Top 5 Roofing Scams to Avoid After a Storm in Durham County
Your Guide to Honest Roof Repairs After Severe Weather in Durham County
When a storm hits, your first priority should be assessing the damage and protecting your home — but unfortunately, it is also when scam artists strike. After every major storm in North Carolina, homeowners in Durham County report fraudulent contractors, misleading insurance advisors, and high-pressure sales tactics. These scams can lead to denied insurance claims, poor workmanship, or thousands of dollars in unrecoverable losses.
At United Contracting, we have helped countless homeowners recover from storm damage the right way — and we have also helped many fix problems caused by dishonest contractors. In this article, we outline the top five roofing scams to watch out for after a storm and how to choose a reputable contractor you can trust.
Why Roofing Scams Increase After Storms
Storm events bring urgency. Homeowners need quick help, often before another rain event causes further damage. Out-of-state “storm chasers” and unlicensed contractors prey on this urgency. These individuals go door-to-door, use fear-based sales tactics, and promise quick fixes or huge discounts.
The result? Homeowners may end up with incomplete repairs, voided warranties, or insurance problems that could have been avoided.
Scam #1: Out-of-State “Storm Chasers”
Storm chasers are companies that travel from state to state following major weather events. They often set up temporary business addresses and flood neighborhoods with door-to-door salespeople.
How they operate:
- Offer a “free roof” or "no deductible" deal
- Use aggressive sales tactics
- Pressure you to sign a contract on the spot
- Disappear once the work is complete — or not completed at all
Why to avoid them:
- No local business license or reputation
- Difficult to reach for warranty issues or service follow-up
- May not comply with North Carolina building codes
What to do instead: Always verify that your contractor has a local address, license, and references. At United Contracting, we are based near Louisburg and have deep roots in the Durham County community.
Scam #2: Requiring Full Payment Upfront
No reputable contractor should ask for full payment before any work begins. A common scam is requesting a large deposit or the entire balance “to secure materials,” only to delay the work or disappear completely.
Red flags:
- Requests for cash or untraceable payment methods
- No contract or written scope of work
- Refusal to pull permits or provide proof of insurance
How United Contracting operates: We provide a detailed, written estimate with a contract. For insurance-backed jobs, payments are made according to the insurance schedule, never upfront in full.
Scam #3: “Free Roof” Offers That Violate Insurance Rules
Some contractors offer to “waive your deductible” or give you a “free roof” by inflating the insurance claim. This is insurance fraud, and it can put both the contractor and homeowner at legal risk. If caught, your claim could be denied, and your policy canceled.
Key facts:
- North Carolina law prohibits contractors from adjusting claims
- Insurance companies audit storm claims for discrepancies
- Fraudulent practices can invalidate your coverage
Smart move: Choose a contractor who follows ethical insurance claim practices and works within the guidelines of your policy.
Scam #4: Shoddy or Incomplete Work
Some scammers do just enough to appear legitimate. They may install new shingles over damaged decking or reuse old flashing and nails, compromising your roof’s integrity and voiding the manufacturer warranty.
Common tactics include:
- Replacing only part of the damaged roof
- Using substandard materials
- Rushing the job without inspection
- Failing to pull required permits
How to avoid this: Ask for a detailed breakdown of materials and scope of work. United Contracting uses manufacturer-approved materials, pulls all required permits, and conducts thorough inspections during and after every job.
Scam #5: Fake Damage and Roof Fraud
In some cases, unscrupulous individuals damage the roof themselves during “free inspections” to make it appear storm-damaged. This is another form of insurance fraud, and if discovered, the homeowner could be held responsible.
Signs of this scam:
- Inspector goes on the roof without your permission
- No clear evidence of storm damage
- Pressure to file a claim quickly without proper documentation
Our process at United Contracting: We document all storm damage with high-resolution photos and written reports. Our inspections are transparent and honest — no pressure, no deception.
How to Avoid Roofing Scams in Durham County
- Choose a local contractor with a proven track record
United Contracting is family-owned and based right here in the Triangle. We have built our reputation on quality work and honest service. - Verify license, insurance, and permits
We are fully licensed and insured in the state of North Carolina and handle all permitting for our projects. - Ask for references and local project history
We are happy to provide contact info for past customers and showcase projects in Durham, Wake, and Franklin counties. - Read the fine print
Always get a signed contract, and never sign a contingency agreement without understanding your rights. - Be cautious with high-pressure sales
If someone is pressuring you to act immediately without details, that is a red flag. We believe in informed decisions, not scare tactics.
Frequently Asked Questions About Roofing Scams
How do I check if a contractor is licensed in North Carolina?
You can verify a contractor’s license through the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors. Always ask for a license number and check it against the database.
What should a roofing contract include?
A legitimate contract should include the scope of work, materials used, payment schedule, estimated start and end dates, warranty details, and terms for cancellation.
Is it legal for a contractor to waive my deductible?
No. North Carolina law requires homeowners to pay their policy deductible. Any attempt to waive it through inflated estimates or side deals is considered insurance fraud.
Should I report suspected scams?
Yes. If you believe a roofing contractor is engaging in fraudulent behavior, you can report them to the North Carolina Department of Insurance or the Better Business Bureau.
Trust United Contracting After the Storm
When a storm damages your home, you need more than just a quick fix — you need a contractor you can trust. At United Contracting, we have years of experience in storm restoration, insurance claims, and roofing replacement throughout Durham County and the greater Triangle area.
We offer:
- Free roof inspections with photo documentation
- Insurance claim support and honest assessments
- High-quality, warrantied roofing materials
- Fully licensed and insured crews
- Local service with long-term accountability
Do not let scammers take advantage of your storm recovery. Let us help you restore your roof the right way.
Call:
(984) 363-7670
Email: kyle.h@unitedcontracting.llc
Website: https://unitedcontracting.llc
Business Hours: Monday through Friday 9 AM – 6 PM, Saturday 10 AM – 6 PM
