PITCH Roofing was founded for one purpose: to fix the problems we saw plaguing Florida’s roofing industry. While that has usually meant resolving issues with workmanship and customer service, we’ve noticed a new problem lately. Some homeowners are asking ChatGPT and other LLMs for information about what roofing services they need, and more often than not, AI gets it wrong.
LLM technology has come a long way, but we’re here to show you why it’s not a replacement for expert advice from real, local roofing professionals. Today we’re going to review some of the ways we’ve noticed that AI gives bad advice so that you can be on the lookout and make the best possible choice for yourself and your property.
Why AI Can’t Replace Roofers’ Expert Recommendations
Obviously, we’re not at a place where AI can replace roof contractors for workmanship. But even for providing you with reliable information, there isn’t an LLM that can substitute real, local expertise. We’ve noticed three main types of issues, so we’re going to focus on those and how AI can accidentally steer you in the wrong direction.
AI Wants to Agree with You
If you give them the opportunity, most LLMs are designed to parrot what you want to hear. For example, some homeowners go to ChatGPT or Claude and ask, “I really like tile roofs; are they a good roof for my area?” Invariably, you will get a response back explaining that, yes, tile roofs are a great choice and probably the right roof for you. Now, tile roofing systems are great and perform well in most Florida environments. Here’s the problem, though. Not every homeowner needs a tile roof. In fact, most Florida homeowners, after talking over their options, choose asphalt shingles. But an LLM can’t effectively take into account the needs of your structure. And in cases like these it can end up convincing you that you need a roof more than twice the price that you might otherwise pay. At PITCH, we do our best to meet our customers where they are, and we love saying “yes.” But if you’re about to pay a lot of money for a roof you don’t necessarily need, we’re going to inform you of your other options. We always leave the deciding power in your hands, but unlike AI, we balance that respect with a real understanding of local roofing needs.AI Can’t Get Specific
Often, we see homeowners turn to AI with specific questions. For example, one homeowner asked, “how much does an aluminum roof cost, and how long does it last?” ChatGPT came back with an answer that was partially correct. It said that aluminum roofs cost $12 to $20 per square foot and last for 40 to 70 years. This AI answer is only half true, though. You see, these numbers are true for a standing seam metal roof. But AI made no mention of this distinction. In this case, the homeowner could’ve been sold a 5V metal roofing system, thought they were getting a great deal, and then been devastated to find that their roof only lasted for around 30 years and needed semi-frequent repairs. AI can be good at the big picture, but industry know-how isn’t something you can get anywhere but local professionals. Before committing to any type of roof, you should consult with local roofers on how you can really expect your roof to perform. We install, repair, and maintain these roofing systems every day, so we’re the authority on how these roofs hold up in Florida.AI Doesn’t Know the Local Area
Sometimes, LLMs get confused about the details of our Florida climate. For example, one homeowner in Indian Lake Estates had AI tell them to get an aluminum roof because they lived near a large body of water, and other metal roofs wouldn’t be able to withstand the saltwater air. It’s easy to see where AI got the idea. Aluminum is one of the best options for corrosion resistance, and it is often recommended for homes near our saltwater coastlines. The problem here, though, is that the nearby lake isn’t saltwater — it’s freshwater. Which means that most modern metal roofs would have no problem avoiding rust in that environment. We were able to quote the homeowner for a Galvalume metal roof that came in nearly $15,000 cheaper and would actually perform better than aluminum in their climate by offering a sturdier metal that’s less prone to denting. This is why it pays to listen to your local roofing experts!
In our experience, LLMs get a lot right when you ask them roofing questions. But without local expertise, they lack the nuance to give you good, actionable information. For that, you'll need to turn to real experts in your community.
The technology that an online roof calculator uses has actually existed for well over a decade. Some places call it AI to make it seem more flashy than it is. But in our experience, these calculators can give you a good general idea of how much a roof will cost.
If you want to ask an LLM a few questions before talking to local roofers, feel free. But it's always a good idea to double check your information, and we don't recommend holding fast to an idea just because an AI said it. If AI has given you faulty information, local roofers have the skillset to point it out and steer you in a better direction.
You can get a free, no-obligation roof estimate by calling us at 727-677-4824 or by filling out our contact form. As part of our estimate process, we’ll assess your roof before we discuss your options with you. This allows us to give you accurate, timely advice that’s tailored to your roof, your needs, and your budget.
AI may be able to do a lot of impressive things, but it cannot take the role of experienced professionals from the roofing process. With roofing, the stakes are too high to have anything but the best, most accurate information. Reach out to our friendly crew today and let us help you make the roofing process simple and easy!