The mountain climate of Asheville presents unique challenges for homeowners, especially when it comes to maintaining your roof. Unfortunately, this creates an opportunity for unscrupulous contractors to take advantage of unsuspecting residents. At Lane Roofing and Restoration, we’ve seen too many local homeowners fall victim to roofing scams that leave them with subpar work and empty wallets.
Walking through the historic neighborhoods of Montford or the winding streets of West Asheville, you’ll notice the diverse roofing styles that give our mountain city its character. But behind that charm lies a concerning reality: our region attracts traveling scammers after severe weather events like the intense summer thunderstorms or winter ice that frequently hit our area. These storm chasers know that our unique mountain weather patterns create consistent roofing needs, making Asheville homeowners particularly vulnerable targets.
The Storm Chaser Scam
One of the most common roofing scams in the Asheville area involves contractors who appear suddenly after a major storm. They typically drive unmarked vehicles with out-of-state plates and go door-to-door offering “free roof inspections.”
These storm chasers often claim they’ve noticed storm damage from the street—a near impossible feat given the steep pitches of many Asheville homes hidden among our mountain terrain and tree cover. They create urgency by suggesting your insurance will only cover damage for a limited time (typically false) and pressure you to sign paperwork immediately.
What many homeowners don’t realize is that the document they’re signing often contains assignment of benefits (AOB) language that gives the contractor legal rights to your insurance claim money. By the time you realize what’s happened, they’ve collected payment from your insurance company and either disappeared or performed shoddy repairs using substandard materials not suited to our mountain climate.
The Disappearing Down Payment
Another common scam targets homeowners in neighborhoods like Kenilworth, Biltmore Forest, and North Asheville, where higher home values make for more lucrative targets. The scam begins with a contractor offering surprisingly low estimates compared to legitimate local companies.
The catch comes when they demand a large down payment—often 50-70% of the total project cost—claiming they need it to “secure materials” specific to your project. They might cite supply chain issues affecting the availability of materials needed for Asheville’s historic homes or claim special ordering for materials that can withstand our mountain weather extremes.
After receiving your down payment, they either disappear completely or perform minimal work before claiming “unexpected complications” require additional payment. Many Asheville homeowners have lost thousands of dollars to these schemes, especially those with specialty roofing needs like slate tiles for historic homes or metal roofing systems for modern mountain architecture.
The Unsolicited “We Were Just in the Neighborhood” Approach
Given Asheville’s terrain, with neighborhoods spread across various mountains and valleys, it’s highly suspicious when a contractor claims they “just happened” to be working nearby and noticed issues with your roof. Our city’s layout makes random neighborhood visits inefficient for legitimate contractors who carefully plan their work routes.
These scammers often claim they have “leftover materials” from a nearby job and can offer you a special deal. This approach is particularly common in our older neighborhoods like Five Points or Oakley, where roofs tend to show visible aging.
The reality is that professional roofing companies like ours calculate materials precisely. We don’t have significant “leftovers” that would allow for entire roofing jobs at discount rates. When homeowners accept these offers, they typically receive improper materials that aren’t appropriate for our climate’s humidity fluctuations and freeze-thaw cycles.
The “Special” Coating or Treatment Scam
Some scammers target Asheville’s environmentally conscious community by offering “special” roof coatings supposedly designed to improve energy efficiency or extend roof life. They might claim these treatments are particularly beneficial for homes in our region due to Asheville’s higher elevation and increased UV exposure.
In reality, these “miracle” coatings are often nothing more than watered-down paint or cheap sealant that washes away after a few mountain rainstorms. Some homeowners have even reported damage from improper chemical applications that void manufacturer warranties and cause premature roof deterioration.
This scam particularly targets our senior community in areas like Haw Creek or Reynolds Mountain, where aging roofs might benefit from legitimate maintenance options, but not the “magic” solutions these scammers are peddling.
How to Protect Yourself from Roofing Scams
Knowing the common scams is just the first step. Here’s how Asheville homeowners can protect themselves:
Verify Local Presence
Legitimate roofing companies have deep roots in the Asheville community. At Lane Roofing, we’re based at 211 Summit St in Asheville and have built our reputation as a trusted local business since 2021. Our ties to the community matter, and we’re familiar with the specific needs of homes throughout Buncombe County.
Before hiring any roofing contractor, verify they have a physical location in or near Asheville. Drive by their office if possible. Be wary of companies that only list a P.O. box or have no local address at all. Ask how long they’ve been working in Western North Carolina specifically—not just how long they’ve been in business generally.
Check Credentials Thoroughly
North Carolina requires roofing contractors to be licensed for projects over $30,000. Even for smaller projects, reputable contractors will carry liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. Ask for proof of both and call the insurance company to verify the policy is active.
Beyond these basics, look for contractors with manufacturer certifications. These indicate the roofer has received specialized training for installing specific products—an important consideration given our region’s weather challenges. Proper installation matters tremendously in our mountain climate with its heavy rains, occasional snow, and dramatic temperature fluctuations.
Get Multiple Written Estimates
Never accept a verbal estimate or feel pressured to make an immediate decision. Legitimate Asheville roofing contractors understand that homeowners need time to consider such a significant investment. We always provide detailed written estimates that break down material costs, labor, and other expenses.
Getting multiple estimates not only helps you gauge a fair price but also allows you to compare the scope of work different contractors propose. If one estimate is significantly lower than others, that’s often a red flag rather than a good deal—especially in Asheville where quality materials are needed to withstand our mountain weather patterns.
Research Their Reputation
The close-knit nature of Asheville’s community is your advantage when researching contractors. Check online reviews across multiple platforms, but also ask neighbors, friends, and family about their experiences. Local social media groups for neighborhoods like East Asheville, West Asheville, or Candler often have discussions about reliable service providers.
The Better Business Bureau is another valuable resource. Lane Roofing maintains an A+ BBB rating, which reflects our commitment to ethical business practices and customer satisfaction. Look for contractors who have established positive relationships throughout the Asheville area.
Understand Your Insurance Process
If you’re working with insurance for storm damage—common after the severe thunderstorms that roll through our mountains—understand that you don’t need to sign over your rights to the contractor. You can manage your own claim while still hiring them for the repair work.
Be wary of contractors who claim they’ll “handle everything” with your insurance company or who offer to pay your deductible. These practices often signal fraudulent intent and can potentially involve you in insurance fraud. Instead, work with a contractor who will help you document damage properly but still allows you to maintain control of your claim.
Payment Protection Strategies
Even after finding a legitimate contractor, protect yourself financially by following these payment practices:
First, never pay the full amount upfront. While material deposits are sometimes necessary, especially for custom materials needed for some of Asheville’s unique architectural styles, they shouldn’t exceed 25-30% of the total project cost.
Second, establish a payment schedule tied to completion milestones. This gives you leverage if work isn’t progressing as agreed and protects you from contractors who might otherwise take your money and move on to other jobs.
Third, avoid cash payments. Checks, credit cards, or other traceable payment methods create a record of your transaction and may offer additional protection if disputes arise. Many Asheville residents have learned this lesson the hard way after providing cash to contractors who subsequently disappeared.
Finally, withhold final payment until you’re completely satisfied with the work. Inspect the completed roof thoroughly—or better yet, have an independent inspector review it—before making your final payment. This final check is especially important given our region’s challenging weather conditions that require precise installation techniques.
Red Flags That Should Raise Immediate Concern
Beyond the specific scams mentioned earlier, watch for these warning signs that suggest a contractor may not be legitimate:
Be wary of anyone who creates excessive urgency. While some roof issues genuinely need immediate attention, most allow time for proper research and planning. Contractors who push for immediate decisions are often trying to prevent you from doing your due diligence.
Question contractors with no references specific to the Asheville area. Our region’s unique climate and housing styles create specific roofing challenges that require experience to address properly. A contractor without local references likely lacks the specialized knowledge needed.
Be skeptical of door-to-door solicitation, especially after storms. Legitimate local companies are usually too busy with existing customers to go door-knocking. This approach is particularly common in neighborhoods like Leicester or Candler after severe weather events.
Avoid contractors who offer to “eat” or waive your insurance deductible. This practice is illegal and indicates a willingness to engage in fraudulent activities that could potentially implicate you as well.
Building Trust in the Asheville Roofing Community
At Lane Roofing, we’ve built our reputation on honesty, quality workmanship, and transparency. We understand that our mountain community faces unique challenges with our variable weather patterns, from summer storms to winter ice, that can take a toll on roofing systems.
What sets reputable local contractors apart is our investment in the community. We live here too, shop at the same local businesses, hike the same trails, and experience the same weather events. We’re accountable to our neighbors and committed to maintaining our reputation in this place we call home.
If you’ve experienced a roofing scam or are concerned about a contractor’s practices, resources are available. The North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors, the NC Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division, and the Better Business Bureau all provide ways to report suspicious activity.
Remember that protecting your home starts with protecting yourself from potential scams. By taking time to research, verify credentials, and trust your instincts, you can find honest, skilled professionals who will treat your Asheville home with the care it deserves.
Your roof is too important—and your investment too significant—to entrust to anyone who hasn’t earned your confidence through demonstrated professionalism and local expertise. When you choose carefully, you not only protect your home but also support ethical business practices in our mountain community.