The Most Common Roofing Scams in Dublin and How to Avoid Them

Few things are more stressful for a homeowner than a leaking roof, and the fear of being taken advantage of in a moment of crisis can make it even worse.

Quick Answer: The most common roofing scams in Dublin are doorstep “we're in the area” pitches, fake emergency damage claims, vague quotes that balloon in price, pressure tactics, and “free” inspections that invent problems. Protect yourself by getting multiple written quotes, checking company details, refusing on-the-spot pressure, and using reputable local companies.

Keep reading for specific red flags to watch for, what to do if you've been targeted, and how to get a transparent, no-pressure inspection in Dublin 15.

Why Roofing Scams Happen in Dublin

With Ireland's wet and windy weather, roofs take a beating. After storms, rogue traders often go door-to-door in areas like Castleknock, Blanchardstown, and Clonsilla offering “quick fixes” at “special prices.” The problem? Many of these jobs are poor quality, wildly overpriced, or not needed at all.

What Counts as a Roofing Scam?

A roofing scam is any practice that deceives a homeowner into paying for unnecessary, inflated, or substandard work. It often relies on urgency, fear, and pressure. In Dublin, we see “storm chasers” appearing after bad weather, vague verbal quotes that double later, and so-called “free inspections” that suddenly find serious problems without proof. The good news: once you know the tactics, they're easy to spot.

The 12 Most Common Roofing Scams in Dublin (and Red Flags)

1. “We're working in the area” pressured doorstep pitch

   • Red flags: No proper branding, unmarked vans, no website, refusal to provide a written quote or VAT receipt.
   • What to do: Don't agree to anything on the doorstep. Ask for business details and say you'll be in touch after checking reviews.

2. Invented emergency damage after a “free inspection”

   • Red flags: Claims of “dangerous loose tiles” or “urgent structural risk” without photos or evidence.
   • What to do: Request photos and a written report. Get a second opinion from a trusted local roofer.

3. Suspiciously cheap quote that explodes later

   • Red flags: Vague scope, no materials list, “we'll see once we're up there.”
   • What to do: Compare with at least two detailed written quotes for the same scope.

4. Today-only pricing

   • Red flags: Pressure tactics, “This is a special offer only today, you need to decide now."
   • What to do: Walk away. Reputable companies give you time to decide and never pressure you to make a decision on the spot.

5. Unnecessary full roof replacement

   • Red flags: Pushing replacement when a targeted repair would do; no explanation of alternatives.
   • What to do: Ask for options and why. For most issues, professional repairs solve the problem without a full replacement.

6. Gutter “cleaning” that leads to invented damage

   • Red flags: “Your fascia is rotten, needs replacement today” with no photos.
   • What to do: Request before/after photos. For genuine issues, see our gutter, fascia & soffit repairs.

7. No paperwork, no warranty

   • Red flags: Refusal to provide written warranty, or VAT details.
   • What to do: Only proceed with companies that provide documentation and a written guarantee.

8. Deposit vanishes, contractor disappears

   • Red flags: Large upfront deposit requests (over 30%) before materials are ordered, no delivery receipts.
   • What to do: Stage payments to progress milestones. Pay only after materials are on site and photographed.

9. Material swap (cheap for premium)

   • Red flags: Quoted for premium slates or specific membranes but lower-grade materials installed.
   • What to do: Ask for product datasheets and photos of packaging on site. Keep a copy for your records.

10. Insurance “help” that inflates the claim

    • Red flags: Encouraging you to exaggerate damage or “let us deal with your insurer” with no paperwork trail.
    • What to do: You speak to your insurer directly. Use photo evidence and reputable quotes. Fraud can void cover.

11. Moss cleaning and coating miracle cures

    • Red flags: Promises that a spray or coating will “waterproof for 20 years.”
    • What to do: Ask for manufacturer-backed warranties. Be wary of aggressive cold callers and unrealistic claims.

12. Scaffold and waste “extras” surprise

    • Red flags: Low headline quote that excludes scaffolding, skip hire, or disposal fees added later.
    • What to do: Ensure the quote clearly includes or excludes scaffolding and waste removal.

How to Protect Yourself (Step-by-Step)

1. Get a proper roof assessment

   • Book a transparent, photo-documented roof inspection. You'll receive clear evidence and a written report.

2. Ask for three written quotes

   • Compare like-for-like scope, materials, timelines, and guarantees. Beware of unusually low or high outliers.

3. Check credentials

   • Verify company details, years in business, and local references.

4. Insist on clarity

   • Every quote should include what's included/excluded, materials, waste removal, and warranty.

5. Avoid pressure

   • Never decide on the doorstep. Take your time, especially after storms when scammers are most active.

6. Cross-check prices against public guidance

   • Review realistic ranges before you decide. Our transparent guide to local pricing is here: Dublin roofing costs.

7. Get scope written in plain English

   • Your quote should list materials (brand/grade), exact areas, waste handling, warranty length, and start/finish dates.

Real Dublin Examples We See (Without Naming Names)

• A homeowner in Blanchardstown was quoted €2,900 on the spot for “urgent ridge work.” Our inspection found only a few loose ridge tiles. Final bill for a proper repair: €270 with photos and a 12-month guarantee.
• In Castleknock, a door-to-door team claimed an elderly couple needed a full roof replacement. We performed a documented inspection: minor flashing repair and gutter reseal, total €190.
• After heavy winds and rain, a Clonsilla family paid cash for “emergency patching” that failed within days. We installed a proper temporary cover, then completed a permanent fix for €410, including waste removal and warranty.

More Patterns We've Noticed Across Dublin 15

• Repeated callbacks after “cheap” repairs. Low-quality sealants used on chimneys that wash away in the next storm.
• Gutter jobs quoted as “simple cleans” that morph into fascia replacement without photos or consent.
• Ridge re-bedding priced fairly, but no ridge unions or clips used—leading to future wind damage.

Our Promise: Transparent, Fair Pricing and Roofing in Dublin

We do everything by the book so you can relax:

• Detailed quotes with scope
• Clear pricing in Euro with no hidden extras
• VAT-compliant, local team and no pressure tactics
• Workmanship guarantees
• Honest advice: if a small repair will do, we'll recommend it

If you suspect you've been targeted, we're happy to provide a second opinion and a proper assessment.

Know Your Consumer Rights in Ireland (Plain-English Overview)

This is not legal advice, but here's what most Dublin homeowners should know:

• You have the right to clear information and a written quote before work starts.
• For off-premises contracts (agreed at your home), a 14-day cooling-off period may apply—unless you explicitly request urgent repairs to start during that period. If you do, you may be charged for the work done.
• You can ask for a VAT invoice.
• If a contractor misleads you or uses aggressive selling practices, report it.

Useful places to contact:

• Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) – guidance on your rights
• Gardaí – if fraud is suspected
• Your insurer – for guidance if damage is storm-related

When in doubt, pause, gather evidence (photos, texts, quotes), and ask a reputable local roofer for an independent assessment.

When to Call a Professional (and What It Should Look Like)

• You see active leaks, missing tiles, or storm damage: request same-day repairs.
• You're unsure if the problem is serious: book a roof inspection for a photo-backed report.
• Your gutters overflow or fascia looks damaged: consider gutter, fascia & soffit repairs.

What a Legitimate Dublin Roofer Will Do

• Provide a clear, written scope with photos of issues found
• Offer options (repair vs replacement) with pros/cons and prices
• Show proof of insurance and VAT registration on request
• Use traceable payments and provide written receipts
• Respect your decision time—no pressure, no scare tactics

Storm-Season Action Plan (Save This Checklist)

1. Take date-stamped photos of your roof and gutters after major storms (from ground level).
2. If you notice damage, protect your interior (buckets, move items) and call a reputable local roofer.
3. Get a temporary cover if rain is incoming; then schedule a permanent fix.
4. Keep every invoice, quote, and photo for insurance.
5. Book preventative roof maintenance before winter.

Conclusion: Stay Scam-Safe and Roof-Safe in Dublin

The bottom line is simple: trust evidence, not pressure. A reputable roofer will show you clear photos, give you options, and put everything in writing. If you ever feel rushed, step back and get a second opinion. Use written, photo-backed quotes, compare like-for-like, and lean on local expertise that understands Dublin 15's weather and housing stock. That's how you protect your home and your wallet.