Was your neighborhood recently hit by a bad storm that included severe winds or even hail? You may have roof damage…and chances are you will soon have many roofing contractors knocking on your door. Here is consumer-savvy advice on selecting a contractor to work on your roof.
Local Roofing Professionals vs “Storm Chasers”
Chasing wind and hail storms is big business. There is huge electronic infrastructure set up that facilitates contractors being able to locate storms, gauge their magnitude, determine the affected neighborhoods, know the size and value of the homes, work with insurance companies, and even bid the roofs sight unseen if they want to!
Please be wary of these “storm chasers”. We encourage the use of local, experienced contractors who are properly licensed and insured to work in your area. You will want to choose a contractor who will still “be there” if problems occur down the road and your roof requires service.
Don’t Fall for These Deceptions
“Storm Chasers” will often do all they can to look like they belong in your community. They may get a local address or they may even buy a company name from an older company. They may show up at your house saying they were sent by your previous contractor, or even by the manufacturer of your roofing. Don’t fall for these deceptions. You are never wrong to ask for proof and evidence that what they are telling you is true, including any stories about being a long-term member of your community.
Again, be wary of “storm chasers”. Never allow anyone on your roof unless you know and trust them. Insurance companies determine whether to “total out” roofs on the basis of how many hail hits are visible in a certain roof area. It is easy for unscrupulous contractors to go to a hidden area on a your roof and use a ball peen hammer to “create” hail hits that weren’t really caused by hail. Don’t fall victim to this or other scams. If you ever feel that someone has tried to scam you, please contact local law enforcement.
Our products are available nationally but above all, we want to help make sure that you make decisions which are right for you and your home.If you have any questions or if there are ways we can be of service, please call us at (703) 753-4585, or contact us here. Please put our 35 years of experience working within the home improvement industry to use for your benefit!
