How do I verify a roofer’s PA HIC number?

Ask for the PA Home Improvement Contractor number and verify it on the state website. Ours is PA200867. Confirm it’s active and matches the company’s legal name and address.

What’s a safe roofing deposit?

Avoid paying more than 35% upfront. Use milestone-based payments tied to material delivery, tear-off, installation, and cleanup.

Are contractors allowed to ‘handle’ my insurance claim?

Only licensed public adjusters can negotiate with insurers on your behalf. Contractors should document with photos/video and provide a professional report.

What should a legitimate roofing contract include?

Written scope (tear-off, underlayment, drip edge, ventilation, flashing, disposal), timeline, payment milestones, proof of insurance, warranty details, and cleanup requirements.

Do you serve my area?

We serve Berks County and nearby counties including Lehigh, Montgomery, Chester, Lancaster, Lebanon, and Schuylkill. Call 610-587-2709 to confirm.

The Top Roofing Scams in Pennsylvania — and How to Spot Them

sam86878
Nov 11
3 min read

Let’s Get Real About Roofing Scams

Pennsylvania homeowners get hit with roof scams every year — especially after big storms. You’ve seen it: a stranger knocks on your door, offers a “free inspection,” and claims your roof is “definitely damaged.” Before you know it, they’re asking for a deposit, disappearing with your money, or filing false insurance claims in your name.

At Red Patch Roofing, we’re not here to sell fear — we’re here to give you proof over promise and help you spot the warning signs before someone takes advantage of you.

Aerial view of a small town with a mix of houses and buildings, surrounded by autumn trees. Roads and parked cars are visible under an overcast sky.

1. The Storm-Chaser Pop-Up

These are out-of-state companies that flood into towns after hail or wind events. They hand out business cards with temporary phone numbers and pressure you to sign “today only” deals.

The red flags:

Out-of-state license plates on trucks.
No PA HIC number or a fake one.
Claims like “We’re working with your insurance company already.”

How to protect yourself: Ask for a PA HIC number (Home Improvement Contractor license). Verify it on the state’s website. Red Patch Roofing’s is PA200867, valid through 2027 — because we’re local, licensed, and accountable.

2. The Deposit Vanish

Some “contractors” collect a large deposit and then stop returning calls. Others rip off just enough shingles to claim they “started” work, then disappear.

The fix: Never pay more than 35% upfront. Always demand a signed contract with milestones — material delivery, tear-off, installation, cleanup. That’s how we operate. You see progress before you pay the next step.

3. The Warranty That Means Nothing

“Lifetime warranty” sounds good — until you realize it covers the shingles, not the installation. Or worse, it’s void if the company disappears next year.

At Red Patch Roofing, we register every roof directly with the manufacturer and back it with our own workmanship guarantee. If anything goes wrong, you call 610-587-2709, and we answer — no 1-800 numbers, no corporate maze.

Two workers in dark clothing repair a roof, applying materials. The house is red with blue tarp and a chimney. The sky is clear and blue.

4. The “Insurance Claim Specialist” Who Isn’t

Be careful with anyone who says they’ll “handle your insurance claim for you.” If they’re not a licensed public adjuster, they’re not legally allowed to negotiate on your behalf — and you could get dragged into fraud without realizing it.

We document everything with drone footage and photos, provide a professional report, and let you submit it to your insurer. That’s how you stay protected and in control.

5. The Pressure Sales Tactic

You should never feel rushed into signing a roofing contract. If someone says, “This price is only good today,” that’s your cue to walk away.

Roofing is a serious investment — not a door-to-door special. At Red Patch Roofing, we don’t pressure. We educate, document, and let the evidence speak for itself.

How to Verify a Legitimate Roofing Company

Before you sign:

Check their PA HIC number on the official state site.
Ask for proof of insurance (liability + workers comp).
Look for consistent online reviews — not 10 new ones in a single week.
Confirm they have a real business address in Pennsylvania.
Demand before-and-after photos and written scope of work.

A beaver with a hammer, badge labeled "Airborne RR," on tan background. Text: "Red Patch Roofing & Contracting, Leesport, PA."

Local. Veteran-Owned. No Nonsense.

Red Patch Roofing is based in Leesport, PA, serving homeowners across Berks County and surrounding counties. We’re veteran-owned, licensed, insured, and built on a promise that’s simple — proof over promise. When you hire us, you’re hiring a team that shows up on time, documents everything, and delivers results that last.

Call 610-587-2709 or request a drone inspection today. We’ll show you the truth about your roof before anyone else tries to sell you a story.

Protect Your Roof Year-Round

Keep your roof in peak condition with seasonal gutter cleaning and pressure washing. Regular maintenance prevents algae, rot, and hidden moisture damage — saving you thousands down the line.