8 Red Flags That Mean You’re Dealing with a Bad Roofing Contractor — From Covered Exteriors

Unfortunately, the roofing industry doesn’t have the best reputation—and it’s not without reason. There are far too many contractors out there who cut corners, take advantage of homeowners, and leave behind poor-quality work.

At Covered Exteriors, we believe it’s important to be upfront about the reality of the industry. We’re not here to pretend it’s all perfect—we’re here to educate and empower you to protect yourself and your home.

With over 25 years of combined industry experience, we’ve seen the good, the bad, and the downright ugly. That’s why we’re sharing the 8 warning signs that you might be dealing with a bad roofing contractor—and how to avoid falling into their traps.

1. They’re Not Licensed, Bonded, and Insured

Every legitimate roofing company should be able to prove that they’re licensed, bonded, and fully insured to operate in your state.

If a contractor can’t show you their credentials—or makes excuses about why they don’t have them—that’s your sign to walk away. No matter how “good” the deal sounds, without proper paperwork, you’re completely unprotected if something goes wrong during the project.

At Covered Exteriors, we’re proud to maintain all required certifications and insurance for your peace of mind.

2. They’re a “Storm Chaser” from Out of State

Be cautious if a company with an out-of-state license plate or phone number knocks on your door offering a free roof inspection, especially after a major storm.

These “storm chasers” move from town to town following bad weather, doing quick (and often sloppy) jobs just to collect insurance payouts. They usually underbid local contractors, complete the work quickly—and disappear before problems start showing up.

At Covered Exteriors, we’re a proud New Jersey-based company—local, reliable, and always here when you need us.

3. They Push You to Sign Paperwork Before Inspecting Your Roof

Another big red flag: if a roofer asks you to sign anything before they’ve even looked at your roof.

Many shady contractors use this tactic to trap you into an exclusive agreement without giving you time to make an informed decision. Legitimate roofing companies will never rush you into signing without a thorough inspection and a detailed proposal.

At Covered Exteriors, your inspection comes first—no pressure, no paperwork until you're ready.

4. Their Online Reviews Tell a Story—And It’s Not a Good One

Before you trust any contractor, take a few minutes to look at their reviews on Google, the Better Business Bureau, and other reputable sites.

Patterns of complaints—like poor workmanship, communication issues, or ignoring warranty claims—are major red flags. Recent reviews matter most, so be sure to check the latest feedback.

We’re proud to say Covered Exteriors maintains a 5-star rating because we do what we say and stand by our work.

5. The Estimate Lacks Details

An honest roofing contractor will give you a detailed estimate showing line-by-line what you’re paying for—materials, labor, prep work, clean-up, warranties, and more.

If you’re handed a one-page “price only” quote, run.

Without specifics, it’s easy for a contractor to swap in cheaper materials, skimp on labor, or skip important steps entirely—costing you big in the long run.

At Covered Exteriors, every estimate is clear, detailed, and customized to your project.

6. They Won’t Walk You Through the Final Proposal

Once you get your quote, a good contractor will take the time to explain it—line by line—and answer every question you have.

If a roofer dodges this conversation or seems annoyed that you’re asking questions, that’s a huge warning sign. Roofing is a major investment—you deserve to fully understand what you’re signing up for.

We review every estimate with our customers so you feel confident about every detail before moving forward.

7. Their Workmanship Warranty is Short or Weak

Every new roof should come with two types of protection: a manufacturer’s warranty (covering materials) and a workmanship warranty (covering the labor and installation).

Bad contractors will either offer no workmanship warranty at all or stick you with a short one—like 1-2 years.

A strong roofing company backs up their work for at least 10 years (and ideally longer). At Covered Exteriors, we proudly offer industry-leading workmanship warranties because we believe in doing things right the first time.

8. They Keep Dropping Their Price to Win You Over

If a contractor keeps lowering their price the moment you hesitate, beware.

Sure, minor adjustments for competitiveness are normal. But big discounts or “too good to be true” pricing almost always mean corners will be cut—cheap materials, unskilled labor, and unfinished details you’ll regret later.

At Covered Exteriors, we believe in offering fair pricing upfront—and delivering maximum value without gimmicks.

How to Hire a Roofer You Can Trust

Now that you know what warning signs to look for, you’re better prepared to protect yourself—and your home.

The good news? Finding a great roofing company isn’t hard when you know what to ask, what to look for, and what to avoid.

We even put together a separate guide outlining the 6 steps every homeowner should take when choosing the right roofing contractor to make your hiring process even easier.

Need help with storm damage, roof replacement, or a second opinion?
Trust the local experts at Covered Exteriors.

Call (929) 888-7374 or visit CoveredExteriors.com to schedule your free consultation today.
Experience the difference of a roofing company that truly has you covered.