Roof Repairs That Fail: Top Mistakes Made by Cheap Contractors in Illinois

Key Takeaways:

1. Low-quality shingles and reused flashing might save money now, but they’ll cause roof leaks and water damage fast.
2. Skipping a thorough check means hidden rot or ventilation issues get missed, turning small fixes into costly repairs.
3. Bad airflow leads to mold, ice dams, and warped wood—all things insurance companies won’t cover if the work was done wrong.
4. If a crew finishes too fast, they’re cutting corners. Proper repairs take time to do right.
5. No insurance, cash-only deals, and "today-only" discounts are major contractor red flags. Always check online reviews first.

We get it—when your roof starts leaking or missing shingles, you want it fixed fast and cheap. But here's the hard truth: what you save upfront on a bad roofing job often turns into costly repairs down the road. In Illinois, where wind, snow, and rain pound roofs year-round, poor workmanship doesn’t just look bad—it can lead to water damage, mold, and even structural damage.

So, how do cheap contractors mess up so badly? And how can you avoid hiring the wrong roofing contractor? Let’s break it down.

Mistake #1: Using the Wrong (or Cheap) Materials

A reputable roofing company knows which roofing materials work best for Illinois weather. Cheap contractors? They often use whatever’s on sale or leftovers from another job.

Think thin, low-quality shingles that curl after one winter or flashing that rusts in a year. These might hold up for a few months, but soon you’ll notice roof leaks, missing shingles, or worse—water rotting your roof decking.

Mistake #2: Skipping Proper Inspection

Good roof repairs start with a thorough inspection to find all the problem areas. But a bad contractor might just slap a patch over the most obvious issue and call it done.

The result? Hidden damage keeps spreading. Maybe your attic ventilation was blocked, or there was rot under the shingles that they didn’t check. Now, what should’ve been a simple fix turns into an entire roof replacement.

Mistake #3: Ignoring Roof Ventilation

This is one of the most common roofing mistakes. Proper airflow keeps your attic dry and prevents ice dams in winter. But cheap contractors often overlook it—or worse, block vents during repairs.

Poor installation of roof vents leads to moisture buildup, which can warp wood, grow mold, and wreck your insulation. And guess what? Most insurance companies won’t cover damage caused by bad workmanship.

Mistake #4: Bad Flashing Jobs

Flashing (the metal strips around chimneys, vents, and skylights) is where most leaks start. A reputable contractor seals it carefully with waterproof materials. A cheap one? They might:

• Reuse old, bent flashing
• Skip sealant to save time
• Nail it down wrong (creating gaps for water)

Within months, you’ll see water stains on your ceilings—and the contractor who caused it will be long gone.

Mistake #5: Rushing the Job (Or Leaving It Half-Done)

Ever seen a crew finish a roofing project in just a few hours? That’s a contractor red flag. Proper repairs take time—removing old materials, prepping the surface, and sealing everything right.

Cheap contractors cut corners to do more jobs per day. They might leave nails sticking out, forget to install drip edges, or overlap shingles wrong. Later, you’ll pay for their haste with additional costs to fix their mistakes.

How to Spot a Bad Contractor Before Hiring

Now that you know the common roofing mistakes, here’s how to avoid hiring the wrong crew:

1. No Local Reputation – Fly-by-night contractors won’t have local online reviews or a physical address.
2. Cash-Only Deals – Legit roofing companies take checks/cards and offer warranties.
3. High-Pressure Sales – If they say "this price is only good today," walk away.
4. No Proof of Insurance – Never let someone on your roof without liability coverage.

Why "Cheap" Roof Repairs Cost More in the Long Run

That $500 "quick fix" might seem like a steal—until you’re paying $5,000 later for:

• Fixing water damage inside your walls
• Replacing rotten roof decking
• Dealing with mold removal
• A full roof replacement because the patch job failed

Good roof repairs last year. Bad ones fail fast—usually right after the "warranty" expires.

What to Do If You’ve Already Been Scammed

If you’re stuck with a bad roof repair in Illinois, don’t panic. A reputable roofing contractor can:

• Inspect the damage (for free, in our case)
• Document poor workmanship for insurance claims
• Fix it right—without making the same common mistakes

Need a Roof Repair That Actually Lasts?

At Advanced Roofing Inc., we’ve spent years fixing bad roofing jobs from cut-rate contractors. We don’t cut corners, because we know Illinois roofs need to stand up to brutal weather.

Our work comes with honest warranties, upfront pricing, and no surprises. If your roof was "repaired" but still leaks, call us. We’ll make it right—the first time.

Don’t risk another bad roof repair in Illinois. Contact Advanced Roofing Inc today for a free, no-pressure inspection.

Think you’ve been scammed? Advanced Roofing Inc. fixes poor workmanship—call us before the damage gets worse.