How to spot a roofing scam
Roofs are one of the most essential property structures, keeping the elements outside and protecting building interiors. It only takes one part to go wrong to make a significant impact, such as overflowing gutters, a crumbling chimney stack or leaks coming in through loose tiles. That’s why it’s so important to have a trusted roofer you can rely on for ongoing maintenance, annual inspections and urgent roof repairs.
We know roofing scams are common throughout the year, but there are some tips you can follow to ensure you don’t fall foul of them. That’s why we’ve written this handy guide on how to avoid a roof repair scam, the best ways of dealing with roofers, and knowing your dodgy roofers from your genuine ones.
Here’s how to spot a roofing scam and avoid rogue roofers like a pro.
What are the most common roofing scams?
Roofing scammers will do all they can to get your money with minimal effort. Some of the most common roofer scams include unannounced visits, saying they were driving past your property and noticed a roof issue, offering a free inspection. They’ll often fabricate serious roof damage or deterioration, providing you with a solution.
They may tell you about a one-off special deal to help you out if you act now, only agreeing on this cheap rate if you accept their offer on the spot. Some scammers provide a made-up story about why they can do the work for such a low price, such as having leftover roofing materials from another job.
Typical roof repair scams are overexaggerated claims that your roof has been badly damaged after a storm to make you act fast. They may then charge for unnecessary work, such as insisting on a total roof replacement rather than minor repairs.
How to avoid roofing scam?
How roofers rip you off is to get money from you quickly and conduct work poorly.
Roof replacement scams are unfortunately common, but there are lots of ways to protect yourself. First, always research ‘roofers near me’ and check everything from reviews to accreditations with official bodies. Be wary of common roofing scams UK, which often involve supposed contractors knocking on your door after seeing a problem as they drove past or while working on a neighbour’s property (usually a lie).
The best way to avoid bad roofing companies and rogue roofers is to never be pressured into quick decisions or pay anyone who insists on cash-only payments. If you’re given a verbal quote, ask for it to be written down with a breakdown of costs, timelines and materials. You shouldn’t have to pay upfront. Instead, you should agree on a fair deposit with the full amount due after job completion. That said, some roofing scammers have been known to take deposits and never return, so always do your research first before handing over money.
How do you know if you can trust a roofer? Here’s how to check a roofing company is legit
Looking for roofing companies near me? To avoid rogue roofers, never accept the offer of a free inspection until you’ve checked they’re a legitimate company with experience and credentials. If they’ve approached you, ask for their company details and ensure you do your research.
A reputable roofer will provide a contract outlining the agreed service, a schedule of completion and a payment plan of when roofing fees will be paid at particular milestones. Avoid a roofer if they want all the money upfront. Having a contract in place will also help avoid spiralling job prices seen in roofing scams.
Request proof of insurance details (such as Public Liability Insurance) and reviews from previous clients, and never hesitate to get multiple quotes for comparison. A trustworthy roofing company will welcome your questions, provide all paperwork, and prioritise transparency and professionalism.
Who are the roofing companies to avoid?
When considering roofing companies, it’s important to avoid contractors who show signs of being untrustworthy or unqualified. For example, always be cautious of roofers who offer unusually low quotes without breaking down the different costs in a written quotation format. They often keep costs low by using low-quality materials and products. Most reputable roofers won’t demand full payment upfront or refuse to provide a written contract.
Avoid companies without proper insurance details, accreditations or reviews/references from previous customers. Poor communication, vague timelines and reluctance to show proof of qualifications are all red flags.
You should also avoid ‘storm chasers’ who appear after severe weather offering quick and cheap fixes. They’re often known to disappear before completing the work or shortly afterwards without providing proper aftercare advice or support. Reliable roofers are transparent, accredited by nationally recognised trade bodies, and happy to provide detailed estimates, insurance documentation, and a clear contract before work begins.
Do roofers give guarantees?
Always ask your roofer if they offer guarantees. While materials often come with a warranty, you want to know if the actual roofing work is covered.
Some trusted roofing contractors will provide a 10-year written guarantee for their services alongside longer warranties for selected materials. This guarantee ensures if there’s anything wrong with the installation during that time, they should come out and remedy the problem.
What accreditations should a roofer have?
What to know how to check if a roofing company is legit? There are lots of different accreditations, memberships and certifications a UK roofer might have, so always ask about this when hiring a contractor. This may include approvals from official bodies and roofing product manufacturers, such as the Confederation of Roofing Contractors, Trading Standards, BMI lcopal and Trust Mark.
Ask your roofer if they’re a registered installer of the products they want to use on your property, and check out customer reviews on sites like mybuilder.com.
Speak to a reputable roofing company
Are you looking for an accredited roofing company in and around the Surrey area? Skip the worry of scam roofers and chat to the team at Collier Roofing. We offer trusted roofing services in Kingswood, Lingfield and beyond. For a free roof quote, please contact us.