Red Flags in Roofing Contractors
What Commercial Property Owners Should Avoid
Not all roofing contractors are created equal—especially when it comes to commercial flat roofing. The wrong contractor can cost you tens of thousands in repairs, disrupt operations, and cause long-term damage to your building.
This guide outlines the major red flags that indicate a contractor is not qualified to work on your commercial roof.
1.
No Commercial Experience
If a contractor mainly handles residential shingles, they are not equipped for flat roofing.
Red Flags
“We don’t do many commercial jobs, but we can figure it out.”
Can't show examples of commercial buildings they’ve serviced
Doesn’t understand drainage or tapered insulation
2
Poor or Missing Google Reviews
A contractor’s reputation is easier to verify than ever.
Red Flags
Low star rating (under 4.0)
Many recent complaints
Reviews mentioning leaks or callbacks
No reviews at all
No photos or project documentation
Defensive or aggressive replies to customers
3
No Proof of Insurance or Licensing
This is non-negotiable.
Red Flags
“We’re insured, but I don’t have the paperwork with me.”
Asking you to pull the permit
License numbers that can't be verified
Trying to avoid giving documentation
No photos or project documentation
Hiring an unlicensed or uninsured contractor puts your building—and your business—at risk.
4
Vague or Rushed Quotes
A professional contractor should be able to explain every part of the job.
Red Flags
Quotes with no detail
No explanation of layers, materials, or scope
“We can get started today if you pay half now.”
Pressure to commit before you understand the project
A vague quote usually hides vague work.
5
Sloppy or Outdated Website
A contractor’s website says a lot about their professionalism.
Red Flags
No real project photos
No evidence of commercial work
No safety info or credentials
Broken pages or outdated content
A commercial roofer who invests nothing into their online presence probably invests just as little in workmanship.
6
Inability to Explain Drainage
Drainage is the heart of a flat roof system.
Red Flags
Cannot explain slope
Doesn’t mention tapered insulation
Avoids talking about ponding
Has no plan for drains, scuppers, or overflows
If they can’t talk drainage, they don’t understand flat roofs.
7
Weak Flashing and Detail Work
Most flat roof leaks occur around key details such as HVAC units, vents, edges, drains, and other penetrations.
Red Flags
No photos of detail work
Doesn’t reinforce corners or penetrations
Says “That’s not a big deal—we’ll seal it later.”
If they don’t prioritize flashing, they’re not a professional.
8
No Documentation or Photos
Professional roofers document everything.
Red Flags
No before/after photos
No jobsite progress photos
No written inspection reports
No maintenance recommendations
Documentation proves quality.
Lack of documentation hides mistakes.
9
Asking for Large Upfront Payments
Commercial work rarely requires large deposits.
Red Flags
Asking for 50%+ upfront
Pressure to pay immediately
Cash-only requests
No written contract
This is a classic indicator of unreliable contractors—or worse.
10
Poor Communication
Communication problems always lead to installation problems.
Red Flags
Slow response times
Missed calls
No clear schedule
Confusing explanations
If they communicate poorly before the job, it will be worse during the job.
11
No Maintenance or Follow-Up Services
Flat roofs require care. Contractors who walk away after the job usually have something to hide.
Red Flags
“Call us if you see anything wrong.”
No maintenance programs
No annual inspections
No long-term relationships with clients
A good contractor protects your building for years—not just for one job.
12
High-Pressure Sales Tactics
Professional contractors don’t rush you.
Red Flags
“This price is only good today.”
“You need to sign right now.”
“Don’t bother getting other quotes.”
Urgency is usually a distraction from poor quality.
Key Takeaways
Avoid contractors without commercial experience
Check Google reviews and online professionalism
Bad drainage knowledge = future leaks
Weak flashing work is a major red flag
Poor communication leads to poor workmanship
Never hire anyone without licenses, insurance, or documentation
Stay away from high-pressure or unclear quotes
Good roofers don’t hide anything. Bad roofers hide everything.
