Beware of Storm-Chasing Roofers: How to Protect Your Home and Choose a Trusted Local Partner
When severe weather hits, it often leaves behind damaged roofs and concerned homeowners. After hail, high winds, or heavy rain, it’s not unusual to see unfamiliar roofing crews showing up in neighborhoods, going door to door offering quick inspections and fast repairs. Some of these contractors may be legitimate, but many fall into the category of “storm chasers.” These are out-of-town roofers who follow bad weather and look for homeowners in need of immediate help. Unfortunately, they often operate without proper licensing or insurance and don’t always provide quality work.
At RiverLand Roofing, we’ve seen the aftermath of these fly-by-night crews. The damage isn’t always just to the roof. Homeowners can end up facing financial headaches, legal issues, or unfinished jobs. This article aims to help you avoid those outcomes and better understand how to handle roof inspections and repairs after a storm.
The Risks of Hiring the Wrong Roofer
It’s natural to want to get your home back to normal quickly after a storm. That urgency is exactly what storm-chasing roofers count on. Here are a few things that can go wrong when hiring one of these contractors:
Poor Work Quality: Many use subpar materials or rush through the job without following proper installation methods. The repairs might look fine at first but fail when you need them most.
Lack of Insurance: If someone gets hurt while working on your property and the roofer doesn't carry proper insurance, you could be held responsible for any injuries or damages.
Warranty Problems: Roofing manufacturers often require certified installers for their warranties to remain valid. If an uncertified roofer does the work, your warranty could be voided.
No Way to Follow Up: Once they leave town, there’s usually no office to call or person to track down if something goes wrong.
High-Pressure Sales Tactics to Watch For
Storm chasers often rely on urgency and fear to make the sale. You might notice tactics such as:
Scare Tactics: Telling you your roof is in danger of collapsing or leaking severely to get you to act quickly.
Limited-Time Offers: Pushing “today-only” discounts that pressure you to make a decision on the spot.
Vague Estimates: Avoiding written details or clear terms, which gives them room to change the price or scope later.
Steps to Take After a Storm
If you think your roof might have storm damage, it’s important to approach the situation calmly and carefully. Follow these steps:
Look Around: From the ground, check for obvious signs like missing shingles, visible dents, or scattered roofing materials.
Inspect Indoors: Water stains on ceilings or in the attic can point to roof leaks.
Take Photos: Document anything you notice before contacting a contractor.
Choose a Local Roofer: Work with someone who has a presence in your community and proper credentials.
Get a Written Report: A good contractor will provide a detailed explanation of any damage and what needs to be done.
More Ways to Protect Your Home
Talk to Your Insurance Company: Before you authorize any repairs, speak with your insurer to confirm what’s covered.
Don’t Sign Under Pressure: You should never feel forced to sign a contract during a first meeting.
Check Credentials: In Mississippi, roofing contractors are required to be licensed. You can verify this with the state licensing board.
Ask About Training: Roofers trained by manufacturers like GAF understand how to install specific products properly. This helps ensure better results and protects your warranty.
In Summary
Storm damage can turn into a bigger problem if the repairs aren’t handled the right way. Taking the time to verify who you’re working with and making sure the work is done properly can save you from stress and extra costs down the line. It’s always better to work with professionals who know the area, follow local requirements, and plan to be around if you ever need help again.
A careful approach to post-storm roof repair will protect your home, your investment, and your peace of mind.