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The Plywood Scam: What Roofing Companies Don't Want You to Know
By Editor in Chief, Updated 2025
Sarah Mitchell thought she was being smart.
After getting three quotes for her roof replacement, she went with the lowest bid—nearly $4,000 less than the others.
"I thought I'd found a great deal," she says.
But two days into the project, everything changed.
The Call That Changed Everything
"We've got a problem," the contractor told her. "Your plywood is rotted. We need to replace it."
Sarah's heart sank. "How much?"
"About $3,500."
Her roof was already torn off. She was exposed to the elements. What choice did she have?
She paid.
Only later did she discover the truth: that plywood cost the contractor less than half of what he charged her.
It's Called the "Surprise Markup" Tactic
According to roofing industry insiders, Sarah's experience is far from unique.
The tactic works like this:
⚠️ Step 1: Submit an impossibly low bid to win the job.
⚠️ Step 2: Start the project and tear off the old roof.
⚠️ Step 3: "Discover" issues that require thousands in additional materials.
⚠️ Step 4: Charge 100-200% markup on those materials when the homeowner is most vulnerable.
The Five-Minute Inspection They Skip
Here's what most homeowners don't realize:
A qualified roofer can assess the condition of your plywood decking with a simple attic inspection. It takes about five minutes.
They can see water damage, rot, and structural issues before ever committing to a price.
Good contractors do this as standard practice. They factor plywood replacement into their initial quote if needed.
But contractors running the "surprise markup" playbook? They deliberately skip this step.
Because the surprise is the entire business model.
🔍 Worried About Hidden Damage?
Most homeowners have no idea what's really going on under their roof until it's too late. A proper attic inspection takes just minutes—but it could save you thousands in surprise charges.
Get a free attic inspection and honest assessment of what your roof actually needs. No pressure. No games. Just straight answers from someone who'll treat you right.
✅ Thorough attic inspection included
✅ Transparent pricing—no hidden fees
✅ No-pressure consultation
It's Not Just the Low-Ball Companies
On the opposite end of the spectrum are the high-pressure salespeople who won't leave your home.
You've probably met one.
They come to give you a quote, but suddenly you're in a three-hour sales presentation. They're offering "today-only" discounts. They're making it awkward when you try to end the conversation.
There's a reason they do this.
They know if they leave without your signature, you'll get another quote for the same work—often for thousands less.
And they'll never hear from you again.
So they stay. They pressure. They create urgency where none exists.
The Real Cost Breakdown
Here's something the industry doesn't advertise:
💰 Materials? Nearly every roofer pays roughly the same wholesale prices.
💰 Labor? Costs are fairly consistent across qualified crews.
So where do those wild price differences come from?
Three factors:
🔍 Business efficiency – How well they manage their operations
🔍 Overhead costs – Office space, vehicles, administrative staff
🔍 Profit margins – How much the owner tries to make per job
The massive price gaps you see? They're rarely about quality. They're about business practices.
How to Protect Yourself
Before you hire any roofing contractor, insist on these three things:
✅ A thorough attic inspection before the final quote
Any contractor who refuses this step is waving a red flag. The good ones will do it automatically.
✅ A detailed, itemized quote
Vague quotes like "complete roof replacement" leave room for surprise charges. Get specifics on materials, labor, and potential additional costs.
✅ No-pressure consultation
If you feel uncomfortable, pressured, or like you're being sold to rather than educated, trust your instinct. The right contractor wants you to make an informed decision, not a rushed one.
Finding the Right Balance
The cheapest quote isn't always a scam—but it often is.
The most expensive quote isn't always better—sometimes you're just paying for bloated overhead or excessive profit margins.
The sweet spot? Contractors who:
🎯 Inspect thoroughly before quoting
🎯 Provide transparent, itemized pricing
🎯 Don't pressure you to decide immediately
🎯 Have verifiable references and proper licensing
🎯 Communicate clearly about what's included and what's not
The Bottom Line
Your roof is one of the most important investments in your home's protection.
Don't let it become a profit center for unscrupulous contractors using psychological tactics and surprise charges.
Take your time. Ask questions. Demand transparency.
And remember: if a quote seems too good to be true, there's probably a $3,500 plywood surprise waiting for you.
Have you experienced the plywood scam or other roofing industry tactics? Understanding these practices is the first step to protecting yourself and your investment.
⚠️ Don't Let This Happen to You
You've just learned how the plywood scam works. Now it's time to protect yourself.
Get a transparent quote from a contractor who does things the right way:
🎯 Complete attic inspection BEFORE quoting
🎯 Detailed, itemized pricing with no surprise charges
🎯 Zero pressure—you'll get honest advice whether you hire us or not
🎯 Everything included upfront so you can make an informed decision
The difference between a fair quote and a scam? A contractor who actually looks before they quote.
Schedule your free inspection today. Even if you don't hire us, you'll know exactly what your roof needs and what it should cost. That peace of mind? Priceless.