How To Spot Bad Roofers: 7 ways you can tell if a roofer is looking for a shortcut

The sad reality is that when it comes to your roof, some contractors will cut corners. Which is why you need to learn how to spot bad roofers

We want to help customers avoid these types of roofers to avoid getting stuck in an expensive and stressful situation.

Here now are 7 ways you can spot if a roofer is looking for a shortcut:

1. Your Contractor Doesn’t Pull Permits

Permits are great for helping with disputes because they also serve as official public records.

“Pulling permits is crucial in construction because you can always go back and you can notify the city that a contractor who did your job did not do the proper work,”

says Dmitry Lipinskiy, owner of Roofing Insights.

2. Not Licensed

Not all states require contractors to have a license.

Still, it’s good practice for a contractor to become licensed, no matter which state he/she lives in.

“Licensing means continuous education,”

Lipinskiy states, going on to mention how unlicensed contractors typically run into the most trouble.

“Sooner or later, quality will suffer and your roof will leak. That’s what happens when you cut a lot of corners.”

3. They Cheap Out on Ice/Water Underlayment

“Ask yourself this: what if a contractor who installs your job does everything premium?”

Lipinskiy asks his audience.

It’s a good question, and Lipinskiy goes on to mention that if a contractor installs premium products on your roof, then when it’s time to replace that roof 15-20 years down the line, insurance is covering high-end materials as opposed to cheap products that those in the roofing industry know will not stand the test of time.

Have your contractor save you money by installing premium-grade products on your roof today.

Need help finding a good contractor in your area?

No problem! The Roofing Insights Directory is here to help!

4. They Don’t Register Warranties

Let’s face it:

Some contractors are lazy, and some just don’t want to go the extra mile for their customers.

Those two factors can cause huge headaches when their roof leaks or a hailstorm comes in. That’s why it’s essential to have your products backed up with a good warranty.

“The reason contractors are not doing it [warranties] is either laziness, lack of process, or they don’t want to spend money,”

Lipinskiy says.

Don’t be caught in a bind.

Make sure the next roofing company you do business with contractually agrees to back their products with a warranty.

5. Using Cheaper Accessories that Void the Warranty

Some contractors worry big brands like DEWALT just want to make money.

Of course these companies do, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t also looking out for contractors.

As Lipinskiy notes,

“it’s okay for brands to make more money when consumers get a better product.”

Homeowners: beware of the contractor who is trying to do everything as cheaply as possible.

6. Not Replacing Rotted Wood/Decking

It’s common for a hack contractor to ignore rotted decking and install new shingles anyway because doing so saves them time and money.

The irony is by not replacing that rotted decking, contractors miss out on extra business, and homeowners are left scratching their collective heads when their decking rots all the way through.

“Make sure the foundation of your roof, the decking, is structurally sound because that’s what’s important,”

Lipinskiy advises.

If your contractor can’t confirm that your decking system is in good shape, look elsewhere for your next contractor!

7. They Don’t Pay Their Bills

Ever worked for a business who conveniently forgot to write you a check on payday?

Many haven’t, but if you’ve been shorted, then you know how horrible of a feeling that is.

Sadly, there are despicable contractors out there who intentionally don’t pay their subs, general employees, or even manufacturers.

Worse, if your contractor does that, those same people who missed their paychecks will be coming after you, the homeowner. This could result in a lien being put on your home.

Thankfully, there is a great way to ensure this never happens to you!

With the Roofing Insights Directory, we guarantee you will be hiring a good contractor.

And if for some reason you find yourself in a pickle, there is still no need to fret.

Roofing Insights backs up every contractor in our directory with a $20,000 guarantee.

Yes, you read that correctly: $20,000!

You have little to lose, so click here and see how the Roofing Insights Directory can help with your next roofing or siding project!