How To keep Storm Chasers Off Your Roof
Residential Roofing
You may have seen some “pseudo-roofers” who look to catch incautious homeowners who suffered roof damage after heavy storms. They are the so-called “storm chasers”. They are not professionals but adventurers trying to make money at the expense of worried homeowners.
What are storm chasers?
They are roofers on the hunt for places where severe weather events just happened. Their business is to do a lot of repair work quickly. They walk through affected neighborhoods employing aggressive tactics to make business with homeowners. Their attitude can become annoying and even scary.
Usually, storm chasers offer to repair roof damage at a low price or even at no cost.
How is this possible?
Well, they persuade homeowners to use their home insurance policies.
Some of them even offer to pay the homeowner’s deductible or offer cashback!
The storm chaser performs his job quickly and using poor-quality materials. So, a few years later, your roof is worst than before these repairs. And things even can be worst. Some storm chasers simply take the money and run!
If it sounds too good to be true…
The idea of getting a brand new roof for free is attractive, isn’t it? It is especially true for anxious homeowners whit damaged roofs.
This offer would solve their problem at almost or even at no cost. However, be careful and take into account what Mike La Follette of Angie’s List writes:
“The storm chaser only does the bare minimum to replace the roof, but doesn’t address any other problems, or restore the roof to its original condition…The storm chasers have no incentive to produce high-quality work,”
Standing up to storm chasers
Beware of storm chasers’ scams when the next heavy storm strikes your living area. These individuals will try to convince you that you need urgent roof repairs. Besides, they will tell you that they can fix your roof quickly and on the cheap.
So, do not allow them to cheat you and stand your ground.
Before signing any document, verify if the company is reputable. Check the following:
• Does this company have positive online reviews?
• Do their licenses and certifications are up to date?
• Do they have an updated website? Will they be available if you need future repairs?
• What kind of materials do these roofers use? How much roofing experience does the contractor and crew have?
• Will this work carry a warranty?
A few points worth reiterating:
Many storm chasers use high-pressure sales tactics to lead you to sign agreements or let them onto your roof to perform false inspections.
Don’t be pressured. Don’t sign any document from a storm chaser. Many homeowners have signed “agreements”. Then, they change their mind, preferring to call a reputable company for the job. But, the storm chasers threaten them with litigation over the documentation.
The best you can do is to call your insurance company first. Don’t let anyone on your roof in the meantime.
Besides, remind that those “free roofs” storm chasers offer will surely fail sooner than later. And if your roof fails due to improper installation, you can void your manufacturer’s warranty.
Moreover, do not give the storm chaser any personal information. Also, check the notices the Better Business Bureau and the Federal Trade Commission released in 2016 warning consumers about potential frauds.
Get a second opinion from a reputable local company.
With a local and reputable roofing company, the process is very different since they focus on generating trust in clients.
You can call a reputable local contractor and schedule an appointment. The company representative will look professional and show identification. Likewise, you can discuss the details of the damage, material options, and any out-of-budget costs to you.
Besides, their representatives will explain the details of their labor and manufacturers’ warranties. They will give this information to you in writing. Also, reputable companies won’t do works that you haven’t requested.
Other key advantages of hiring local, reputable roofing companies are:
• They provide continued customer service. Storm chasers may be here today, but tomorrow, you don’t know.
• Local companies have a reputation to sustain, and you can get referrals about them.
• A reputable company knows the local product and building codes.
Once you decided on a company you trust, make sure that you have everything in writing.
Does your insurance company already validates damage and give you a quote? Now, you can get estimates for the roofing repair or replacement – not before.
Pro tips:
• Paying by check or credit card will allow you to have a record of transactions as work advance.
• You can dispute a credit card transaction as a billing error if you receive charges for services that were not delivered as agreed.
• Reliable companies will agree on a payment schedule with you and give you the agreed-upon schedule in writing. You should never pay the full amount of a job up front!
Roof damage? Give us a call.
The weather on the East Coast can become rough.
Thus, if you need a roof replacement, check with Magnolia Roofing. We are a recognized and trustworthy local roofing company.
With our industry-leading 50-year roofing warranty, you’ll have confidence that your home and family are safe.
Call Magnolia Roofing today or visit our website to schedule a free, in-home consultation or find answers to your roofing questions.
We build trust and peace of mind into every Magnolia Roofing roof.
About the Creator
Leon Clark
What’s up, I’m Leon . I’m a web developer living in USA. I am a fan of technology, design, and education. I’m also interested in innovation and web development.
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