Avoid Roofing Scams in Brooklyn
Hey, roofing scams are rampant in Brooklyn, especially after storms. Shady operators knock on doors promising cheap fixes but leave you with bigger problems and lighter wallets. Follow these simple steps to protect your home and family—spot the fakes and connect with real pros.
✓ Verify contractors • ✓ Spot red flags • ✓ Avoid common schemes
Common Residential & Commercial Roofing Scams in Brooklyn
Be aware of these tactic used by unlicensed operators
Storm Chaser
Out-of-town crews swarm after bad weather, offer 'deals' on urgent repairs, grab deposits, then botch the job or ghost.
Bait-and-Switch
Ultra-low bid to hook you, then 'surprise' issues jack up costs mid-job.
Shoddy Materials
Sells cheap knockoff shingles as premium brands—they fail fast, void warranties.
No Permits
Skips NYC DOB permits to cut corners, leading to fines, failed inspections, or unsafe roofs.
How to Verify a Professional
Insurance
Demand certificates of general liability (min $1M) and workers' comp insurance. Call the insurer directly to verify coverage dates and limits—no trusting just the paper. Uninsured crews risk liens on your property.
Licensing
Search the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) website for the contractor's Home Improvement Contractor (HIC) license by name or number. Roofing qualifies as home improvement in NYC—confirm it's active. Call DCWP at (718) 722-3131 if needed.
References
Request 3+ recent Brooklyn jobs. Call each one to verify quality, punctuality, and cleanup. Cross-check reviews on BBB.org, Google, and Yelp for patterns.
Protection FAQs
Do roofers need a license in Brooklyn?
Is upfront payment ever okay?
How to spot fake insurance?
Why avoid door-to-door roofers?
What permits for Brooklyn roofing?
Scammed already? What to do?
How to safely hire a roofer?
Hire with Confidence
Don't take risks with your property. We connect you with pre-screened, licensed professionals in Brooklyn.