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🛡️ Consumer Protection Guide

Avoid Roofing Scams in Gonzales, TX

After a storm or when your roof starts showing its age, the last thing you need is to fall victim to a roofing scam. Unfortunately, our area sees its share of contractors who take advantage of homeowners and business owners in need of repairs. Knowing what to look for can save you thousands of dollars and a lot of headaches. Here’s how to spot the red flags and find a roofer you can actually trust in Gonzales County.

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Common Residential & Commercial Roofing Scams in Gonzales

Be aware of these tactic used by unlicensed operators

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The Storm Chaser Scam

A contractor shows up uninvited after a hailstorm or high winds, claiming they spotted damage on your roof. They push you to sign an insurance assignment agreement on the spot and may offer to handle the claim directly. Once paid, they do shoddy work or disappear entirely.

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The Low-Ball Bid Bait-and-Switch

A contractor gives you a suspiciously low estimate compared to everyone else. Once the job starts, they find “unforeseen issues” and demand significantly more money. If you refuse, they walk away with your deposit or leave the job half-finished.

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The Vanishing Warranty

The contractor promises a 10- or 20-year warranty in their sales pitch, but the fine print shows the warranty is only as good as the company itself. Months later, when a leak appears, the phone number is disconnected and the business has vanished.

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The Full Payment Upfront Scam

The roofer demands 50% or more of the total cost upfront for “materials.” They may deliver a few bundles of shingles to your driveway to look legit, then never return to complete the work. You're left chasing them for weeks or months.

How to Verify a Professional

1

Insurance

Ask for a certificate of insurance directly from the contractor’s insurance provider, not a copy they hand you. Verify they carry both general liability insurance (to cover damage to your property) and workers' compensation insurance (to protect you if a worker is injured on your property).

2

Licensing

Texas does not have a statewide contractor license for roofers, but verify the business is registered with the Texas Secretary of State and check for any complaints through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Many reputable roofers also carry certifications from manufacturers like GAF or CertainTeed.

3

References

Ask for at least three recent references from jobs completed in Gonzales or nearby cities. Call each reference and ask about the quality of work, timeline adherence, cleanup, and whether unexpected costs arose. Check online reviews on Google, Nextdoor, and the Better Business Bureau, but take overly perfect reviews with a grain of salt.

Protection FAQs

Do roofers need a license in Gonzales, TX?

Texas does not require a statewide license for roofing contractors. However, reputable roofers register with the Texas Secretary of State and hold manufacturer certifications. Always check for complaints through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) and ask for proof of insurance.

How can I check if a roofing contractor is insured?

Ask for a certificate of insurance (COI) directly from their insurance provider or agent — not just a copy from the contractor. Verify the COI is current, lists the correct business name, and includes both general liability and workers' compensation coverage. You can call the insurance company listed to confirm.

What should a roofing contract include?

A trustworthy contract includes the full scope of work, specific material brands and colors, project timeline with start and end dates, payment schedule (deposit and milestone amounts), cleanup and debris removal terms, warranty details (both workmanship and manufacturer), and a cancellation policy.

What are storm chasers and why are they risky?

Storm chasers are contractors who follow severe weather events, going door-to-door offering roof repairs. They often have temporary phone numbers, no local address, and may leave town before issues arise. It’s safer to work with a roofer who has an established, verifiable presence in Gonzales County.

How much should I pay as a deposit for a roofing job?

A reasonable deposit is typically 10-25% of the total project cost. Be very cautious of anyone asking for 50% or more upfront. Final payment should only be made after the work is complete and you’ve done a final walkthrough to confirm everything is satisfactory.

What should I do if I think I’ve been scammed by a roofer?

Document everything — contracts, photos, payment receipts, and all communications. Report the incident to the Gonzales Police Department, the Gonzales County Sheriff’s Office, and file a complaint with the Texas Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division and the Better Business Bureau.

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