Common Roofing Scams and How to Avoid Them
By Cadia Roofing & Exteriors | February 16, 2025
Your roof keeps your home safe from snow, rain, and wind—so when it needs repair or replacement, you want to trust the people working on it. Unfortunately, not every roofing company has your best interests at heart. At Cadia Roofing & Exteriors, we’ve been serving Pennsylvania families for years, and we’ve heard too many stories of homeowners falling for roofing scams. That’s why we’re here to shine a light on the most common tricks and show you how to steer clear. Let’s protect your home—and your wallet—together.
Why Roofing Scams Happen in Pennsylvania
After a big storm rolls through—think heavy snow in January or summer hail—scammers often swoop in, preying on homeowners desperate to fix leaks or damage. Pennsylvania’s unpredictable weather makes us a prime target. But don’t worry; with a little know-how, you can spot these red flags a mile away. Here are the top roofing scams we see and how to avoid them.
1. The Door-to-Door “Storm Chaser”
What It Looks Like: Someone knocks on your door claiming they “noticed” damage from a recent storm. They offer a free inspection, then pressure you into signing a contract on the spot—often with inflated prices or fake damage reports.
How to Avoid It: Never sign anything without researching the company first. Ask for their license number (Pennsylvania requires contractors to be registered—check with the Attorney General’s office). If they’re legit, they won’t mind waiting. At Cadia, we’re local and happy to give you time to decide—no high-pressure tactics here.
2. The Too-Good-to-Be-True Quote
What It Looks Like: A roofer offers a dirt-cheap price to undercut competitors, but once they start, they “find” extra problems and jack up the bill. Or worse, they take your deposit and vanish.
How to Avoid It: Get multiple quotes (at least three) from reputable Pennsylvania roofers. If one’s way lower, dig deeper—ask for references and proof of insurance. We’ve seen folks burned by this in [Your Specific Area, if applicable], and at Cadia, we stick to transparent, fair pricing every time.
3. The “Leftover Materials” Trick
What It Looks Like: A contractor says they have extra shingles or metal from a nearby job and can do yours cheap. The catch? They use low-quality or mismatched materials, leaving your roof a mess.
How to Avoid It: Insist on seeing material specs and warranties before work starts. A legit roofer—like us at Cadia—uses fresh, high-quality supplies tailored to Pennsylvania’s climate, not someone else’s scraps.
4. The Insurance Impersonator
What It Looks Like: A scammer poses as an insurance adjuster, promising to handle your claim and repairs. They pocket your insurance payout and disappear—or do shoddy work that fails inspection.
How to Avoid It: Contact your insurance company directly to verify anyone claiming to represent them. Work with a local roofer you trust to coordinate with your insurer. We’ve helped Pennsylvania homeowners navigate claims the right way—honestly and hassle-free.
5. The “Sign Here Quick” Contract
What It Looks Like: You’re handed a vague contract with no clear scope of work, timeline, or payment terms. Once signed, you’re locked into bad deals or hidden fees.
How to Avoid It: Read every word before signing. A good contract spells out exactly what’s being done, when, and for how much. At Cadia, we walk you through every detail—because as a family business, we treat you like neighbors, not numbers.
Red Flags to Watch For
No Local Presence: If they don’t have a Pennsylvania address or references, run.
Cash-Only Demands: Legit companies accept multiple payment types and provide receipts.
Pushy Vibes: Anyone rushing you to decide is hiding something.
Missing Credentials: No license, insurance, or reviews? Big nope.
How to Protect Yourself
Research First: Look up reviews online and ask neighbors for recommendations. A quick Google of “roofing companies near me in Pennsylvania” should show established names like Cadia Roofing & Exteriors.
Get It in Writing: Always demand a detailed, written estimate and contract.
Trust Local: Stick with Pennsylvania-based roofers who know our weather and won’t skip town. As locals, we’re accountable to our community.
Check Insurance: Verify the roofer’s liability and workers’ comp coverage—protects you if something goes wrong.
Why Cadia’s Different
We started Cadia Roofing & Exteriors because we believe Pennsylvania families deserve honest, reliable roofing—no gimmicks, no scams. We’re not here to upsell you on repairs you don’t need or vanish after a storm. Our team lives and works here, so your trust means everything to us. Whether it’s a quick fix or a full roof replacement, we’ll give you straight answers and quality work you can count on.
