7 Roofing Scams to Avoid in Myrtle Beach: Protect Yourself After Storms (2025)

How it works: A contractor tells you they'll cover your deductible so the roof is "free" to you. What actually happens: they inflate the repair estimate to the insurance company, then do substandard work or use cheaper materials to pocket the difference.

Why it's fraud: Insurance policies require you to pay your deductible. When a contractor "waives" it, they're effectively lying to the insurance company about the actual cost—and you're complicit.

The consequences:

• Your claim can be denied if the insurance company discovers the scheme
• Your policy can be canceled
• You could face insurance fraud charges
• The contractor typically does poor work because they've already committed to leaving money on the table

How it works: Within hours or days of a storm, strangers knock on your door claiming they "noticed damage" on your roof while driving by. They offer a free inspection and pressure you to sign a contract immediately.

Red flags:

• Out-of-state license plates on their trucks
• No local address—just a P.O. box or out-of-town address
• High-pressure "sign today" tactics
• They can't provide local references
• Generic business cards with just a phone number
• They want a large deposit before starting work

What happens: They collect a deposit (often 50% or more), do minimal or no work, then move on to the next disaster area. By the time you realize, they're gone—often to another state where you can't pursue them.

How it works: A contractor demands 50% or more upfront before any work begins. They may claim it's for "materials" or "scheduling priority." Then they disappear with your money.

What's normal: Legitimate contractors may ask for a small deposit (10-30%) to secure materials and schedule the job. Large deposits before work begins are a red flag—especially from contractors you've just met.

Protect yourself:

• Never pay more than 30-33% upfront
• Structure payments in stages tied to completed work
• Hold final payment until you're satisfied with the completed job
• Pay by credit card when possible for chargeback protection
• Get the payment schedule in writing before signing

How it works: The contractor says a handshake deal is fine, or provides a vague one-page "agreement" with no details. When problems arise, you have no documentation to prove what was promised.

Why it matters: Without a detailed written contract, you have no legal recourse if:

• They use cheaper materials than discussed
• They don't complete the full scope of work
• The timeline stretches far beyond what was promised
• Warranty claims are disputed
• The price suddenly increases mid-project

What your contract MUST include:

• Full scope of work with specific details
• Materials to be used (brand, grade, color)
• Total price and payment schedule
• Start date and estimated completion date
• Warranty information (workmanship AND materials)
• Permit responsibilities
• Cleanup and debris removal
• What happens if additional work is needed (change order process)
• Contractor's license number and insurance info

How it works: The contractor says they can skip the permit to "save you money and time." What they're really avoiding is the building inspection that would reveal their substandard work.

Why permits matter:

• Code compliance: Inspectors verify work meets safety standards
• Insurance validity: Unpermitted work may void your homeowner's insurance
• Selling issues: Unpermitted work creates problems when selling your home
• Warranty protection: Manufacturer warranties may be void if not installed to code
• Liability: YOU are responsible for unpermitted work—not the contractor

In Horry County: Full roof replacements and major repairs require building permits. The permit process is straightforward for licensed contractors who do proper work—the only reason to skip it is to hide something.

How it works: You're quoted one price and shown one set of materials, but the installed product is different—cheaper shingles, thinner underlayment, fewer fasteners.

How to prevent it:

• Get specific material specs in writing (brand, model, color)
• Ask to see material samples before signing
• Check that materials delivered match what's in your contract
• Don't let work proceed if wrong materials are delivered
• Take photos of all material packaging/labels

Common substitutions:

• 3-tab shingles instead of architectural
• Synthetic underlayment instead of specified product
• Generic ridge vent instead of branded product
• Fewer fasteners per shingle than code requires
• No starter strip or drip edge

How it works: A dishonest contractor goes on your roof for a "free inspection" and either creates damage (lifting shingles, loosening flashing) or exaggerates minor issues into major problems requiring full replacement.

Protect yourself:

• Don't let unknown contractors on your roof without verification
• Get multiple opinions before major work
• Ask to see photos/video of damage before agreeing to repairs
• Request documentation showing damage location and extent
• If something feels wrong, get a second opinion from an established local company

Before signing anything, verify these items: