When it comes to hiring a roofing contractor, not all roofers are created equal. As a second-generation roofer, I’ve spent years in the industry and seen the same mistakes happen again and again — often leaving homeowners frustrated, overcharged, or even legally vulnerable.
Before you sign a contract for a roof replacement or repair, here are the top five mistakes I see roofing contractors make and how you can protect yourself.
1. Roofers Not Carrying Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Roofing is one of the most dangerous jobs in construction. Falls happen — and unfortunately, I’ve known roofers who’ve been severely injured and even lost their lives on the job. Many roofers view fall protection measures such as harnesses, ropes, and cables as an inhibitor to getting the work done. This results in loose safety practices on the job, which in turn often results in workplace fall-related injuries.
When a contractor doesn’t carry workers’ compensation insurance, their employees are financally vulnerable. Even worse, if an accident happens on a customer’s property, that customer could be held liable in the absence of proper contractor insurance. That means potential lawsuits and unexpected costs that should never fall on a homeowner’s shoulders.
How to protect yourself: Always ask to see proof of valid, up-to-date workers’ compensation coverage before signing a contract. If they can’t provide it, walk away.
2. Poor Crew Supervision at Roofing Jobs
In many states, including Pennsylvania, roofing companies often employ subcontracted crews who work on behalf of the company. While these crews may be skilled and experienced, lack of supervision can lead to quality control issues.
Without consistent oversight, corners can be cut, details missed, and small mistakes can snowball into big problems. Yes, I’ve learned this the hard way. I am very grateful to have crews working at Joyland who’ve been here for years. They understand our processes and consistently deliver good results. However, I still rely on my project managers to set up the job, run frequent quality-control inspections, and make sure that the final product meets our standards of leak-free excellence for the long haul.
How to protect yourself: Ask your roofer how often they’re on-site, who will oversee the crew, and how they ensure quality from start to finish. Listen for references to specific things like, “The project manager uses our checklist which looks like this…” or, ask them for stories of how they’ve corrected quality issues in the past. BE SURE to get the fine print on whatever workmanship warranty they offer, and compare it with others.
3. Roofers Offering “Too Good to Be True” Discounts
Beware of contractors who suddenly slash their price by thousands of dollars just to get you to sign “today”. Big “one-day-only” discounts are almost always a sales tactic — not a genuine savings.
In reality, contractors who offer steep discounts are actually inflating their prices so they can make a dramatic cut and still make a profit. If the price drops drastically in one conversation, that’s a red flag about their transparency. What if you would have signed up without the discount?
How to protect yourself: Never buckle to pressure to sign on the spot. Get at least two or three roofing quotes before making a decision. The guys who usually push to be the first contractor to give you a quote, then sit there and twist your arm to get a signature – their whole sales process relies on you NOT getting other quotes to maximize the chance of getting your business at a very high rate.
4. Roofers Pushing Only One Brand of Shingle or Product
Some roofers stick to one shingle brand like it’s the only option in the world. But just like power tools — where DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Makita each have their moments to shine — roofing materials vary in quality and innovation over time.
A contractor who preaches one single brand might not be offering the best solution for your home’s unique needs. A roofer should be knowledgeable with all major brands and materials. Doesn’t mean he has to sell them all, but it’s important to understands the pros and cons of each as a roofer. This helps them offer you what is truly the best solution for your home.
How to protect yourself: Look for a roofer who evaluates multiple roofing products and recommends what’s best for your home’s specific conditions. If it sounds like a roofer is just “giving you the spiel” – he probably is. Ask for specifics like product warranty information, use-case stories, and their history with a given brand.
5. Confusing Communication
Clear communication is one of the most underrated aspects of a good roofing project. Without it, homeowners can end up surprised by extra charges, unexpected delays, or misunderstandings about the work being done.
If a contractor can’t explain their process, timeline, and scope of work in detail before the roofing project starts, chances are communication will only get worse once the job is underway.
How to protect yourself: Pay attention to how responsive and clear a roofer is during the estimating process. If communication is sloppy early on, it’s a sign to reconsider. Things are unlikely to get any better as the job progresses. A roof replacement comes with it’s own inherent set of possible surprises and changes, so look for strong communication vibes right from the start. Consider:
– How fast did they respond to your request for help?
– Do they answer the phone consistently?
– Are you getting prompt and clear answers to your emails and texts?
– How long does it take to get a quote?
– Do you know the process? Do you know what’s happening, and when?
Final Thoughts
Your roof is one of the most important investments in your home — and choosing the wrong contractor can cost you time, money, and peace of mind. By watching out for these five mistakes, you’ll be better equipped to hire a roofer who delivers quality, safety, and transparency.
If you’re unsure about a quote or offer you’ve received, I’m happy to answer questions — no obligation. A quick phone call or email could save you from a costly mistake and help you get the roof your home truly deserves.