Choosing the right roofing contractor protects your home, your finances, and your peace of mind. But across North Carolina, more homeowners are reporting roofing scams, insurance fraud attempts, and high-pressure tactics disguised as “free inspections.”

Fortitude Roofing was built to be the opposite — a high-performance, integrity-driven contractor serving Hampstead, Wilmington, Leland, St. James, and Eastern NC. We lead with transparency, education, and craftsmanship.

Below are the most common roofing scams in North Carolina, the red flags homeowners should never ignore, and how to protect yourself from unethical contractors.

1. The Insurance Scammer (Door-to-Door Claim Pushers)

This is the most common scam today — and ironically, many of these companies appear local.

These roofers canvass neighborhoods, knocking on doors after any small storm (or sometimes no storm at all). Their entire pitch revolves around convincing homeowners to file an insurance claim, even if their roof shows no legitimate storm damage.

Their promise?
“We’ll get your insurance company to replace your roof. All you pay is the deductible.”

Red Flags

“You definitely have storm damage — let us file a claim for you.”
“Your insurance will pay for everything. All you pay is your deductible.”
A free inspection that magically “finds damage” every single time
Pressure to sign a contingency or Assignment of Benefits without explanation
They avoid talking about your roof’s actual condition and repair options.
They push for a claim even when shingles are simply old, not damaged

Why This Scam Is Dangerous

Contractors who push unnecessary claims put you at financial risk:

Filing false claims can lead to policy increases or policy cancellation
If the insurance company denies the claim, the contractor disappears
Some companies falsify photos or exaggerate damage
Homeowners get pulled into insurance fraud without realizing it

How to Protect Yourself

Never file a claim unless real, documented storm damage is present
Ask for photos, videos, and a written inspection report of all damage
Get a second opinion from a reputable, integrity-driven contractor
Avoid anyone who leads with “insurance will cover it”
Call your insurance company to report the behavior

Fortitude Roofing is fluent in insurance — but we refuse to manipulate the system or put homeowners in compromising situations. We educate first, every time

Worried someone pushed you to file a claim? Request a Fortitude Roofing give a Second Opinion

2. The Low-Bid Roofing Scam (Cheap Work, Expensive Problems)

If a roofing quote is dramatically lower than others, that’s a warning — not a deal.

Low-bid contractors win jobs by underpricing, then cut corners on:

Underlayment
Ventilation
Flashing
Fasteners
Labor quality

Red Flags

Considerably lower price compared to other options.
Single point of contact- sales, project management, scheduling, etc.
No explanation to why they install the material they do
No valid explanation of why their price is lower
Same day signing pressure

Why It Fails

Cheap roofing leads to:

Leaks
Voided warranties
Poor nailing patterns
Bad ventilation
Full replacement within a few years
Lack of future accountability, ie, the “taillight warranty”

Looking for high-quality roof replacement options? Explore Roof Replacement Services

3. Deductible Scams (Illegal in North Carolina)

Any contractor offering to “pay your deductible” is encouraging insurance fraud — and putting you at legal risk.

Red Flags

“We’ll handle your deductible.”
Fake or inflated insurance invoices
Adding “extra” charges to cover deductible costs
Trying to bypass your insurance adjuster

Why It’s Illegal

North Carolina law requires homeowners to pay their deductible. Contractors who attempt to hide it in the estimate are breaking the law — and risk dragging you into insurance fraud.

Protect Yourself

Demand transparent pricing
Avoid deductible discounts
Ensure all insurance paperwork matches actual work

4. The Fake “Free Inspection” (Pressure Without Proof)

Some roofers advertise free inspections but rush through your roof, provide little documentation, and push for full replacements.

Red Flags

Quick 5-minute inspection
No photos or videos
“You need a new roof today”
No mention of repair options
No photo report and written description of roof condition

A legitimate contractor provides documentation, education, and clarity — not pressure.

Want a real, photo-documented roofing inspection? Schedule an Inspection

5. Unlicensed or Uninsured Roofers (High Risk)

If a roofer lacks credentials, you could be liable for injuries or property damage.

Red Flags

Not listed with the NC Licensing Board for General Contractors
Won’t furnish Certificate of Insurance when asked
Offers discounts for cash payment
Unsure if a permit is needed for the proposed construction
Low price

Protect Yourself

Ask for insurance certificates
Verify business licenses
Require a written contract and warranty
Avoid all “off-the-books” work

How to Choose a Roofing Contractor You Can Trust

A trustworthy roofing contractor will always:

Show photos and videos of your roof
Provide transparent, detailed estimates
Use premium materials- not found in big box retail stores.
Demonstrate a local, long-term presence
Act as a retail first, restoration second type of contractor.
Communicate proactively
Lead with education, never pressure

You deserve a roofer who does the small things right — every time. That’s how high-performance roofing happens.

Trust Fortitude Roofing — High-Performance Roofing Rooted in your local community

Fortitude Roofing isn’t built on pressure tactics or insurance loopholes. We’re built on:

Integrity
Craftsmanship
Leadership
Transparency
Community impact
Doing what’s right every single time

If you want a roof inspection, a second opinion, or honest advice from a premier local contractor, we’re here to help.

Your home is worth doing right. And we’re the team built to do it right. Contact Fortitude Roofing