Avoid Roofing Scams in Lanham
Hey, if your roof needs work in Lanham, watch out for shady operators, especially after storms. Scammers target homeowners with high-pressure tactics and fake deals. You can stay safe by spotting red flags early and verifying credentials before signing anything.
✓ Verify contractors • ✓ Spot red flags • ✓ Avoid common schemes
Common Residential & Commercial Roofing Scams in Lanham
Be aware of these tactic used by unlicensed operators
Storm Chaser Scam
Out-of-town crews flood Lanham after storms, offering 'special deals' on the spot. They take a big deposit, slap on cheap shingles or patches, then vanish when issues arise. Work often fails quickly, leaving you with leaks and no recourse.
Upfront Payment Trap
Scammers demand 50-100% payment upfront in cash or wire transfer, promising quick work. They start, take the money, and disappear or do minimal work. Your money's gone with no bond to recover it.
Fake Damage Upsell
They claim your roof has extensive 'hidden' damage needing full replacement, when it's minor. Pressure you into expensive, unnecessary work. You pay thousands for repairs you didn't need.
Phantom Warranty Scam
Promise lifetime warranties but use subpar materials. When problems occur, they're unreachable, and warranty is worthless. Roof fails prematurely.
How to Verify a Professional
Insurance
Ask for a certificate of insurance (COI) for general liability (at least $50K) and workers' compensation. Call the insurance company directly using the contact on the COI to ensure coverage is current and matches the roofer.
Licensing
Maryland requires roofers to register with the Maryland Home Improvement Commission (MHIC). Always verify their MHIC license number on the official site: dllr.maryland.gov/license/mhic. Search by license or business name to confirm it's active and no complaints.
References
Request 3-5 recent references from jobs in Prince George's County. Call them yourself to ask about work quality, timeliness, cleanup, and if they'd hire again.
Protection FAQs
Do roofers need a license in Lanham, MD?
What should I do if a roofer demands full payment upfront?
How can I verify a roofer's insurance?
Are door-to-door roofers after storms trustworthy?
What warranties should a good roofer provide?
How do I report a roofing scam in Maryland?
Hire with Confidence
Don't take risks with your property. We connect you with pre-screened, licensed professionals in Lanham.