Unfortunately, canvassing is a common scam in the roofing industry. Canvassing is when salespeople show up to homes out of the blue. These scammers target neighborhoods with older homes, a high senior population, or where a storm has recently hit.
The way this scam works is the salesperson knocks on your door and offers a free roof inspection. At best, they come off the roof and show you pictures of roof damage from another home, claiming it is your roof. At worst, they will damage your roof, tearing off shingles or hammering holes to simulate storm damage. Their goal is to trick both you and your insurance company into paying for a new roof.
If the canvasser is creating damage, that means that you had no real need to replace your existing roof. You could have gotten years of use out of the one you currently have. Additionally, when you file a claim, it goes on your insurance record. That could affect future claims and even incentivize the insurance company not to renew your coverage.
Luckily, once you know about this scam, it is relatively easy to avoid. Be wary of any door-to-door salesperson trying to sell you a new roof. If they use high-pressure sales tactics, meaning they want you to sign a contract before they leave your property, it’s best to ask them to leave. Before you sign anything, you need time to do your research on their company. You can weed out shady canvassers by doing the following research:
- Look for Online Reviews
A roofing company with good business practices will have an online presence of some sort. Check review websites and look at their rating on the Better Business Bureau. You can even see if (and how) the company has responded to complaints. - Find Out How Long They Have Been in Business
A large number of roofing companies fail in the first five years of business. Unfortunately, when they fold, the workmanship warranties they promised vanish. But just because a company is new doesn’t mean they are a canvasser. It does, however, mean that you should be wary of any guarantees they make. - Check their License and Certificate of Insurance
No matter what type of work you get done on your home, you should ensure the contractor is licensed and insured. You want to make sure that the project being done on your property is covered. It’s also illegal in Maryland for any home improvement company to function without a license.
It should be noted; some canvassers are honest. For example, storm restoration companies that are experienced in working with insurance providers. These companies will have plenty of positive online reviews from across the country and have a good rating with the BBB. Their business model is to travel around to areas hit by rough storms to supplement the local roofing workforce and meet the increased demand for roofers. But these companies tend to be the most expensive. They want to bill your insurance at the highest possible rate. If your insurance doesn’t cover the full roof replacement, these companies probably are not your best bet.
It’s always safest to go with a local roofing company that has plenty of positive online reviews and has been in business for a long time. If you’re looking for a trustworthy roofing company in your area, fill out this form to be matched with a roofer that we’ve already checked out for you.
