How to Tell If a Roofer Is Lying
Want a straight answer about your own roof?
Free inspection, written report, no sales pitch. We cover Johnson, Douglas, Wyandotte and Leavenworth counties.
Most advice about spotting a dishonest roofer is vague. Trust your gut, watch for high pressure, look for reviews. Useful, but not decisive. Kansas gives you something better: an official registration resource you can check before signing.
The four checks
Four checks that filter out most storm chasers
- 1Kansas AG registrationPaid roofing contractors generally need a Kansas registration certificate unless exempt. Ask for the number and verify the current registration through the state resources.
- 2Local city or county licenseOverland Park, Olathe, Lenexa and Johnson County each run their own licensing. State registration alone is not enough.
- 3Certificate of insuranceGeneral liability plus workers compensation, sent directly by their insurance agent rather than forwarded by the salesperson.
- 4A local address you can drive toNot a PO box, and not an out of state number that appeared the week after the storm.
What a lie actually sounds like
Someone who was on your roof
- Names the slope and the course where the damage is
- Shows you dated photos from your address
- Can explain why a bruise is hail and not a blister
- Explains visible conditions without predicting a claim outcome
Someone who was not
- Describes damage in general terms only
- Photos could be any roof in the neighborhood
- Cannot distinguish hail from ordinary wear
- Every roof they look at needs full replacement
Visible impact patterns can be scattered, while gradual wear may appear more broadly across a slope. Those observations do not prove cause or coverage. A roofer can document what is visible. The insurer independently assesses the reported loss.
Visible roof patterns after a storm
Possible impact pattern
- Scattered marks
- Localized granule loss
- Soft spots or bruising
- Exposed mat at some marks
Possible age-related pattern
- Broad changes across a slope
- Gradual granule thinning
- Firm surface between marks
- Blisters or raised areas
The contract is where it gets expensive
Before you sign anything
- The exact shingle line and color are named, not just the brand
- Underlayment type is specified, synthetic rather than felt
- Ice and water shield coverage at eaves and valleys is stated
- Deck replacement is priced per sheet
- Payment is tied to milestones, not paid in full up front
- The workmanship warranty length is written on the contract
- If the job needs a permit, the contract names who is pulling it
Storm chasers, specifically
Reasonable after a storm
- A local company you can find a shop address for
- A free inspection with a written report and photos
- A quote that gives you time to compare
- Willingness to meet your insurance adjuster on site
Reason to close the door
- Out of state number that appeared days after the hail
- Signing required today to hold the price
- Large cash payment before any work begins
- An offer to cover or waive your deductible
Major storms can bring unfamiliar crews into the metro. Verify any contractor through the Kansas registration resources before signing, and confirm that the company name on the registration matches the company named on your contract.
This guide answers
- How to tell if a roofer is lying?
- How to spot a bad roofing company?
- How to tell a cowboy roofer?
- What are some signs a roofer is reputable?
- What to watch out for in a roofing contract?
- Should I accept a free roof inspection?
Sources
Primary references used for the specific claims identified in this guide.
- Roofing Registration
Kansas Attorney General
Kansas roofing-contractor registration requirements and the state resources consumers can use to verify registration.
- Roofing Contractor Registration Application
Kansas Attorney General
The current application requires at least $500,000 in general liability coverage and workers compensation coverage when applicable. It does not verify a contractor's current standing.
Want a straight answer about your own roof?
Free inspection, written report, no sales pitch. We cover Johnson, Douglas, Wyandotte and Leavenworth counties.
