How to Tell If a Roofer Is Lying: 10 Roofing Scam Red Flags Every DFW Homeowner Should Know
How to Tell If a Roofer Is Lying – 10 Signs DFW Homeowners Should Watch For
Finding a trustworthy roofer in DFW can feel like navigating a maze—especially after a major storm rolls through. Between the door knockers, the too-good-to-be-true prices, and the high-pressure sales tactics, it’s easy to wonder: “Is this roofer lying to me?”
The truth? Some are. Some aren’t. But knowing how to tell the difference can save you from wasting thousands—and prevent a lot of regret.
Let’s break down the top signs that a roofer might not be legit, plus what to look for in a contractor you can trust.
1. They Knock on Your Door After a Storm
This is roofing red flag #1 in Texas. After hail hits Arlington, Mansfield, or Burleson, you’ll see “roofing reps” walking door-to-door offering free inspections. They’ll say they’re working on your neighbor’s house and noticed damage on yours, too.
But here’s the deal: legit roofing companies don’t chase storms or pressure you at the door. Storm chasers often push you to file insurance claims you might not need—and then disappear after getting paid.
Spot the scam:
They showed up uninvited
They use urgency or fear (“your roof could collapse!”)
They pressure you to sign something immediately
Green flag: A trusted roofer lets you reach out on your terms, offers a calm inspection, and walks you through what’s real (and what’s not).
2. They Have No Real Reviews or References
It’s 2025. If a roofing company doesn’t have at least 40 verified reviews on Google, BBB, or Nextdoor, that’s a serious red flag.
Also, beware of vague 5-star reviews that say things like “Great job!” but don’t mention towns, materials, or real results. If you ask for references and they avoid the question? 🚩
Look for:
Real homeowner names, towns (like Fort Worth, Benbrook, or Grand Prairie), and photos
Consistent praise for clean-up, communication, and timeline
Willingness to let you speak to a recent client
3. They Can’t Prove They’re Insured or RCAT Licensed
Texas doesn’t require roofers to be licensed—but the good ones are RCAT licensed (Roofing Contractors Association of Texas). And they’re fully insured. If someone dodges your request for proof of insurance or licensing, they’re hiding something.
Check their status at TDI.texas.gov or ask for their RCAT number.
Red flags:
No documentation, or “we’re working on it”
A PO box or virtual office instead of a real address
General liability insurance only (no workers’ comp)
Green flag: A solid roofer hands over their credentials proudly—before you ask twice.
4. Their Business Isn’t Actually Local
Some contractors say “DFW” on their site—but they’re really based out-of-state, using a Regus office or mailbox rental.
In roofing, being local matters. A DFW roofer knows Texas building codes, local permit rules, and how to build roofs that last through our hot summers and hail seasons.
Warning signs:
No local reviews or references
No recent jobs in your neighborhood
Website has no photos of their crew or trucks
Green flag: The company lives here, works here, and has real roofs on real streets near you.
5. Their Price Is Too Good to Be True
A cheap roof is the most expensive one you'll ever buy.
If a roofer quotes you several thousand dollars less than everyone else, something’s off. Either they’re cutting corners, using cheap materials, or planning to hit you with surprise charges later.
And if they throw around terms like “lifetime warranty” without putting it in writing? Walk away.
Trustworthy roofers:
Offer fair, competitive pricing—not the lowest
Provide itemized estimates with brands, labor, and material costs
Explain what’s covered and what’s not in their warranty
6. They Ask for a Huge Upfront Payment
No roofer should ask for more than 10–20% upfront in DFW. And no one should ever demand cash, Zelle, or Venmo as the only payment method.
We’ve heard too many horror stories—homeowners paid thousands, and the roofer vanished.
Look out for:
50% deposit requests
No receipts or payment schedule
Asking you to cover the permit fee directly
Pro tip: Your roofer should handle the permit and include it in your estimate. If they can’t float the cost of materials, they’re not financially stable enough to trust.
7. They Refuse to Give a Written Quote
If someone says “don’t worry, we’ll handle it” but won’t give you anything in writing—worry.
Your roofing estimate should be crystal clear. That means:
Brand and type of shingles
Scope of work (what’s included and what’s not)
Start and end dates
Cleanup plan
Final price and payment terms
No guesswork. No last-minute surprises.
8. They Communicate Poorly (or Not at All)
Does it take days to get a response? Do they miss calls or appointments? That’s what working with them will feel like during the job—worse, even.
Good roofers run organized crews. They show up, keep you informed, and have someone you can reach anytime.
Bad signs:
No follow-up after the estimate
Ghosting after you ask tough questions
They say “I’ll get back to you” but never do
9. Their Website Looks Fake or Generic
Lead generation sites are everywhere. They look local but don’t actually do roofing—they just collect your info and sell it to the highest bidder.
How to tell:
No team photos or owner info
Lots of stock images
Footer says they “partner with local roofers”
Green flag: A real roofing company introduces you to their team, posts job photos on social media, and doesn’t hide behind a form.
10. They Can’t Show You Proof of Past Jobs
You wouldn’t hire a tattoo artist without seeing their work, right? Roofing’s the same.
If a roofer can’t show you local job photos, video walk-throughs, or testimonials from homeowners in DFW—there’s a reason.
Look for:
Before/after pictures of roofs in towns like Keller, Burleson, Arlington, etc.
Detailed reviews that mention materials used and problems solved
A willingness to connect you with past customers
Trust Is Earned—Not Promised
The roofing industry doesn’t need to be the Wild West. But in Texas, it often is.
Now you know how to tell if a roofer is lying—and more importantly, how to spot the ones worth trusting.
Look for honesty, clear estimates, real reviews, and crews that show up when they say they will. Roof replacement is a big investment. Take your time. Ask questions. And never feel pressured.
Need a Roof Inspection You Can Trust?
Call: (817) 602-2057
Email: [email protected]
Visit: 3908 Williamson Rd #120, Crowley, TX 76036
Request your free roof estimate online
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