After a big storm or when it’s time for a replacement, your roof becomes a target — not just for weather, but for unscrupulous contractors looking to make quick money. Across Long Island, homeowners are being approached by so-called “roofers” who take deposits and disappear, cut corners, or overcharge for unnecessary work.
At Baba Roofing, we believe homeowners deserve quality, honesty, and transparency. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the most common roofing scams, how to spot them, and what to do to ensure you’re working with a reputable roofing company.
1. The Storm Chaser Scam
How it works: After a storm hits, out-of-town crews drive through neighborhoods offering quick, cheap repairs. They often use high-pressure sales tactics and claim to be “insurance approved.” Once they collect a deposit, they either do subpar work or disappear.
Red flags:
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Unmarked trucks or lack of a local business address
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No proof of licensing or insurance
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Wanting full payment upfront
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Refusing to provide a contract or written estimate
How to protect yourself:
Always verify a company’s physical address, reviews, and credentials. Local companies like Baba Roofing, based right here on Long Island, are accountable to your community — and here to stay.
2. The “Free Roof” Insurance Scam
How it works: A roofer tells you that you can get a new roof “for free” through insurance, even if there’s no real damage. They may encourage you to file a claim for nonexistent issues or inflate the repair cost to the insurer.
The risk: Filing false claims is insurance fraud and can result in denied coverage or legal consequences for the homeowner.
Protect yourself:
Never let a contractor dictate your insurance claim. At Baba Roofing, we only file legitimate documentation and offer guidance — without pushing unnecessary claims.
3. The High Deposit Vanishing Act
How it works: A roofer asks for a large deposit up front (sometimes 50–100%), claiming it’s needed for “materials.” After getting paid, they vanish or delay the project indefinitely.
Signs to look for:
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Cash-only payment demands
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No signed contract or timeline
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Poor or no online reviews
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Hard to reach once you pay
Protect yourself:
A small deposit (10–30%) is standard, but reputable companies like Baba Roofing work under clear written agreements, and never pressure you to pay before you’re ready.
4. The Shingle Switch
How it works: A contractor shows you high-end roofing materials in the estimate but installs cheaper or defective products without telling you.
The result: Your roof looks fine at first but fails early — and warranty claims are often denied because incorrect materials were used.
How to protect yourself:
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Always ask for brand and model details in writing
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Request the product packaging or invoices
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Work with certified contractors (like us) who are authorized by manufacturers
Baba Roofing uses only top-tier, warranty-backed materials from brands you can trust — and we document everything.
5. The No-Permit Shortcut
How it works: A roofer offers you a lower price by skipping required building permits. They promise it’s “faster” and “not a big deal.”
The risk: Work without a permit is illegal, may void your homeowner’s insurance, and can result in fines or forced rework by your local municipality.
Protect yourself:
Permits protect you. At Baba Roofing, we handle all necessary permits and code compliance — saving you from future legal and financial trouble.
How to Choose a Trustworthy Roofing Contractor
Here’s your checklist to ensure you’re working with a professional, ethical roofer:
✅ Local business with a track record in the community
✅ Licensed and insured (ask for proof)
✅ Transparent written estimates and contracts
✅ Clear timeline and communication
✅ Positive reviews on Google and social media
✅ Willing to answer questions without pressure
Why Long Island Homeowners Trust Baba Roofing
We’re proud to serve Nassau and Suffolk counties with integrity-first roofing services backed by:
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Full licensing and insurance
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Local references and reviews
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High-quality materials with manufacturer warranties
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Clear pricing and zero-pressure sales
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Free estimates and professional inspections
Whether it’s a repair, full replacement, or emergency after a storm — we’re here for you.
Schedule a Free, No-Pressure Roofing Estimate
Ready to work with a roofing company that puts honesty first? Contact Baba Roofing today.
📞 Call us at (631) 552-6884
🔗 Request your free estimate online
Baba Roofing – Honest Roofing. Local Experts. Real Results.
