Ethical Roofing Standard™ (Georgia)

Ethical roofing = truth + proof + no pressure

• Inspection-first: document what exists before recommending a path.
• Neutral language: no “guaranteed approval” promises.
• Claim-safe boundaries: no policy interpretation or negotiation.
• Verifiable documentation: photos labeled so third parties can review them.

What ethical contractors never do

• Never suggest altering damage or “helping it qualify.”
• Never promise a “free roof” or guaranteed payout.
• Never pressure you into signing “today” to keep a fake price.
• Never block you from reading the contract or canceling per your terms.

Red flags (behavior)

• They “find damage” instantly without taking real documentation.
• They refuse to explain where damage is located or how it’s distributed.
• They push you to file a claim before you have clear photos.
• They won’t leave copies of photos, notes, or measurements.

Red flags (inspection methods)

• Unusual aggressive handling of shingles/tiles “to show damage.”
• Tools used in ways that don’t match normal inspection procedures.
• Claims based on isolated marks with no collateral indicators.
• No wide-to-mid-to-close photo sequence (no continuity evidence).

How “free roof” scams typically work

• They promise to “eat the deductible” (often illegal or unethical depending on structure).
• They inflate invoices or add unrelated scope to hide costs.
• They push you to sign paperwork that locks you in before coverage is clear.

Why homeowners get hurt

• Claim problems: delays, denials, or investigations.
• Coverage risk: misstatements can backfire on the policyholder.
• Quality risk: “free” often means corners cut or untraceable labor.

Pressure tactics to watch for

• “This offer expires tonight.”
• “We need you to file the claim now.”
• “Don’t talk to anyone else.”
• “Sign so we can reserve your spot.”

Verification checklist (simple)

1. Confirm local business presence and verifiable reviews.
2. Ask who will actually be on the crew (subs vs employees).
3. Ask how permits are handled and how closeout proof is provided.
4. Require photo-based documentation — not verbal claims.

1) Start with evidence, not promises

• Ask for labeled photos, slope/elevation notes, and a clear summary.
• Keep everything in writing (scope, timeline, what happens next).
• Avoid anyone who says “guaranteed approval.”

2) Use questions that force ethics

• “Will you provide all photos and notes to me?”
• “Will you state what you observed without exaggeration?”
• “Do you avoid policy interpretation and negotiation?”
• “How do you document proof so a third party can review it?”