5 Common Roofer Scams: Beware The Storm Chasers

Has a roofer conveniently knocked on your door the day after a hailstorm has hit your town? Traveling scam artists are nothing new, but following a frightening bout of weather, many vulnerable homeowners may be tempted by promises from a fast-talking salesman. While roof repair and maintenance is important, never buy under pressure or without shopping for the best contractors. Here are five popular cons to avoid.

1. Leftovers
Recycled or secondhand materials are a great bargain, but you shouldn't trust any roofer that knocks on your door with an amazing "one-time" deal. A typical scam is disguised as a thoughtful favor. A contractor cold calls at your door and has some leftover material from another job in the neighborhood. The contractor sees some evidence of damage, and there is a storm predicted to be coming through soon...

While this may be a case of a genuine contractor using a somewhat underhanded method to secure work, take their business card but decline the offer. You should never start such an expensive project under pressure or when you aren't prepared.

2. Storm Chasers
Roving bands of construction workers seeking opportunities for work might sound a bit fantastical, but it does happen. These storm chasers seek communities that are about to be hit by inclement weather and offer repair services for cheap. Often times the work is shoddy and overpriced, but a slick sales routine convinces unsuspecting homeowners. While there's nothing wrong with some preventative maintenance before bad weather sets in, seek a local company that has a reputation and is bonded as well as insured.

3. Cash
Is the roofer you hired asking for a huge down payment in cash? Any down payment should be small and made by credit card so that you may reverse the charges if something goes wrong. Additionally, no contractor would expect you to pay more than a small percentage to secure a job. A cash-in-hand demand almost undoubtedly means you're paying for a disappearing act.

4. Limited Time
Some roofing companies offer great discounts and coupons that have an expiration date. And most contractors offer lower prices during the off-seasons. However, never accept an extremely limited-time deal. If a roofer shows up at your house and makes you an amazing offer that you must accept within the week, politely decline their services. This is a huge scam and the con artist will hit as many houses in the neighborhood as possible before riding off into the sunset. Professional companies use mailers and the Internet for marketing, not cold calls.

5. Leaks
A roofer inspects your home and discovers water leaking into the attic. Moisture can cause rot and mold, which is a homeowner nightmare. While you may very well have leaks, that doesn't mean you have to replace the entire roof, and you'd certainly notice if there were great puddles of water developing in your home. Most leaks can be fixed with a bit of sealant. Watch for contractors that try to blow small problems out of proportion.