10 Red Flags: How to Tell If a Roofer is Lying (And How to Hire an Honest Minneapolis Roofing Company)

In the aftermath of a severe hailstorm or high winds, your home’s roof becomes your primary concern—and unfortunately, that urgency can attract dishonest operators. The roofing industry, especially in the Twin Cities, is prone to "storm chasers" and unethical contractors looking to make a quick profit.

As Minneapolis homeowners, protecting your investment starts with choosing a contractor who prioritizes integrity and quality over quick cash. Knowing the common scams and red flags is your most powerful defense.

Here is a comprehensive guide on how to tell if a roofer is lying or cutting corners, and what makes a reputable Minneapolis roofing company stand out.

The Top 10 Red Flags: Signs a Roofer is Lying or Dishonest

The biggest lies often come in the form of high-pressure sales, vague promises, or inflated claims about damage. Be on high alert if a roofer displays any of these ten warning signs:

1. Unsolicited, Door-to-Door Offers Immediately After a Storm

This is the classic "storm chaser" tactic, and the single biggest red flag.

• The Lie: “I was just working on your neighbor’s roof and noticed major damage on yours. I can get my crew over right now to fix it with the leftover materials.”

• The Truth: Reputable Minneapolis roofing companies typically have full schedules and do not need to canvas neighborhoods aggressively. Storm chasers are often from out of state, have no stake in the local community, and will leave once the insurance checks clear, making warranty claims impossible.

  
  

2. High-Pressure Sales Tactics

Any contractor who pressures you to sign a contract today is likely hiding something.

• The Lie: “This price is only good for the next 24 hours,” or “If you don’t sign now, we can’t guarantee the materials will be in stock.”

• The Truth: A professional, honest Minneapolis roofing company will give you ample time to read the contract, compare multiple quotes, check references, and consult with your insurance adjuster. Never let urgency override due diligence.

  
  

3. Offering to "Waive" or "Cover" Your Deductible

This is one of the most common forms of insurance fraud in the roofing industry, and it is illegal in Minnesota.

• The Lie: “We’ll help you out by covering your deductible. We just inflate the total cost on the insurance claim, and you pay nothing out of pocket.”

• The Truth: When a contractor inflates the total bill to absorb the deductible, it is an illegal act of fraud. If caught, you—the homeowner—can be held responsible, potentially facing fines, voiding your insurance policy, or even being charged with a felony. Always pay your deductible.

  
  

4. Demanding Full Payment Upfront (or Cash-Only Deals)

While a small deposit (usually 10%–30%) to cover material costs is normal, a contractor demanding the full payment before any work begins should be avoided.

• The Lie: “We need the full amount now to lock in the price before material costs go up.”

• The Truth: Scammers take the money and disappear. Legitimate roofing contractors use a staged payment schedule (e.g., 30% down, 50% upon delivery of materials, 20% upon final inspection). Never pay in full until the job is 100% complete and you are satisfied.

  
  

5. Presenting a Suspiciously Low-Ball Bid

Price shopping is essential, but if one bid is dramatically lower than all the others, be suspicious.

• The Lie: “We cut out the middleman and can do the job much cheaper than the big guys.”

• The Truth: A low bid often signals the contractor is cutting corners in a major way: using cheap, substandard materials, neglecting crucial code-required elements (like ice and water shield), skipping mandatory permits, or paying unvetted, unskilled laborers. This always leads to a poorly installed roof and premature leaks.

  
  

6. Vague or Incomplete Contracts and Estimates

A professional quote for a new roof should look like a shopping list, not a short letter.

• The Lie: The estimate is just a single number with a line that says “New Roof, Complete Job.”

• The Truth: A trustworthy Minneapolis roofing company provides a detailed written contract specifying the brand and type of shingles (e.g., GAF Timberline HDZ, not just "30-year shingle"), the cost of the tear-off and disposal, the inclusion of code-required flashing and ventilation, and the specific terms of the warranty.

  
  

7. Inability to Provide Proof of License and Insurance

Do not take a roofer's word for it—ask for documents and verify them.

• The Lie: “Oh yes, we’re fully licensed and insured.”

• The Truth: A legitimate contractor must carry General Liability Insurance (to protect your property) and Worker’s Compensation Insurance (to cover their crew). If a worker is injured on your property and the contractor lacks insurance, you can be held liable. Ask for the policy numbers and call the carrier to verify they are active.

  
  

  
  

8. Claiming Damage You Can’t See (or Creating Damage)

Be wary of any roofer who claims your roof is an emergency, especially when you haven't noticed any leaks or problems.

• The Lie: “Your vents are cracked, your flashing is warped, and your decking is exposed—it’s an emergency!”

• The Truth: This is an intentional scare tactic. Insist the contractor use a tablet or phone to take high-resolution, dated photos of any claimed damage before they touch anything. In rare but documented cases, unscrupulous roofers have been caught exaggerating existing damage or purposefully creating new damage with tools.

  
  

  
  

9. Lack of a Verifiable Local Presence

A great Minneapolis roofing company is one you can find long after the storm is over.

• The Lie: The contractor has an out-of-state license plate, a generic cell phone number, and a P.O. box as an address.

• The Truth: Local expertise matters in the Twin Cities. Look for a permanent, physical business address, vehicles branded with the company logo, and a significant history of work in Minneapolis and St. Paul. This ensures they will be around to honor your workmanship warranty.

  
  

  
  

10. Offering to Re-Use Materials (Flashing or Vents)

Cutting corners on the small things is a sign that a contractor is not serious about quality.

• The Lie: “The old flashing looks fine, we’ll just clean it up and reuse it to save you money.”

• The Truth: Flashing, vents, and pipe boots are inexpensive but absolutely critical for preventing leaks. A proper roof replacement includes all new accessories to ensure the entire system has the same lifespan. Reusing old components is a shortcut that guarantees future failure.

  
  

  
  

By being vigilant and choosing a transparent, locally-established Minneapolis roofing company, you can ensure your home gets the durable, high-quality roof it deserves.