Victims of Hail Damage: Beware the Storm Chaser!

hail-on-the-roof
Victims of Hail Damage: Beware the Storm Chaser!

Worrying about hail damage to your home is one of the most nerve-wracking parts of weathering a heavy summertime storm. As you sit inside and watch the size of the falling hail increase, so does your anxiety about what it’s doing to your roof. The recent wave of severe weather in the Midwest has caused a surge of insurance claims and the immediate appearance of “storm chasing” roofing companies who seek out desperate, naive homeowners.

These “roofers”, usually from fly-by-night, makeshift roofing operations or companies based out of town, often come door to door, offer to look at your roof, find hail damage and encourage you to have it replaced with an insurance claim. The problem is these companies take your money in exchange for poor-quality work. Then, when the subpar materials and workmanship begins to show, they are nowhere to be found.

Fortunately, spotting these companies and keeping your home safe from them is easier than you think. Before trusting your roof to any person who comes knocking on your door, keep these points in mind:

  • A reputable company will have a good track record and well-established image. Do some research into who you will potentially hire to repair your roof’s hail damage. Does the company have a roofing company website? A local address or place to get in touch with them? How extensive is their presence on Facebook and social media and review sites like Angie’s List? What about other online reviews? How long have they been in business?  A contractor who has been in business for a long time will proudly display their reputation, rather than try to hide it. Shady contractors, on the other hand, try to keep a low profile and set up temporary companies to turn a quick profit off homes with hail damage. After the job is done, they disappear without a trace—this makes it harder to locate roofers who know they cut corners on the job to increase their profits.
  • A trustworthy contractor will always stand by their work. A company that guarantees the quality of materials and labor is a good indicator that they will perform top-notch work and that you won’t be stuck with a defective roof or shoddy workmanship. Storm chasers know they use cheap materials and inexperienced laborers, so their work could potentially do more harm than good.. For example, a contractor could use substandard  materials to repair your roof or  fail to follow standards in installing it, so to your surprise, you  end up with a water leak  in your house the next time it rains. Or, you may find improperly installed shingles blowing off your roof from the wind. If water is allowed in, then mold will begin to form inside your house, which is far more destructive and costly to remove.
  • Dependable businesses will be licensed, bonded, and insured. Many storm-chasers who set up temporary shops don’t bother insuring their businesses. This is why hiring one can be a reckless, or dangerous decision. If one of their workers is injured while working on your property, you may become financially responsible for their medical bills.  In addition, a business license ensures the company is qualified and authorized to work in the area. Without either of these, there is no guarantee that the business you’re dealing with is working legally, or with the safety net insurance provides.

Keeping your wits about you is your best defense against these types of predatory businesses. Know how to spot fly-by-night companies looking to exploit you for a quick dollar, and use your best rationale to find a trustworthy contractor to repair your home’s hail damage.

If you think your house has been affected by the recent storms, your trust will be be well-placed in Pro-Home Services. We have been in business for over twelve years, are fully licensed, bonded, and insured, and have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. We also guarantee the quality of our materials and craftsmanship. Feel free to contact us for a meeting or a quote. We care about your home and are committed to delivering the best work possible.

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