When “Too Good to Be True” Really Is
It’s easy to be drawn in by a low roofing quote. When someone promises to “beat any price,” it sounds like a win—until you discover why their bid was so low.
At A Plus Roofing, we’ve seen it time and again across Southern Maine: homeowners call us after their “budget roofer” disappeared, left leaks, or installed materials incorrectly. The truth is, low-bid roofers often rely on short-term tricks that leave you with long-term damage. Here’s what’s really going on beneath those bargain prices.
1. Cheap Materials That Don’t Last in Maine Weather
Maine’s climate is tough—icy winters, spring rains, summer heat, and coastal winds all take a toll on a roof. Low-bid contractors often use off-brand shingles, thin underlayment, or nails not rated for exterior exposure.
These materials might look fine at first, but after one or two freeze-thaw cycles, they start to fail—curling, cracking, and allowing moisture to seep into your roof deck. Suddenly, that “affordable” roof needs major repairs years before it should.
What to Look For:
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Ask for brand names (Dynasty, Owens Corning, CertainTeed—quality shingles have a proven track record).
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Request documentation showing your roofer is certified to install the brand’s products—this protects your warranty.
2. Skipping the Prep Work
In roofing, what you don’t see matters most. Proper prep includes stripping the old shingles, checking for soft or rotted decking, installing drip edge and ice & water shield, and securing ventilation.
Low-bid roofers often skip these steps to save time. They might “nail over” old shingles or ignore soft spots in the decking. That shortcut saves them a day’s labor—but it can cut years off your roof’s lifespan.
The Hidden Cost: When rot spreads beneath your new shingles, you’ll be forced to replace both roof and decking—doubling your repair cost down the road.
3. Unlicensed Labor and Unsafe Practices
Some contractors keep costs low by hiring unlicensed or uninsured crews. That means no workers’ comp, no liability coverage, and no recourse if something goes wrong.
If an accident happens on your property, you could be liable. And when poorly trained crews install your roof, you’re left with shingle misalignment, improper flashing, and ventilation gaps that can lead to ice dams and attic mold.
How to Protect Yourself:
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Always ask for proof of liability and workers’ comp insurance.
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Confirm your roofer is licensed and in good standing with the Maine Attorney General’s Office.
4. No Warranty—or One That’s Worthless
Some roofers claim to offer “lifetime warranties,” but read the fine print. If they’re not certified by the manufacturer, those warranties are often void the moment the job is done.
Worse, many low-bid operations vanish within a few years, leaving you with no one to call if problems arise. A Plus Roofing, by contrast, has stood behind every roof we’ve installed for over 38 years—because we build to last.
5. They Cut Corners, You Pay the Price
When you add it all up—leaks, mold, lost warranties, and premature replacement—the “cheap” roof can become the most expensive one you’ll ever buy.
Choosing a reputable, established roofing company isn’t about overpaying. It’s about investing in your home’s protection, energy efficiency, and value. With quality materials, professional installation, and honest communication, you get peace of mind that lasts for decades—not just until the first storm.
The A Plus Roofing Promise
At A Plus Roofing, we don’t compete to be the cheapest—we compete to be the best. Our licensed, insured crews use premium materials designed for Maine’s climate, installed to manufacturer specs for maximum performance and warranty protection.
When you choose us, you’re not buying a roof—you’re buying confidence that your home is safe, dry, and built to last.