Don’t let a shady roofer leave you with a leaky roof—and an emptier wallet. Scammers prey on desperate homeowners, especially after storms. Here’s how to spot the red flags and hire a legit pro.
1. The “Storm Chaser” Trap
Beware of roofers who show up uninvited after bad weather. Their game? High-pressure sales and fake “limited-time deals.”
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Red Flags:
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No local address or verifiable business license
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Pushy tactics (“Sign today or lose your discount!”)
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Vague about materials or subcontractors
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Real Example: A Houston homeowner paid 50% upfront to a “storm specialist” who vanished—leaving a half-finished, code-violating roof.
2. The Mystery Estimate
Scammers love hidden fees and vague quotes. A trustworthy roofer gives a detailed, written estimate—no surprises.
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Ask:
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Is labor & material cost broken down?
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Are permits included?
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What’s NOT covered (e.g., decking repair)?
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Pro Tip: If their bid is suspiciously low, they’re cutting corners—or planning to bail mid-job.
3. No Proof of Insurance = Big Risk
A roofer without liability insurance or worker’s comp could leave you footing the bill for injuries or property damage.
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Verify:
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Ask for their insurance certificate—and call the provider to confirm it’s active.
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Check for local licensing (Texas requires roofers to be licensed for jobs over $10k).
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Warning: If they say “Don’t worry about it,” walk away immediately.
4. Shady Payment Demands
Legit roofers don’t demand full payment upfront. A 10–30% deposit is standard; the rest comes after the job passes inspection.
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Scam Tactics:
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“Cash-only” discounts
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Pressure to sign over an insurance check
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Excuses like “We need it for materials”
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Smart Move: Use a credit card (chargeback protection) or check (paper trail).
5. Zero Reviews or Fake Testimonials
A reputable roofer has a track record. No online presence? Probably a ghost operation.
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Check:
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Google, BBB, and Facebook reviews (*look for detailed comments, not generic 5-star spam*)
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Photos of past projects (scammers reuse stock images)
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Hart Roofing Guarantee: We’re Houston-local, fully insured, and proud of our 100+ verified 5-star reviews.
Don’t Gamble With Your Roof
If a “roofer” checks even one of these boxes, run. For honest, high-quality work, get a free inspection from Hart Roofing—no scams, no surprises.
Phone : 713-281-2886 | Mail : info@hartroofingtx.com
