The good news? There are obvious warning signs that help you identify when a roofer might be lying to you. This guide covers the red flags, what honest roofers do differently, and how to protect yourself from scams.
1. They Claim You Need a Full Roof Replacement Without Showing Evidence
One of the biggest lies some roofers tell is insisting you need an entirely new roof—even when you don’t.
Honest roofers:
- Show photos or videos of the damage
- Explain the specific problem
- Provide repair vs replacement options
If a roofer refuses to point out the damage or gives vague explanations, consider it a red flag.
2. They Apply High-Pressure Sales Tactics
Pushy roofers often use fear-based tactics such as:
- “If you don’t do this now, your roof could collapse.”
- “This price is only good today.”
- “Your insurance won’t cover anything unless you sign immediately.”
Pressure = deception. Legit companies don’t force immediate decisions.
3. Their Quote Is Suspiciously Low
If one roofer’s price is thousands below others, it’s usually because:
- They use cheap materials
- They skip important components like flashing or underlayment
- They plan to add surprise charges later
- They’re uninsured or unlicensed
A lowball bid is almost always a setup for future problems.
4. They Won’t Provide Proof of Insurance or Licensing
Dishonest roofers often lie about being licensed or insured.
You should always ask for:
- General liability insurance certificate
- Workers’ compensation coverage
- Contractor license number (state-required)
If they hesitate, stall, or claim you “don’t need” to see it—they’re lying.
5. They Ask for a Large Upfront Payment
A down payment is normal.
But dishonest roofers often ask for:
- 50% upfront
- Full payment before work begins
- Cash only payments
Warning: Roofers who demand large up-front money frequently disappear.
Most legitimate contractors ask for 10–30% upfront, depending on local regulations.
6. They Refuse to Put the Agreement in Writing
A roofer who avoids written contracts is almost always hiding something.
Your contract should clearly list:
- Total cost
- Materials being used
- Timeline
- Warranty details
- Cleanup plan
- Payment schedule
No contract = no accountability.
7. They Start Talking Badly About Every Other Roofer
Dishonest contractors often lie by trying to discredit every competitor instead of proving their own quality.
Trustworthy roofers stand out because of their professionalism—not because they criticize others.
8. They Avoid Showing You Their Past Work
If a roofer won’t:
- Share photos of completed jobs
- Provide references
- Show verified reviews
…that usually means they don’t have successful past projects—or they have something to hide.
9. They Claim They Can “Eat” Your Deductible
This is illegal in many states.
Any roofer who says:
- “We’ll cover your insurance deductible.”
- “You won’t pay anything out of pocket.”
- “We’ll work the numbers for you.”
…is committing insurance fraud. If they lie about insurance, they’ll lie about the work too.
10. They Claim They Found Serious Damage You Cannot Verify
Some roofers lie by inventing problems you can’t see—such as:
- “Your entire decking is rotten.”
- “Your attic is full of mold.”
- “Your roof is collapsing.”
Ask for:
- Photos
- Videos
- Measurements
- Second opinions
A legitimate roofer will gladly show evidence.
11. They Avoid Talking About Warranties
Shady roofers rarely offer warranties because they know their work won’t last.
A trustworthy roofer provides:
- Material warranty (from the manufacturer)
- Workmanship warranty (from the contractor)
If they refuse to discuss warranties or say, “You won’t need one,” they’re lying.
12. Their Online Presence Looks Fake or Nonexistent
Dishonest roofers often pop up after storms and vanish quickly. Signs include:
- No real website
- No Google Business profile
- No reviews or all 5-star reviews posted on the same day
- Phone number that isn’t local
- No physical address
If you can’t verify they exist, don’t hire them.
How to Protect Yourself from Dishonest Roofers
Here are simple steps homeowners can take to avoid being scammed:
- Get at least 3 quotes from different companies
- Verify license, insurance, and references
- Never sign anything under pressure
- Don’t pay large sums upfront
- Read the contract carefully
- Check reviews on Google, BBB, and Yelp
- Ask questions until you feel confident
A little homework goes a long way toward protecting your home and your wallet.
When to Get a Second Opinion
You should always seek a second opinion if a roofer:
- Quotes you a much higher price than others
- Claims you need a full replacement without explanation
- Refuses to show damage
- Pressures you to sign today
- Seems evasive or inconsistent
Getting another quote helps protect you and ensures you’re paying a fair price.
Final Thoughts
Roofing scams are unfortunately common, but once you know what signs to look for, it becomes much easier to spot dishonesty before it costs you money.
Trustworthy roofers are transparent, communicative, licensed, insured, and willing to show you exactly what’s happening with your roof. If something feels “off,” trust your instincts.
