If you are looking for a new roof, repair, or inspection, it's important to be cautious of roofing scams in Calgary. These roofing scams often target homeowners who are trying to manage their home repairs on a budget. They also tend to focus in on neighborhoods with a high number of senior citizens, or areas that have recently experienced major storms. These roofers may use low-quality materials that can cause more damage to your property and rush the job. In some instances, they may simply take the money and vanish. It’s important you choose a trustworthy roofing company like Dedicated Roofing and Exteriors. To find out how to find out if a Calgary roofing company is reputable, read our “How to Check if a Roofing Company is Reputable” blog!

While it can be challenging to detect unethical roofers, there are several warning signs to watch for. Our expert roofers have compiled a list of the five most popular roofing scams in Calgary and provided tips on how to recognize them.

Fraudulent roofers often use natural disasters such as storms as an opportunity to take advantage of homeowners in need of roof repairs. These "storm chasers" typically go door-to-door, offering to fix your roof quickly and inexpensively. They may claim to be able to waive your insurance deductible or provide a free inspection, but in reality, they are just trying to get your business.

To avoid falling victim to storm chasers, it's essential to do your research and choose a reputable Calgary roofing company with a proven track record. Make sure they have the necessary licenses and insurance, and check their reviews and references. You can do this by searching online or asking them to present proof of their licences, certifications and insurance. If someone shows up at your door offering a quick fix for your roof, be skeptical and do your due diligence before signing any contracts or handing over any money.

Some storm chasers sometimes claim to be roof inspectors who noticed damage on your roof that needs immediate repair. Even if your roof appears to be in good shape, they may point out vague damage that is difficult to see, but which they claim is a significant problem. Legitimate roofing companies won’t go door-to-door conducting free inspections, so be wary if you see this. In some cases, these roofers may create fake damage to convince you that your roof needs repair. For example, they may damage your roof themselves, or they may use a hammer to create small dents that they claim are the result of hail damage.

To avoid falling victim to this scam don’t sign any contracts or hand over any money without doing your due diligence and getting a second opinion from a reputable roofing company. If you do suspect your property is damaged, you can schedule an inspection with Dedicated Roofing and Exteriors. Our licenced and insured Calgary roofers will conduct a complete assessment of the integrity of your roofing system and let you know if there is anything you should be concerned about.

Some unethical roofers may offer an incredibly low bid to win your business. However, these roofers will often cut costs by using low-quality materials and cutting corners during the installation process. This can lead to substandard workmanship, leaks, and other costly repairs in the future. In addition, some roofers may demand payment upfront before any work has been done. This is a significant red flag, and it could indicate that they have no intention of completing the work or providing quality service. If you pay upfront and they fail to complete the job or do poor-quality work, it can be challenging to get your money back.

Reputable roofers typically do not demand upfront payment. Instead, they will usually require a deposit and then ask for the remaining balance once the job is completed to your satisfaction. Be sure to ask your Calgary roofer about their payment terms upfront and never pay the full amount until the work is completed to your satisfaction.

Scammers may engage in insurance fraud by inflating the cost of repairs or fabricating damage to a roof. For example, after a storm, a roofer may offer to waive a homeowner's insurance deductible if they agree to use their services. The roofer may then overestimate the cost of repairs, including damage that was not caused by the storm, and bill the insurance company for the inflated amount. They may also use low-quality materials or cut corners during the repair process to increase their profit margin, putting the homeowner at risk of further damage and repairs in the future. This type of fraud is illegal and can result in criminal charges for the roofer and homeowner.

To avoid falling victim to this kind of scam, it's important to exercise caution when approached with unsolicited offers, obtain estimates from multiple Calgary roofing contractors, carefully review all contracts and agreements, and consider seeking a second opinion from your insurance company.

Be wary of roofers who want to work without a contract. Contracts are put in place to protect you from price increases and no-show jobs. Your agreement should always the full scope of work, payment terms, timelines, and warranty information. Without a contract, you have no legal recourse if the roofer doesn't follow through on the agreed-upon work or if they use subpar materials. It's important to insist on a written contract that clearly outlines all of the details of the project before any work begins. If a roofer is unwilling to provide a contract or insists on working without one, it's best to look for another contractor who is willing to provide one.

To protect yourself from these scams, it's important to take your time, do your research, and listen to your instincts. If a door-to-door salesperson is pressuring you or you feel uncertain about the information they're providing, it's okay to decline their offer and seek out other options. Don't feel obligated to make a quick decision or sign a contract before you've had a chance to fully understand the terms and conditions. By being cautious and following your intuition, you can avoid falling victim to fraudulent roofing scams!

Dedicated Roofing and Exteriors has been serving Calgary for over a decade, providing expert roofing services. Our team of Calgary roofers are certified and well-trained, ensuring quality workmanship on every project. You can view our certifications and read reviews from satisfied customers on our website. If you need a roof inspection, repair, or replacement, please don't hesitate to contact us online or call us at (403) 923-0000. We're always ready to help!