How to Spot a Storm Chasing Roofing Contractor after a Catastrophic Event.
When you are subjected to multiple
wind and hail storms, there can be a challenge sorting the wheat from the
chaff in order to avoid accepting offers to mend your roof from roofing
contractors who are simply "storm chasers". These companies may not be up to
scratch, nor supportive of local work. Here are some indicators to help you to
decide.
1. Be patient and calm.
Most home owners after a wind or hail storm are desperate to find a
contractor. Being desperate leaves you open to being preyed upon by
"drifter contractors" who claim to be local.
2. Look for out-of-state tags on their trucks. The vehicle is likely to be registered anywhere but
locally if the contractor is not local. This indicates that the contractor is
only in town for storm work and won't be hanging around for upkeep or remedying
any damage that is poorly fixed.
3. Be wary of claims of staying in town. Quiz an out-of-town contractor very carefully. Extract a
promise of return for further mending even if the contractor leaves the state;
get this in writing. Long-term warranties, however, won't be much good if your
contractor has left town.
4. Check to make sure that any non-locally engaged roofing
contractor has been properly licensed locally.
Ask for current certificates of workman's compensation and liability insurance.
This is for your protection. They must have both, as one
covers property damage and one covers their workers from injuries if they fall
from your roof. Roofing contractors usually use sub contractors to install the
roofs, and many have crews that travel with them. In most states, the home
owner or their insurance company will be liable if something happens; you don't
want to risk your home.
5. Be aware that roofing insurance is expensive. This can lead some contractors to cut corners to avoid the
expense. Insist on seeing proof of current dated insurance.
6. Avoid signing any contingency agreements. These will be very vague, lacking in description of the
work to be done and will lack information about insurance proceeds.
7. Do your own research.
Check your local Yellow Pages; go back two or three years to find stability of
business continuity. Check the BBB when they joined, as they often join the
local BBB because when they come into town, they will be new members.
8. Make sure that all materials used are paid for. There have been instances where stormers come in, roof a
bunch of houses, and leave without paying the suppliers, thereby leaving the
homeowner to pay twice! Ask to see invoices for payments.
9. Prefer the local roofing specialists. In a storm situation, it is always best to buy from an
established local roofing contractor as they will be around to service their
work afterward. If your state has any state licensing requirements, you will be
able to check these online.
10. Lisa Madigan - Consumer Rights Form. Every contractor should be providing their customers with the mandated, Home Owner- Consumer Rights Form for the customer to review and sign. Many out of state contractors are not aware of this document. The contractor is required to have this document signed and available prior to beginning any work on a homeowner's property.
Tips:
· Storm chasing by roofing contractors is a multimillion
dollar industry; they often travel with their own adjusters.
· Always try to get an address as many use PO boxes to set up
and they also forward their calls out of state to appear local. This is a
prevailing problem across the nation with legitimate roofing contractors who
build their companies with years of good quality work and strong backgrounds.
Remember the number they give can be disconnected at any time they decide to
move on.
· Because stormchasers travel from state to state many operate
without proper licensing and insurance.
· Another trick is to buy a local name of a small company that
is listed in the Yellow Pages; you can usually spot them by a company that
grows overnight into a large outfit with out of state plates.
Contact Us:
Phone 630-809-6254
15255 S 94th Ave
Orland Park, Il
Less Than 1 Inch: When smaller than an inch, or about the size of a quarter, hail can inflict damage to asphalt roofing. Most often though a hail damaged roof at this size can be more difficult to identify. You may require the assistance of a trained roofing inspector to accurately identify any hail damage.
