Common Summer Roofing Scams and How to Avoid Them
Every summer, storms roll through the Midwest — and unfortunately, so do scammers.
If you own or manage a commercial building in places like Elkhart, South Bend, Toledo, Fort Wayne, or Kalamazoo, this one’s for you.
Because when a big storm hits and your roof takes a beating, you’re not just dealing with leaks and water damage. You’re also suddenly on the radar of shady “contractors” who show up offering fast fixes, too-good-to-be-true pricing, and a business card they printed 30 minutes ago.
We’ve seen it happen too many times.
Fly-by-night roofers, fake contractors, out-of-state crews with no license or insurance — they knock on your door right after the storm. They promise cheap repairs, ask for a deposit up front… and then either disappear, do a terrible job, or leave you stuck with a mess your insurance won’t cover.
It’s not just residential homes getting targeted.
Commercial buildings — especially flat roofs — are a big payday for roof scammers who know most owners are busy, stressed, and trying to protect their investment.
That’s why we put together this guide. It’s not about scare tactics. It’s about helping you spot the red flags and know how to protect your business.
Because summer storms aren’t the only threat — roofing fraud is real, and it’s on the rise in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois.
Red Flag #1: The Contractor Just “Happened to Be in the Area”
This one’s a classic.
You get a knock on the door or a flyer dropped off that says something like,
“We were doing a job nearby and noticed damage on your roof — we can take a look for free.”
Sounds helpful, right? Maybe even lucky?
It’s not.
These so-called contractors often show up right after a big storm, claiming they were already working in the neighborhood. In reality, they’re chasing storm reports, driving in from out of state, and looking for properties that look like easy targets — especially commercial buildings with flat or low-slope roofs.
They count on you being:
Worried about roof damage
Too busy to vet them properly
Unsure of what roof damage actually looks like
Here’s the truth: legit commercial roofing contractors don’t go door to door like that. They’re booked through referrals, repeat business, and professional networks. At American Builders, we don’t have to knock on doors — our work speaks for itself.
If someone randomly shows up claiming they noticed damage, slow down. Don’t let urgency force you into a decision. Always ask:
Are you licensed in this state?
Can you show proof of insurance?
Do you have local references for commercial projects?
Can I see a written inspection report?
If they hesitate or try to talk you out of doing your homework, that’s your sign to move on.
Red Flag #2: No Paper Trail — Just a Handshake and a Cash Deposit
Let’s clear something up right away: Paying a deposit isn’t automatically a red flag.
Most legitimate commercial roofing contractors will ask for a portion upfront to cover materials and scheduling. That’s standard in the industry.
But here’s the difference: a real contractor will always give you paperwork.
You’ll get:
A written estimate
A signed contract
Proof of insurance
A timeline and scope of work
A receipt for your payment
Scammers? Not so much.
They might ask for cash only, avoid giving a receipt, and say things like “we’ll keep it off the books” or “we don’t really do paperwork.” That’s a problem. A big one.
Without a written agreement, you have no proof of what was promised. No leverage if the work is shoddy. No recourse if they vanish after taking your deposit. And no clear warranty if something goes wrong down the road.
We’ve heard from more than one business owner who handed over thousands to someone who seemed legit… and then never saw them again. Or got a patch job so bad, they had to pay again to fix it properly — this time through a trusted contractor.
Here’s your rule of thumb: If they won’t put it in writing, don’t put money in their hand.
Protect yourself and your business. Always get a detailed scope of work, payment terms, and project timeline in writing — even for small repairs.
Red Flag #3: They Pressure You to Sign “Today Only” Deals
This one’s designed to rush you.
You’re told the offer is good only if you sign today. Maybe they say they’ve got leftover materials from another job. Or that they’re “already in the area” and can cut you a deal if you commit right now.
It’s meant to sound like a bargain. But the truth is, legit commercial roofing contractors don’t work like that.
We understand that your roof is a big investment. It deserves careful planning — not high-pressure sales tactics. At American Builders, we encourage you to take your time, get a second opinion if needed, and ask all your questions.
Because here’s what scammers count on:
You’re stressed about possible roof damage
You don’t have a roofing contractor you already trust
You just want it dealt with, fast
They use that stress to force you into a quick decision — usually without giving you enough information, documentation, or time to review the details.
A real contractor will walk you through:
What kind of damage they found
What your options are (repair, restore, replace)
A full breakdown of cost, materials, and timeline
What kind of warranty or guarantee they offer
And they’ll put it all in writing. No pressure. No surprises.
So if someone is trying to get you to sign a “today-only” deal without giving you the time to think, step back. Scammers thrive on speed. Honest roofers respect your process.
Red Flag #4: No Local References or Business Presence
This one’s simple: if they can’t show you where they’ve worked, don’t let them touch your roof.
Too many scammers blow into town after a storm, slap up a few signs, and start knocking on doors. But when you ask for past clients, addresses of recent jobs, or even a business license number — suddenly they go quiet.
A legitimate commercial roofing contractor should have a footprint in your region. That means:
A real business address — not just a P.O. box or rental mailbox
A website that shows commercial work (not just homes)
Reviews and testimonials from other businesses
References you can actually call
Proof of permits pulled in your city or county
If they hesitate or get defensive when you ask for references, that’s your signal. Walk away.
We’ve seen business owners in places like Elkhart, Goshen, South Bend, and even out toward Toledo or Kalamazoo, get burned by out-of-state crews using fake local numbers and made-up company names. These guys do a quick job, get paid, and disappear before the problems start showing up — leaving you with no one to call and no warranty to enforce.
At American Builders, we’re proud of the roofs we’ve built and repaired. We’ll gladly give you local addresses and client names who can speak to our work — because we’re not just passing through. We live and work in the same communities we serve.
If someone can’t show you that kind of credibility, they haven’t earned your business.
How to Vet a Roofing Contractor Before You Say Yes
Now that you know what to watch out for, let’s talk about how to actually choose the right commercial roofer — one who’s qualified, trustworthy, and built to stand behind their work.
Here’s a simple checklist you can use before signing any agreement:
1. Ask for Proof of Licensing and Insurance
If they’re working on commercial roofs in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, or Illinois, they should be fully licensed in that state. They also need both general liability and workers’ comp insurance. Don’t just take their word for it — ask to see the certificates.
2. Check Their Commercial Experience
Not every roofer who’s done houses is qualified for flat or low-slope commercial systems. Ask how many commercial roofs they’ve completed — and in what type of roofing systems (TPO, EPDM, coatings, metal, etc.). Check and see if they have any testimonials.
3. Get a Detailed Written Estimate
This should outline the full scope of work, materials being used, project timeline, and payment schedule. If it’s vague or missing details, that’s a red flag.
4. Look for Local Projects and References
Ask for addresses of nearby commercial jobs they’ve completed in the past year. Look on their website or social media pages to see if they’ve got their portfolio of work on display.
5. Confirm Warranty Information
Reputable contractors will offer a warranty on both labor and materials. Make sure you understand what’s covered, how long it lasts, and who to call if there’s a problem down the line.
6. Trust Your Gut
If something feels off — if they’re dodging your questions, rushing you, or can’t answer clearly — that’s probably not someone you want on your roof.
Final Thought: Protect Your Roof, Protect Your Business
Storm season is already stressful. The last thing you need is to deal with a scam on top of a leak.
At American Builders, we’ve spent years building trust with commercial clients across Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois. We don’t chase storms. We show up, do the job right, and stand behind our work.
If you’re unsure about a recent offer, need a second opinion, or just want to make sure your roof’s in good shape — we’re here to help. No pressure. No gimmicks. Just honest, professional roofing for businesses that don’t have time to waste.
Schedule a Free Roof Assessment Today
We’ll walk your roof, explain what we see, and give you a straight answer — in writing.
Serving Elkhart and surrounding regions throughout Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois.
