Overview

If you’re thinking about getting your roof replaced or repaired, it’s tempting to go with the lowest bid. After all, who doesn’t want to save money? But for roofing, cheaper rarely means better. In this blog post, Black Anchor Roofing’s roofers will walk you through why some roofing bids seem too good to be true, what corners are often cut, and how to make a smart choice that protects your home and your wallet in the long run.

Highlights

Introduction

Maybe you’ve collected a few quotes and noticed one contractor coming in way lower than the others. Choosing the cheapest option might seem like a no-brainer, especially if the contractor promises a fast turnaround. However, when a roofing bid is too low, there’s usually a reason. And unfortunately, the real cost often shows up later.

After a year or two, their “budget roof” might have started leaking, shingles might have peeled off in the wind, or mold might have crept into the attic. Fixing problems afterward almost always costs more than having the job done right the first time.

What’s Really Missing From That Low-Cost Roofing Quote

When you look at a roofing quote, it might seem like all the basics are there. You’ll probably see things like the type of shingles, the total cost, and an estimated timeline. A low bid often leaves out a lot of important details—and that’s where the problems begin.

Roofing Underlayment and Moisture Protection Are Often Skipped

One of the first things to go is usually the underlayment. This is the layer between your shingles and the wood deck of your roof. It’s your last line of defense if water gets under the shingles. Without it, you’re just one heavy rainstorm away from a leak.

Some roofers will also skip adding an ice and water shield, especially around the edges and valleys where leaks are most common. This might save them money but can leave your home unprotected during freeze-thaw cycles or storms.

Cheap Roofing Jobs Rarely Include Proper Flashing

Flashing is the metal that seals edges and openings like chimneys, skylights, and vents. It keeps water from seeping into those vulnerable spots. Replacing or properly sealing flashing takes time and care, so a contractor trying to keep costs low might just reuse old flashing or skip it altogether.

This can lead to slow leaks you won’t notice until there’s serious damage inside your home. When you find water stains on your ceiling or mold in the attic, you’ll wish they had done it right the first time.

Low Bids May Not Cover Roofing Tear-Off and Disposal

The wood beneath your shingles needs to be solid. If it’s soft, wet, or rotting, it won’t hold nails well, and your new shingles won’t stay put for long. Quality roofers always check the roof decking and replace any bad spots.

In low-cost jobs, this step is often skipped completely. They’ll just install the shingles on top of whatever’s there, even if it’s damaged. It might look fine when they leave, but the problems will appear sooner than you think.

Why Roofing Materials Matter More Than You Think

When it comes to roofing, it’s easy to focus on price tags and overlook what’s actually being installed on your home. But the truth is, not all roofing materials are created equal—and the ones you let your contractor choose can make a huge difference in how long your roof lasts and how well it protects your home. What might seem like a great deal upfront can lead to expensive problems down the road if low-quality materials are used.

Inferior Roofing Products Cause Bigger Issues Over Time

When a roofing quote seems unusually low, the shingles are often where corners get cut. Cheap shingles may look fine when they’re first installed, but they tend to wear out much faster.

And it’s not just the shingles you need to worry about. Cheap roofing jobs often include low-grade materials across the board. That includes nails, flashing, sealants, and even vents. These items might seem small, but they all play a major role in keeping your roof watertight and secure.

Here’s what you might end up with when materials are chosen based on cost instead of quality:

  • Shingles that curl or crack after just a few seasons
  • Sealants that dry out and peel faster
  • Nails that rust or pop out, letting moisture in
  • Flashing that bends or pulls away under pressure

Over time, these small issues can lead to leaks, water damage, and mold growth, all of which cost way more to fix than they would to prevent.

Cheap Roofing Materials Aren’t Always Right for Your Climate

Some materials aren’t rated for the kind of weather you deal with. If you live in an area with heavy snow, frequent rain, or extreme sun, your roof needs to be built with that in mind. A roofing contractor focused on quality will help you choose materials that match your home’s needs.

But a contractor offering rock-bottom pricing usually buys whatever is cheapest rather than what’s best for your house. You don’t want to take that risk with something as important as your roof.

Hiring Unlicensed Roofers Can Lead To Major Trouble

Something a lot of homeowners don’t check is whether the roofer is licensed and insured. When you get a low roofing bid, there’s a good chance it’s coming from someone not properly qualified to do the work in the first place.

Unlicensed Roofing Contractors Put You at Legal Risk

If a contractor isn’t licensed, they aren’t legally allowed to do roofing work in most areas. That means if something goes wrong or the work doesn’t meet the code, you have no real way to hold them accountable. Worse yet, if your city or town finds out you’re using an unlicensed roofer, you could be the one who ends up with fines or stop-work orders.

Cheap Roofers Disappear When Things Go Wrong

Here’s something we’ve seen too many times: a homeowner hires a low-cost roofer, the job goes badly, and when they try to get help, the company is nowhere to be found. No phone calls were returned. No office to visit. No website. Nothing.

Reputable roofing companies are in it for the long haul. They want to build trust and relationships in the community. Fly-by-night contractors just want to move fast, get paid, and disappear. That’s why it’s always worth doing your homework before choosing a roofing company and why the lowest bid isn’t the best choice.

Roofing Insurance Protects You When the Contractor Has It

The reason roofing companies carry insurance is to protect both you and them. If a worker falls off your roof and the contractor isn’t insured, you could be sued for medical bills. If the roof leaks and causes water damage inside your home, you’ll have to pay for repairs yourself.

Here’s a quick list of what can go wrong when a roofing contractor isn’t insured:

  • You could be liable for injuries on your property
  • Your homeowner’s policy may deny damage coverage
  • You might not have legal options if the work is poor or unfinished

Always ask for proof of liability insurance and worker’s compensation before roofing work starts. If the contractor hesitates or says you “don’t need to worry about that,” that’s a huge red flag.

The Truth About Roofing Warranties From Low-Bid Contractors

Low-cost contractors often offer a “warranty,” but it usually has vague language, very short timeframes, or hard-to-follow rules. You might be told you’re covered for five or ten years, but if the roof starts leaking after two, you may find out the warranty doesn’t apply to your issue.

Manufacturer Roofing Warranties May Be Voided

Roofing materials like shingles often come with their own manufacturer warranty, but only if they’re installed correctly. That means if your roofer cuts corners or skips steps, the manufacturer can void the coverage altogether.

Some of the things that can void a manufacturer’s warranty include:

  • Improper installation, including not following instructions for nailing or placement
  • Skipping underlayment or using off-brand sealants
  • Poor ventilation causes shingles to overheat or curl
  • Layering new shingles over old ones instead of starting fresh

So, while the shingles might technically have a “25-year warranty,” that warranty could disappear the moment a low-bid contractor rushes through the job.

How To Spot a Fair Roofing Quote That’s Built To Last

Not all roofing quotes are shady. There are plenty of reputable roofing companies out there that provide fair and honest quotes for their services.

Here are some key things to look for:

  • A full breakdown of materials being used, including brand names and product types
  • Clear labor costs, disposal fees, and clean-up expectations
  • Details about warranties, both on the materials and the workmanship
  • A timeline for the job, including how long it will take and when they can start
  • A plan for permits and inspections if your area requires them

A good roofer won’t rush you to sign anything. They’ll take the time to explain their recommendations, show proof of insurance and licensing, and tell you why certain materials are being used. They’ll also walk your roof, check the attic, and point out any issues that need attention rather than just throwing a number at you based on square footage.

Get It Done Right the First Time

You don’t replace your roof often, so when it’s time, it’s worth doing it right. A cheap roofing bid might feel like a win at first, but the hidden costs, poor materials, and rushed work can quickly turn it into a major headache. Paying a little more for proper materials, skilled installers, and a trustworthy company gives you the reassurance that your home is truly protected.

If you’re ready to talk to someone who cares about doing the job the right way, Black Anchor Roofing is here to help. We’ll walk you through your options, answer your questions, and make sure you get a roof that’s built to last. Reach out to us today at (410) 205-9562 to get a quote you can count on!