Leaders with the Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC) warned homeowners to be wary surveys for possible roof restoration work
of solicitation calls regarding wind damage surveys and roofing scams. Board members said they recently became aware of individuals contacting homeowners offering to conduct wind damage and storm inspections.
What to Look Out for
"Here Ye, Here Ye, Roof, Roof, Roof Replacement"
“Out of sight, out of mind” often applies to your roof. Since you might not need to repair it often, and maybe only replace it once or twice in your life, you might not know how to tell it’s damaged.
Unfortunately, scammers take advantage of this lack of knowledge, plus the fact that your roof is one of the most important aspects of your home. If you don’t want to be a victim of a roofing scam (and who does?), be especially cautious during winter or anytime there’s bad weather. Here are three common roofing scams to avoid.
1. The Storm-Chaser Roofing Scam
Did a storm just hit? If so, chances are the roofing salesman knocking on your door might be preying on your uneasy mind. These false roofers infiltrate neighborhoods where recent storms have damaged roofs from wind or hail. They will offer to do an inspection and show you photos of a damaged roof. The catch is that the photo is often fake or someone else’s roof, not yours!
Also be wary of any flyers in your mailbox or on your doorstep that state, “Most homeowners are unaware of the storm damage on their roof.” This is a common ploy used by roofing con artists.
2. The Door-to-Door Salesperson Roofing Scam
Most reputable roofing companies rely on customers finding them, not the other way around. If you have a knock on your door from a salesperson insisting you have a damaged roof, chances are it’s a scam. The salesperson will mention your insurance coverage and other details such as roof damage without possibly having investigated either one. If they have information about your home or insurance policy that even you are unaware of, close the door immediately on their sales pitch.
avoid roofing scams salesmen salespeople
3. The Aggressive Salesperson Roofing Scam
You shouldn’t rush a few things in life: getting married, eating a fine meal, and signing a roofing contract. If someone pressures you anytime during a roofing consultation to sign a contract or agree to any kind of roofing work, just say no. Being pressured is never a good sign.
If the salesperson says the deal or discount is ending soon, ask them to extend the offer or simply say no thanks. Legitimate roofing companies will not insist on making a sale unless it’s what you want and your roof needs it. Be wary of salespeople who want to close a sale without letting you talk to friends, family, or another roofing company. A legitimate roofing company will give you time and contact information to reach out to them after you have time to make a well-informed decision.
This is what we are here for and this is what you need to know so you can hire a contractor that’s committed to doing the job right:
Mississippi law requires residential roofers to be licensed when performing roofing work in excess of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000).
Legitimate contractors are willing to provide a valid license as well as proof of address and general liability insurance.
Ask for references. Verify work claims.
Do not be persuaded to take special one-time offers.
You have to pay your deductible
Avoid large down payments or requests to pay in cash.
Remember: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
