Storm chaser roofing companies are a type of contractor that move from one place to another, following severe weather conditions, to offer their services to homeowners in need of repair or replacement of their damaged roofs. These companies take advantage of the urgency of homeowners who need quick solutions to their roofing problems caused by natural disasters, such as hurricanes, tornadoes, or hailstorms. However, not all storm chaser roofing companies are legitimate, and some can even cause more harm than good.
Since the 1960s, All Star Roofing has been helping Florida homeowners avoid being taken advantage of. We won’t use scare tactics to convince you to buy a roof from us. In this blog, we will discuss how you can spot storm chaser roofing companies and protect yourself from falling into their trap.
What Does It Mean to Be a Storm Chaser?
Most people associate storm chasers with someone who chases tornadoes and other extreme weather to thrills. They’re also well-known in the roofing industry for other reasons.
Storm chasers are companies that travel to areas affected by a storm to sell roofs to homeowners.
To make the deal even more tempting, they’ll lower the prices of local roofing companies. Once they have the money, the salespeople will move on to the next town hit by a storm.
After they have left, the workers will be gone. Most often, they don’t care about following local codes and if they properly install your roof.
The storm chaser company will stop answering their phones once the workers have left the job site. This is what we refer to as a “taillight warranty”. The warranty expires when the workers’ tail lights are gone.
5 Ways to Avoid Being Scammed By a Storm Chaser Company
You now know what storm chasers are and how they work. How can you prevent the above scenario from happening to you?
Here are five tips to help you avoid being scammed by storm chasers.
1. Ask the Roofing Company Knocking at Your Door if They Have an Office in Your Area and a Phone Number
Asking for the office address and telephone number of a storm chaser company right away is a great way to avoid being scammed. Make sure you ask for their office address and phone number.
However, this doesn’t mean that all out-of-state companies are trying to scam you. If you have just experienced a severe storm and an out-of-state company knocks on your door, you can be sure they are there to chase storms.
2. Examine the Paperwork of Your Roofing Company
Each roofing contractor must be licensed, bonded, and insured in each state they work in. These papers are there to protect you and make sure the job gets done correctly.
Avoid being scammed by storm chasers who knock on your door. Ask to see all the necessary paperwork.
Do not hire a roofing contractor who is not licensed, bonded, and insured in your area. If something goes wrong, you have no recourse.
3. Do Not Panic if They Tell You That You Have Storm Damage
Storm chasers will come to your home in an attempt to scare and convince you to get a new roof. If you receive a knock at your door, they will immediately tell you that there has been storm damage and you need a new roofing system.
Don’t panic in this situation. They will have you exactly where they want.
Is storm damage stressful? Yes. If your roof isn’t leaking, or the damage isn’t severe, you don’t need to panic or stress right away.
You have 1 to 2 years to file an insurance claim if storm damage is reported.
4. Do Not Sign Any Paperwork
Storm chasing companies can lower the prices of local roofing companies. They are known for using scare tactics and low prices.
Do not sign any paperwork they give you. They will only get on your roof for a roof inspection.
What they don’t explain is that signing the paperwork means you are giving up your rights to your roof. This means that you must use a storm chaser company to replace your roof. Breaking the contract could result in financial penalties.
If a storm chaser arrives at your door and says that you have storm damage and would like to assess the situation, please thank them and let them know you will reach out to your insurer. You should not sign anything or allow them to climb on your roof.
5. If You Suspect That Your Roof Has Been Damaged, Call Your Insurance Company or a Local Roofing Contractor
Avoiding storm chasers is the best way to avoid being scammed. If you get a knock at your door from a company claiming you have storm damage, tell the company you will reach out to your preferred local roofers.
An adjuster will be sent by your insurance to verify that you have storm damage claims. If you have a storm damage claim, your insurance will send an adjuster to check your location. They’ll also know the local roofing companies that are available. They’ll be able to provide all the necessary paperwork and information they need to make sure your roof is installed correctly in accordance with state requirements.
This will not only save you from being scammed but it is also the correct process to have your storm-damaged roof taken care of.
Key Takeaways
Protect yourself from storm-chasing scammers with these 5 essential tips. When a roofing company comes to your door offering storm damage repair services, take the time to verify their legitimacy. Ask for a local phone number and official documentation. Don’t rush into signing anything or making impulsive decisions. Trust your instincts and follow these simple steps to stay safe and avoid being taken advantage of.
Additionally, it’s a good idea to do your own research on the company in question. Check online reviews, search for their name on the Better Business Bureau website, and ask for references from satisfied customers. If a company is reputable, they should have no problem providing this information. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and take the time to make an informed decision. Remember, your home is one of your biggest investments, and it’s essential to choose a reliable and trustworthy roofing contractor to ensure proper repairs are made. By following these steps, you can avoid falling prey to storm-chasing scammers and get the peace of mind that comes with a successful repair job.
Get in Touch With Your Local Roofing Experts
If you’ve recently experienced storm damage to your roof, it’s important to act quickly to ensure the integrity of your home is protected. At All Star Roofing, we understand the urgency of roof repair and are dedicated to providing our clients with high-quality and reliable services. Our team of experienced professionals will assess the damage to your roof, provide a comprehensive estimate, and work with your insurance company to ensure you receive the coverage you deserve.
Trust us to handle all of your roofing needs, and experience the difference that comes with working with a company that puts their customers first. Contact us now to schedule a free consultation and take the first step in securing your home after a storm.
Other Services We Offer
- ROOF INSTALLATION
- RE-ROOFING
- SHINGLE ROOFS
- TILE ROOFING
- FLAT ROOFING
- METAL ROOFING
- EMERGENCY ROOF REPAIR
- HURRICANE HELP