Are you worried about getting your roof fixed because of the horror stories you’ve heard about roofing scams?
Not sure how to spot unethical roofing contractors?
We’re often called to come out and repair what another roofing company “fixed”. And as we talk to homeowners we’ve come to find that there are a handful of crafty roofing scams going on that most people would know nothing about – unless they’re a roofing expert. And that’s unfair.
So, to empower you to take control of your roofing project, we’ve compiled a list of 5 common roofing scams to beware of, including:
- The “Hurricane-Proof” Roof Scam
- Vague Roofing Estimates
- “Eating” Insurance Deductibles
- Pushy Sales Tactics
- The “50-Year” Shingle Myth
It’s unfortunate that the roofing industry has garnered so much distrust within our community. But if you want to resist a possible roof scam, we’re here to tell you exactly what to look out for.
Let’s take a look at the 5 roofing scams homeowners should watch out for in Myrtle Beach.
Myrtle Beach Roofing Scams to Beware Of
To avoid feeling disappointed and financially exploited, you’ll want to stay vigilant on the actions, lack of action, and terminology that may indicate a roofing contractor is being deceptive. Or in some cases, downright unethical.
Often these practices are associated with the price of your roof repair or roof replacement. If you’re interested in getting a realistic average cost of roof work in Myrtle Beach, you may want to check out our pricing page before reading on!
Because we live in a hurricane prone area, there are plenty of intriguing offers out there that might interest homeowners in Myrtle Beach.
For instance, the first roof scam we’ll discuss is the “hurricane-proof” roof.
1. The “Hurricane-Proof” Roof Scam
Living in Myrtle Beach, the idea of a "hurricane-proof" roof might sound appealing, especially given the region's vulnerability to hurricanes. However, this claim is both unrealistic and misleading. No roof can be guaranteed to withstand all hurricane categories.
- What to look for: Roofers may use this claim to win your business, but even manufacturers don’t guarantee their shingles as "hurricane-proof." This term is usually used in reference to warranties, but even these have limitations. Be cautious if a roofer makes this promise, as it's often just a marketing tactic that sets unrealistic expectations.
2. How Vague Roofing Estimates Might Mean You’re Getting Scammed
Every roof is unique – and so is its price. Watch out for contractors who provide vague estimates that don’t clearly outline what you’re paying for.
- What to look for: Look out for estimates that don’t explain exclusions or potential cost changes during the project. An unexpected price change could lead to quite a surprise once your roofing project is complete. A reliable roofer will give you a heads up about the things that could potentially change your estimated price. Not only that, but they should outline what those additional costs might be.
3. Unethical Roofers Will Offer to “Eat” Your Insurance Deductible
Some roofers might offer to cover your insurance deductible, which can seem like a great deal at first. But it’s important to know that this is insurance fraud. It’s illegal for a roofer to cover your insurance deductible. And the repercussions can affect you if you agree to this.
- What to look for: If a roofer suggests they can “eat” your deductible, run in the other direction. Not only is this illegal, but it also indicates that the roofer may engage in other unethical practices. No matter how you look at it, materials and labor need to be paid for, which means you may actually receive a lower quality final product to make up for revenue lost in paying your deductible.
4. Overly Pushy & Time Restricted Offers May Be a Sign of Unethical Roofing Practices
While every company in the world is in the sales business, there are some high-pressure sales tactics that stand out. This is because they apply undue pressure for you to buy right away. This usually involves a “today only” deal to force you to make a decision on the spot.
- What to look for: If a roofer pressures you to sign a contract by offering a steep discount that disappears as soon as they walk out the door, they’re trying to stop you from considering your options. Reliable roofers will offer you their most competitive price upon meeting and that price should not be contingent on a 2 hour timeline. While roofing material costs can go up over time, it’s unlikely that your roofing project will be thousands more than the original estimate the next day.
5. Claiming You’ll Get “50-Year” Roof Shingles
You’ve probably heard of “30-year” shingles, but these days some roofers up the ante and offer “50-year” shingles. You’ll likely never hear a reliable roofing company call them anything other than architectural shingles, because that’s what they are. This terminology is used to be impressive and make you believe that if you have your roof installed by this contractor, it will last a lifetime.
This is not true, and it sets an unrealistic expectation. When a roofer claims they are offering you a “50-year roof” this refers to the life of the manufacturing defect warranty. Not the life of the roof. If a roofer you have talked to is explaining it to you in this way then they are either misusing the information to their advantage or they truly don't understand the product. Either way, that's not someone you want to trust with replacing your roof.
- What to look for: If you hear the term “30-year” or “50-year” shingle, know that it is not in reference to the shingle’s lifespan. This terminology is used deceptively because it reflects warranty length as opposed to a shingle’s ability to stand up against extreme weather for that period of time.
How to Avoid Roofing Scams
If it’s time to get some roof work done on your home, you may feel a bit concerned about the possibility of getting scammed by a roofer. Sadly, many homeowners are worried about this. But if you look for some of the tactics mentioned in this article, you’re better able to choose the right roofing contractor for the job.
Your best defense in avoiding roof scams is to listen carefully and take your time. As they say, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. And if you’d like to get an idea of how much your roof should cost ahead of time, check out our online instant estimator. Our instant estimator tool will provide you with a personalized roof estimate in 60 seconds!
Now that you know what phrases and promises are deceptive, you can properly compare reliable roofing companies and choose the right roofer for you! If you have any further questions or concerns about navigating your roofing project, reach out to us here at Linta Roofing! We’re happy to help with everything from the insurance process to choosing the right shingle color.
