespeople, especially those who push you to make immediate decisions. Don’t be pressured to sign contracts or let anyone on your roof without proper verification and consultation.
  3. Verify Licenses and Insurance: Check that the roofing company is licensed and insured, and that their license is valid. Request proof of liability insurance and ensure it’s still in effect.
  4. Get a detailed written contract: The contract should outline the scope of work, materials, timelines, and payment terms. 
  5. Ask about warranties and guarantees: Reputable companies will offer warranties on their work and materials.
  6. Check Reviews: Search for online reviews and ratings of the roofing company. 
  7. Coordinate with Your Insurance Company: Contact your insurance company before any work starts to ensure your claim is processed correctly. Get their adjuster to assess the damage before any repairs begin.
  8. Never Sign Contracts with Blanks: Make sure all details are filled in before signing any contract. Avoid contracts with blank spaces that could be filled in later with unfavorable terms.
  9. Be Wary of Claims such as “50-Year” Shingles: Be skeptical of free inspections, especially if they are offered by door-to-door salespeople. Avoid promises of “50-year” shingles, as this is a common scam.  This shingle has a limited warranty against manufacturer defects for 50 years (if installed properly), but this does not mean the shingle will last the full 50 years.
  10. Don’t Use Cash for Payments: If paying by check or with credit card, you can dispute charges if necessary. Cash payments are difficult to track and can be a sign of a scam.

A roof is a significant investment and plays an integral role in your home’s comfort and functionality. Use the above tips to avoid getting scammed by less than reputable companies preying on unsuspecting homeowners. Lastly, to help your neighbors, if you suspect a scam, report it to your local consumer protection agency or the Better Business Bureau.

How to select a company to replace your roof

  1. Go Local: Choose a company with a solid reputation in your community. Local roofers are more likely to honor warranties and be reachable if issues arise later.
  2. Check Licenses & Insurance. Make sure they have proper state and local licenses. Ask for proof of liability insurance and worker’s comp. If they’re not insured and someone gets hurt, you could be liable.
  3. Read Reviews and Testimonials. Look up reviews on Google, Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, and Angi.
  4. Get Detailed Estimates (In Writing). Don’t settle for a vague or verbal quote. Ensure it includes materials, labor, timeline, and payment schedule. Be wary of lowball bids—cheap can mean cutting corners.
  5. Ask About Materials. A good roofer will explain material options, warranties, and durability. They should help you choose what’s best for your climate, budget, and home.
  6. Don’t Pay the Full Amount Upfront. You might pay a deposit (10–30%) but never pay the full amount upfront. Final payment should be due after the job is completed and inspected.
  7. Look for Manufacturer Certifications. Some roofers are certified by shingle manufacturers (e.g., GAF Master Elite). That’s a good sign of quality—and often comes with extended warranties.
  8. Ask About Cleanup and Damage. Who handles nails, debris, and cleanup? Will they protect your landscaping and gutters? Get it in writing.
  9. Check Timeline & Communication. Good roofers provide a clear start date and keep you in the loop. If they’re disorganized before the job, imagine how they’ll be during it.
  10. Trust Your Gut. If they seem pushy, vague, or shady—walk away. A reputable roofer won’t pressure you to sign today.

Here’s a Roofing Company Interview Checklist you can print or keep on your phone when talking to contractors (could convert and attach as PDF with Ferguson branding): 

Roofing Company Interview Checklist

  • Company Info: 
    • Full company name and address: 
    • How long have you been in business locally?
    • How long has the rep been with the company?
  • Licensing & Insurance:
    • Do you have a valid state and local license? (Get copy)
    • Do you carry general liability insurance? (Get certificate)
    • Do you carry workers’ comp insurance?
  • Estimates & Contracts:
    • Will I receive a written estimate?
    • Is cleanup and removal of old roofing included?
    • What’s the payment schedule?
    • Is there a warranty on workmanship?
  • Reviews:
    • Can I see recent reviews or testimonials?
    • Are you listed on BBB, Google, or Angi?
  • Materials & Installation:
    • What types of roofing materials do you offer?
    • Which brands do you use?
    • Are you certified by any manufacturers? 
    • Please explain the pros/cons of each option?
  • Crew & Job Process
    • How do you choose your crews that will do the installation?
    • How will you ensure quality of the job?
    • How will you protect my property and landscaping?
    • How do you handle bad weather delays?
    • Who can I contact during the installation if there is an issue?
  • Cleanup & Final Steps
    • How will you clean up debris, nails, and materials?
    • Will there be a final inspection?
    • What’s the warranty process if I have an issue later?
  • Red Flags to Watch For:
    • Pressure to sign on the spot
    • Cannot provide insurance or licenses
    • Demand full payment upfront
    • Bid is significantly lower than others

How to know if you have roof damage

Signs your roof could have storm damage

Should you have your roof inspected? These signs point to yes.

  • Your home was in a storm.
  • Small leaks or damp spots in your attic or ceilings.
  • Metal flashing around the chimney or vents pulling away.
  • Shingle loose or missing.
  • Granules from shingles in your gutters or visible in the downspout discharge.
  • Neighbors are having their roofs checked and/or replaced.
  • Your roof is 10+ years old and has not been recently inspected.
  • Shingles in your yard, either from your roof or your neighbor’s roof.
  • Metal missing from your edges.
  • Gutters are pulled down or off, or are no longer level along your roofline.
  • Curling shingles.
  • Visible bald spots (different coloration) on the roof due to loss of granules.
  • Discoloration or dark patches. These can indicate water absorption or damage.
  • Dents or dimples on vents, flashing, or metal area. Often this can be from hail.
  • Dripping or moisture in attic insulation or rafters. Musty smells in your attic can be a clue before water damage is visible.
  • If you suspect damage, document anything unusual before you clean up. These photos can help with insurance claims. Most reputable roofing companies offer free storm damage inspections. Don’t delay as even subtle hail or wind damage can void your roof warranty or cause leaks down the line.

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