Roofing Scams Exposed: 7 Tactics to Watch Out For

Every year, homeowners across Winnipeg and throughout Manitoba fall victim to roofing scams that cost them thousands of dollars, endless frustration, and, in some cases, even legal trouble. With our region’s unpredictable weather and frequent storms, the demand for roof repairs and replacements is high-making it fertile ground for unscrupulous contractors and outright fraudsters.

At All Weather Exteriors, Winnipeg’s leading roofing company, we believe that homeowner education is the first line of defense against roofing scams. This comprehensive guide exposes seven of the most common and damaging roofing fraud tactics. You’ll learn how each scam works, the red flags to watch for, and-most importantly to protect yourself, your home, and your wallet.

1. The Storm Chaser Scam

What Is the Storm Chaser Scam?

Storm chasers are opportunistic contractors who descend on neighborhoods immediately after a severe weather event. They often go door-to-door, offering “free inspections” and claiming your roof has suffered storm damage that needs urgent repair or replacement.

How the Scam Works

• High-pressure sales tactics: Storm chasers create a sense of urgency, insisting repairs must be done immediately to prevent further damage.
• Unsolicited offers: They often show up uninvited, sometimes claiming to be working on a neighbor’s home.
• Questionable credentials: Many use generic company names and provide vague or evasive answers about their business location or licensing.
• Shoddy or incomplete work: If hired, they may demand full payment upfront, then perform substandard repairs or disappear entirely.

Real-World Scenario

After a hailstorm in Winnipeg, a homeowner is approached by a contractor offering a “free inspection.” The contractor claims to see serious damage and pressures the homeowner to sign a contract on the spot, warning that insurance won’t cover it unless repairs are made immediately.

Red Flags

• Unsolicited door-to-door offers, especially after storms.
• Pressure to make immediate decisions or sign contracts.
• Requests for full payment up front.
• No verifiable local address or business license.

How to Protect Yourself

• Never hire on impulse: Take time to research any contractor, even in emergencies.
• Verify credentials: Ask for a Manitoba business license, proof of insurance, and local references.
• Contact your insurance company: Have them inspect your roof before signing any contracts. 
• Get multiple quotes: Compare at least three written estimates from reputable, local companies.

2. The Lowball Bid Trap

What Is the Lowball Bid Scam?

This scam involves contractors offering bids that are significantly lower than competitors. While the price is tempting, it’s often too good to be true.

How the Scam Works

• Unrealistically low estimates: The contractor provides a quote far below market value to secure the job.
• Hidden costs: Once work begins, they claim to discover “unexpected” problems, leading to escalating costs.
• Cut corners: To maintain profit, they may use inferior materials, skip essential steps, or rush the job.

Real-World Scenario

A Winnipeg homeowner receives three quotes for a roof replacement: two are around $12,000, but one is only $7,000. Enticed by the savings, the homeowner hires the cheapest contractor. Halfway through, the contractor claims to find rotten decking and demands thousands more, or threatens to walk off the job.

Red Flags

• Bids much lower than others for the same scope of work.
• Vague or incomplete written estimates.
• Demands for large deposits or full payment before work begins.

How to Protect Yourself

• Be skeptical of “too good to be true” offers: Compare multiple quotes and ask for detailed breakdowns.
• Insist on a written contract: Ensure it includes all materials, labor, timelines, and payment schedules.
• Check references: Ask previous customers about their experience and if the final cost matched the initial quote.

3. The Phantom Contractor

What Is the Phantom Contractor Scam?

In this classic home repair scam, the contractor takes a deposit (sometimes a large one) and then never starts or never finishes the work.

How the Scam Works

• Upfront payments: The scammer requests a substantial deposit to “secure materials” or “hold your place in line.”
• Disappearing act: After receiving payment, they vanish, stop answering calls, or make excuses for endless delays.
• No recourse: Without a legitimate business address or contract, homeowners have little chance of getting their money back.

Real-World Scenario

A homeowner pays a contractor a 50% deposit for a new roof. Weeks go by with no work started. The contractor stops responding to calls, and the business address turns out to be a rented mailbox.

Red Flags

• Requests for large deposits (over 20-30% of the total cost).
• No written contract or vague paperwork.
• No verifiable business address or online presence.

How to Protect Yourself

• Limit deposits: Never pay more than 20-30% upfront, and only after materials are delivered.
• Use traceable payment methods: Avoid cash; use credit cards or cheques.
• Insist on a detailed contract: Include start and completion dates, payment schedule, and penalties for delays.
• Research thoroughly: Check the company’s reputation with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and local reviews.

4. The Insurance Scam Specialist

What Is the Insurance Scam?

Some contractors claim to “handle your insurance claim” for you, but their real goal is to defraud your insurance company and sometimes implicate you in the process.

How the Scam Works

• Inflated invoices: The contractor submits a higher bill to your insurance company than the one you see, pocketing the difference.
• False damage claims: They may exaggerate or fabricate damage to maximize the payout.
• Deductible reimbursement: Some offer to “cover your deductible” by inflating costs, which is insurance fraud and can make you legally liable..

Real-World Scenario

A contractor tells a homeowner, “We’ll get your insurance to pay for everything, and you won’t pay a dime.” They submit false documentation and overcharge the insurer, putting both themselves and the homeowner at risk of prosecution.

Red Flags

• Promises to “waive” your deductible.
• Offers to handle the entire insurance process without your involvement.
• Requests you sign blank insurance forms or an assignment of benefits.

How to Protect Yourself

• Deal directly with your insurer: Never let a contractor submit claims or sign insurance documents on your behalf.
• Review all paperwork: Ensure you understand every document before signing.
• Report suspicious activity: If you suspect fraud, contact your insurance company and the Insurance Bureau of Canada.

5. The Unnecessary Repairs Ruse

What Is the Unnecessary Repairs Scam?

Some contractors claim your roof has serious issues that don’t exist, pressuring you into expensive, unneeded repairs or even a full replacement.

How the Scam Works

• Fake inspections: The contractor “discovers” hidden damage or exaggerates minor issues.
• Fabricated evidence: They may show photos of someone else’s damaged roof or even cause damage during the inspection.
• Push for immediate action: Using scare tactics, they urge you to authorize repairs right away.

Real-World Scenario

A contractor offers a free inspection, then claims your roof decking is rotting and your shingles are failing-even though your roof is only a few years old. They show alarming photos, but refuse to provide physical evidence or let you get a second opinion.

Red Flags

• Urgency to approve repairs without time for a second opinion.
• Refusal to provide photos, documentation, or allow you to see the damage.
• Claims that insurance “requires” immediate action.

How to Protect Yourself

• Get a second opinion: If you’re told repairs are urgent, consult another reputable roofing company.
• Request documentation: Ask for photos and a written inspection report.
• Check your roof yourself: If safe, inspect the claimed damage or ask your insurance adjuster to verify.

6. The Bait and Switch

What Is the Bait and Switch Scam?

This tactic involves quoting you for high-quality materials and workmanship, but delivering inferior products or services once the contract is signed.

How the Scam Works

• Premium quote, cheap delivery: The contractor promises top-tier shingles or underlayment, but installs lower-grade products.
• Switching brands: They may substitute generic or off-brand materials without your knowledge.
• Cutting corners: Essential steps-like proper ventilation or flashing-are skipped to save time and money.

Real-World Scenario

A homeowner signs a contract for premium architectural shingles. After installation, they discover basic 3-tab shingles were used, but the contractor claims it’s “the same thing.”

Red Flags

• No brand names or product details in the contract.
• Refusal to show packaging or receipts for materials.
• Rushed installation with minimal oversight.

How to Protect Yourself

• Insist on specifics: Ensure your contract lists brands, grades, and quantities of all materials.
• Inspect deliveries: Check that materials delivered match what was promised before installation begins.
• Monitor the work: Be present during installation or have a trusted third party oversee the process.

7. The Door-to-Door Hustle

What Is the Door-to-Door Scam?

Aggressive salespeople go door-to-door, often targeting seniors or vulnerable homeowners, offering unsolicited roofing services.

How the Scam Works

• Claiming to notice damage: They say they “just happened to be in the area” and saw issues with your roof.
• Free inspections: They offer an immediate inspection, sometimes fabricating or exaggerating damage.
• High-pressure sales: They push you to sign a contract or pay a deposit on the spot. 

Real-World Scenario

A salesperson knocks on your door, claiming your neighbors just had their roofs replaced and you should, too. They offer a “discount” if you sign up today, but refuse to leave written information or allow time for research.

Red Flags

• Unsolicited offers, especially after storms.
• Pressure to make immediate decisions or sign contracts.
• Lack of business cards, references, or a local office.

How to Protect Yourself

• Don’t hire on the spot: Take time to research any contractor.
• Ask for identification: Legitimate companies will provide business cards, licenses, and references.
• Call the company directly: Verify the salesperson’s employment and the company’s reputation.

Additional Tips to Avoid Roofing Scams

• Research contractors thoroughly: Use the Better Business Bureau, Manitoba Consumer Protection Office, and online reviews.
• Get everything in writing: Contracts should detail all aspects of the job, including materials, labor, timelines, and payment schedules.
• Never pay in full upfront: Reputable contractors only require a reasonable deposit, with the balance due upon satisfactory completion.
• Ask for proof of insurance and licensing: Protect yourself from liability and ensure the contractor is qualified.
• Obtain multiple quotes: Comparing estimates helps identify outliers and potential roofing scams.

Don’t Be The Next Victim 

Roofing scams are an unfortunate reality for homeowners in Winnipeg and across Manitoba, especially in the wake of storms or during peak construction seasons. By understanding these seven common tactics- storm chasers, lowball bids, phantom contractors, insurance scams, unnecessary repairs, bait and switch, and door-to-door hustles– you can spot the red flags and protect your investment.

Remember: The best defense is due diligence. Always research potential contractors, insist on detailed written contracts, and never rush into agreements under pressure. If you suspect a scam or need a trustworthy, experienced roofing company, contact All Weather, the number one choice for honest, high-quality roofing in Winnipeg.

For more tips on hiring contractors, see our article on “The 5 Excellent and Most Trusted Residential Roofing Contractors in Winnipeg”.

For additional resources, visit the Better Business Bureau or the Manitoba Consumer Protection Office.

Protect yourself from roofing scams- your home, your wallet, and your peace of mind depend on it.