Ten red flags when hiring a roofer

1. They knocked on your door after a storm Established local roofers are booked solid after hail. They are not canvassing your street.

2. No verifiable local address A truck wrap and a cell number are not a business. Check the state registration and how long the address has existed.

3. Pressure to sign today Real estimates are valid for weeks. "This price is only good if you sign now" is a sales tactic, not pricing.

4. A large deposit More than about a third up front on a roof is a warning sign. Material is typically delivered days before the crew arrives.

5. No proof of insurance sent directly from the carrier Ask for a certificate of general liability **and** workers compensation, emailed by their agent — not a PDF from the salesperson. Without workers comp, an injury on your roof can land on your homeowners policy.

6. The quote is one line "Replace roof — $18,500" tells you nothing. Squares, layers, underlayment, ice-and-water, ventilation, flashing and a per-sheet decking price should all appear.

7. Vague decking language "Decking replaced as needed" with no unit price is an open checkbook.

8. Ventilation is not mentioned A new roof over a poorly vented attic will cook itself and void most manufacturer warranties.

9. Warranty confusion The shingle manufacturer covers the product. The contractor covers the labor. Ask for both in writing, with the workmanship term stated in years.

10. They will not put the crew arrangement in writing Ask directly whether the work is subcontracted, who supervises daily, and who you call if something goes wrong on day two.

Before you sign Verify the license and check whether the company appears in our directory with a trust score. If they are not listed, we cannot verify their record — and neither can you from a yard sign.