Risks Involved When Hiring The Cheapest Roofing Company

Sep 29

A new roof isn’t something you need every year - thank goodness. In fact, a roof replacement is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make in your home. Because of this, many homeowners in the DMV get sticker shock when they see the cost of a quality roofing project. The natural reaction is usually to start hunting for the lowest price around. But this isn’t the best idea.

The problem is that the cheapest roofer usually comes with risks that might not show up until after the job is done. These risks include:

Cutting Corners
Short or Weak warranties
Unavailability
Cheap quality materials
Unfavorable in the long run
Shortened roof lifespan

That bargain roof can quickly turn into a money pit with leaks, repairs, or even a total replacement way before it should be necessary.

Let’s walk you through the biggest risks of hiring a cheap roofing company, so you know what to avoid and how to protect your DMV home.

1. Cheap Roofers Cut Corners

When a roofer learns you only care about the lowest bid, they will cut corners and slash prices just to win your business. There are lots of ways to cut corners including…

Leaving important items off the estimate, and surprising you with the “overage” afterwards.
Using low-quality roofing materials
Hiring unskilled or cheap labor

At first glance, you might think you scored a deal. But later on, when leaks start or pieces of your roof fail, you’ll see exactly what you paid for (or didn't).

2. Short or Weak Workmanship Warranties

A good roofing company stands behind its work with a solid workmanship warranty. This type of warranty protects you if something goes wrong because of poor installation.

Cheap roofing companies rarely offer strong warranties. Instead, they’ll give you a short warranty that barely covers the first few years. Once that’s up, you’re on your own. No protection or accountability, whatsoever.

In the DMV, reputable roofers often provide 10 years or more of workmanship coverage. Anything significantly less than that should be a red flag. Also, manufacturers offer enhanced warranties when certified contractors install their products. These warranties can cover both labor and materials for decades.

Here’s the catch though: cheap roofers usually don’t have those certifications. And without them, you’re stuck with limited or voided warranties. That means if materials fail, you’ll be left paying for replacements yourself.

3. They Might Not Be Around When Problems Show Up

A lot of storm-chasing roofing companies open up shop, underbid everyone, and then disappear when things get tough.

If you hire storm chasers, don’t expect them to be around when your roof starts leaking. That means any warranty you thought you had is worthless.

This is why it’s so important to hire a local roofing contractor with an established history in the DMV, like DA Roofers. Longevity equals reliability.

4. You’ll Get the Quality You Paid For

Roofs are not the place to cut corners. Quality materials and skilled labor cost more. It’s that simple. When you hire a cheap roofer, you’ll likely get:

Thin shingles that wear out faster
Improper flashing that leads to leaks
Poor ventilation that shortens your roof’s lifespan
Rushed and unskilled labor lead to improper installation

A good roof looks clean, performs well, and lasts for decades. A cheap roof, on the other hand, can start showing problems almost immediately.

5. You’ll Spend More Money in the Long Run

It might feel like you saved money at first, but cheap roofs often lead to higher costs over time. Why is that?

You’ll pay for frequent repairs.
Your warranty won’t cover most issues.
When the “affordable” roofer won’t pick up the phone, you’ll need to hire a new roofer.

So, at the end of the day, that “budget” roof ends up being far more expensive than investing in quality from the start.

6. Your Roof Won’t Last as Long as It Should

A roof is supposed to last 20–30 years, sometimes longer depending on materials. But with poor installation and cheap materials, you might only get 10–15 years (or even less).

That’s a huge loss on your ROI. Even if you splurge on better shingles but go with a cheap labor crew, bad workmanship will still cut the roof’s lifespan short.

Conclusion: Don’t Gamble With Your Roof

Your roof protects everything under it: your family, your belongings, and the value of your home. Going cheap on such a major investment almost always backfires.

If you’re a DMV homeowner, the smartest choice is to work with a trusted, established roofing company, like DA Roofers, who values quality over cutting corners. You’ll pay a fair price for sure, but you’ll also get peace of mind, long-lasting protection, and a roof that truly adds value to your home.

FAQs

Is it worth hiring the cheapest roofing company?

No. While the upfront price looks attractive, a budget roof usually means poor quality, weak warranties, and higher costs over time. It's not worth it.

What problems can happen if a roof is installed incorrectly?

Improper installation due to cheap labor can lead to leaks, sagging, mold growth, and even structural damage to your home. That's why it's important to go for skilled roofers who will use quality materials and install everything correctly.

Do all cheap roofers use lower quality materials?

Almost always. To keep costs down, cheap roofers usually cut corners with cheaper shingles, nails, underlayment, and flashing. They may also skip some steps altogether. Combined, these cost-cutting measures have negative effects on the roof.

How do I know if a roofer is trustworthy?

It's quite easy to know if a roofer is trustworthy. Just check online reviews, ask for proof of insurance, and look for manufacturer certifications. Also, it's better if they're a local roofing company that have been serving the DMV area for years.

Vivek Garg