How to Finance a Roof With Bad Credit (Yes, It’s Possible)

If your roof is leaking, sagging, or starting to show serious signs of wear—but your credit score is far from perfect—you’re probably feeling stuck between a rock and a wet ceiling. I get it. I’ve worked with countless homeowners over the years who believed they had no financing options simply because their credit wasn’t great.

I’m Jason Harlow, a graduate of the University of Texas with a bachelor’s degree in Finance. I’m the owner of one of the most trusted roofing companies in Austin, Texas. For the past 17 years, I’ve specialized in helping homeowners replace their roofs through insurance claims, cash discounts, and most importantly—flexible financing solutions. I also write for 5 Estimates, where I help homeowners make smart decisions about roofing, remodeling, and more.

Today, I want to walk you through how to finance a roof with bad credit—because yes, it is possible. You just have to know where to look, what to avoid, and how to get quotes that actually work with your financial situation.

First, Don’t Wait Too Long to Act

Let me start with a tough truth: waiting to replace a failing roof will almost always cost more in the long run.

A few missing shingles or a leak around the chimney may seem manageable, but if water makes its way into your attic or insulation, you could be looking at mold remediation, structural damage, or even interior ceiling collapse. I’ve seen it happen—more than once.

And here’s the kicker: the longer you wait, the harder it is to get approved for financing. Lenders (and insurers) often frown on deferred maintenance. So if your roof is in rough shape, now’s the time to get serious.

Why Credit Scores Matter for Roofing Loans

Most financing companies—especially banks or credit unions—will check your credit score when reviewing your application. A higher score means you’ll likely qualify for lower interest rates and better terms.

But if your score is below 600, many traditional lenders may decline the loan, or offer terms that don’t make financial sense. That said, there are plenty of workarounds that can help homeowners with bad credit get the roof they need.

Financing Options for Homeowners With Bad Credit

Here are the most realistic ways I’ve seen homeowners finance a roof—even with credit challenges:

1. Roofing Contractor Financing Programs

Many reputable roofing companies (including mine) work directly with third-party lenders that specialize in home improvement loans, often with softer credit requirements.

Some of these lenders are willing to work with borrowers in the 550–600 credit score range, and they offer:

• Zero or low down payment options

• Deferred interest or no-interest promotional periods

• Fixed monthly payments

Because these lenders know the loan is tied to an essential repair, they’re often more flexible than a bank would be. The application usually takes 5–10 minutes and can be done on the spot when you get your roofing estimate.

Tip: Always ask your roofer if they offer “bad credit friendly” financing, or if their lenders perform soft credit checks.

2. Government-Backed Loan Programs

There are two major government-backed programs that may help you finance a new roof even with poor credit:

• FHA Title I Home Improvement Loans: These loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration and don’t require home equity. You can borrow up to $7,500 unsecured (or up to $25,000 secured by your home), and lenders often accept credit scores as low as 500–580.

• PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) Programs: Available in some states, PACE lets you finance energy-efficient roofing systems and pay it back through your property taxes over 10–20 years. Your credit score isn’t the primary factor—your home equity and property tax payment history matter more.

Caution: Make sure to fully understand the long-term costs and any liens attached to your property.

3. Personal Loans from Online Lenders

If you’re not eligible for contractor financing or government programs, some online lenders specialize in bad credit personal loans for home repairs. Think of names like:

• Avant

• OneMain Financial

• LendingPoint

• Upstart (soft credit check)

These lenders often charge higher interest rates—but for many homeowners, they’re a lifeline when the roof can’t wait.

Just be sure to:

• Avoid payday or predatory lenders

• Compare APRs and total repayment amounts

• Check if they offer pre-qualification with a soft credit pull

4. Credit Cards with 0% Intro APR

If you only need to borrow a few thousand dollars and are confident you can pay it back within 12–18 months, a 0% intro APR credit card can be a smart, interest-free solution.

This method does require some creditworthiness (scores usually in the 600+ range), but if you qualify, it’s one of the most cost-effective ways to break the project into manageable payments.

Pro tip: Look for cards that offer cash-back bonuses on home improvement purchases to stretch your dollars further.

5. Roofing Insurance Claims (If Storm Damage Applies)

Here in Texas—and in many other parts of the country—roof damage from wind or hail is often covered by homeowners insurance. If your roof was damaged by a recent storm, you may not need to finance the full cost out of pocket.

Here’s what to do:

• Schedule a free roof inspection with a licensed contractor

• If damage is found, they’ll help you file a claim and provide documentation

• Once approved, your insurance provider will pay most (if not all) of the replacement cost, minus your deductible

I’ve helped clients with bad credit get new roofs this way without taking on any new debt.

Things to Watch Out For

If you’re exploring roof financing with less-than-perfect credit, keep an eye out for red flags:

• Loans with APRs over 30% – These can trap you in a debt spiral

• “No credit check” roofing deals with high upfront fees – Often scams

• Unlicensed contractors pushing financing before an inspection – Major red flag

Your best defense? Get multiple estimates from licensed roofing companies. That way, you can compare quotes, payment plans, and loan terms—and make an informed choice without pressure.

The Power of Getting Roofing Quotes First

Here’s something many homeowners don’t realize: you should always get quotes before applying for financing.

Why?

Because not every roof costs $20,000. Depending on your materials, square footage, and local labor rates, your replacement might be closer to $8,000–$12,000—especially with economy shingles or repair options.

At 5 Estimates, we connect you with local, licensed roofers who can give you apples-to-apples quotes and walk you through financing during the same visit. Most will even help you pre-qualify with their lenders—without hurting your credit.

When you know your actual project cost, you can shop for financing smarter—and avoid over-borrowing.

Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can Do This

Bad credit doesn’t mean you have to live with a bad roof. Whether you choose a flexible payment plan through your contractor, apply for a Title I loan, or explore insurance-backed options, you have more choices than you think.

The key is to:

• Act quickly before damage worsens

• Get at least 3 quotes from local roofing companies

• Ask every contractor about financing options for credit-challenged homeowners

• Stay away from high-interest, high-pressure lenders

You deserve a safe, dry, energy-efficient home—regardless of your credit score.

About the Author
I’m Jason Harlow, a University of Texas graduate with a bachelor’s in Finance. I’ve owned and operated Lone Star Roofing & Restoration in Austin for over 17 years, helping thousands of homeowners navigate roof replacements through smart financing, insurance claims, and trustworthy estimates. As a writer and editor for 5 Estimates, I help homeowners make informed decisions about home improvement projects with confidence.

Michael Cynar On   /   Roofing   /   Leave a comment