Most roofers in Ontario are honest tradespeople. But every year, especially after a big wind or hail storm, we get calls from homeowners who paid someone who disappeared, or who were pressured into work they didn't need. A roof is expensive and hard to inspect yourself, which makes it an easy target.
Here are the red flags we see most often.
1. They Knock on Your Door After a Storm
"Storm chasers" follow severe weather from town to town. They knock on doors, point at "damage" you can't see from the ground, and offer to start right away. Some are legitimate, but many are out-of-town crews with no local address, no reviews and no plan to be around when the warranty matters.
2. They Find Damage You Can't Verify
Be wary if someone goes up on your roof uninvited and comes down with photos of broken shingles. Ask to see the damage yourself, or get a second opinion from a local roof inspection before you agree to anything.
3. They Want Cash, or Most of the Money Up Front
A deposit to order materials is normal. Paying the full amount, or most of it, before work begins is not. Cash-only deals with no written contract leave you with nothing to fall back on if the job goes wrong.
4. There's No Written Contract
Every roofing job should have a written contract with the company's legal name, address, the full scope of work, materials, price, payment schedule and warranty. "We'll sort out the details later" is a warning sign.
5. The Deal Expires Today
"This price is only good if you sign now" is a sales tactic, not a roofing fact. A real quote is good for a reasonable period so you can compare it with others.
6. They Have "Leftover Materials" From a Job Nearby
The classic line: "We just finished a roof down the street and have shingles left, so we can do yours cheap." Leftover materials rarely match your roof, and the offer is usually a way to get paid for a rushed, unpermitted job.
7. They Can't Show Insurance or WSIB Coverage
A legitimate roofing company can show proof of liability insurance and WSIB coverage. Without them, if a worker is injured on your property or your home is damaged, you may be left dealing with the cost.
8. They Offer to "Take Care of" Your Insurance Deductible
Some contractors offer to waive or absorb your deductible by inflating the claim. That can be insurance fraud, and you're the one who signs the claim. A good roofer will document the damage honestly and work with your insurer, not around them.
9. They Have No Local Address or Track Record
Look for a physical address, a local phone number, recent reviews and photos of past work in your area. A company that has been in the community for years has a reputation to protect.
Know Your Rights on Contracts Signed at Home
Under Ontario's Consumer Protection Act, contracts signed at your home (rather than at the business's office) generally come with a 10-day cooling-off period, during which you can cancel without giving a reason. Check the current rules on the Government of Ontario website if you're unsure, and keep a copy of everything you sign.
How to Check a Roofer Before You Hire
- Search the company name with "reviews" and look at Google reviews over several years.
- Ask for proof of liability insurance and a WSIB clearance certificate.
- Ask for references or addresses of recent jobs nearby.
- Get the warranty in writing, including who honours it.
- Compare at least two or three written quotes. See our guide on how to compare roofing quotes.
Talk to a Local Roofer You Can Check Up On
Ontario Tech Roofing has served Oakville, Burlington, Hamilton and the GTA since 1998. We'll show you our insurance and WSIB documents, give you a written, itemized quote, and never pressure you to sign on the spot.
Call 905-616-4408 or book a free estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it a scam if a roofer comes to my door?
Not always, but it's a reason to slow down. Get the company's full name and address, check reviews, and get a second opinion before agreeing to any work.
What should I do if I think I've been scammed by a roofer?
Stop payment if you can, keep all paperwork and messages, and contact Consumer Protection Ontario. If money was taken under false pretences, report it to your local police as well.
How can I tell if storm damage is real?
Look for missing shingles on the ground, dents in eavestroughs or vents, and granules washing out of downspouts. A local roofer can inspect the roof and give you dated photos you can share with your insurer.