January 05, 2023

Tips to Avoid Storm Chasers

Storm chasers create a sense of uncertainty about your roof and capitalize on scare tactics.

Storm chasers thrive off of being first on your doorstep right after a storm and capitalize on fear to get your roofing business. If they can get to you before you’ve had a chance to examine your roof closely, they are able to create a sense of uncertainty and give their “professional” opinion that the damage is extensive, requiring a new roof.

This is nothing but a scare tactic to get you to make a quick decision and trust them with your roof. Here are some surefire ways to tell whether a storm chaser is at your front door:

1. Showing Up Right After a Big Storm

Storm chasers keep a close eye on which areas are receiving severe weather and then travel to neighborhoods impacted the hardest. The day after a storm they will knock on doors, pass out flyers, and offer free inspections so they can get up on as many roofs as possible.

2. They Say You Need a New Roof

While there’s always a chance your roof did sustain damage, unless there is clear leakage or other obvious issues, chances are it is just fine. However, even if there is storm damage, don’t rush into buying a roof from the first person at your door. Most insurance companies give you 1-2 years to file a claim, and it’s rare for damage to be so severe that you need a new roof right away.

3. Claiming to Work with Your Insurance

Storm chasers always claim that if you work with them, you can get a free roof paid for by insurance. While this can be true, think twice. A roof put on by a storm chaser crew often only reaches the minimum of local code requirements and is made with the lowest quality products. Your roof will likely need repairs or a full replacement in the near future because of the low work standard. If this is the case, you may have to pay out of pocket since the insurance company has already paid for the new roof. Even if the storm chaser salesperson claims to carry a warranty, they usually disappear after the work is complete and are unreachable by phone.

So, what can you do to avoid scams?

1. Don’t Panic!

While potential roof damage is stressful and you feel like you have to fix the problem right away, do not panic. Once you start caving in to pressure, the storm chaser has you right where they want you.

2. Ask for an Address and Phone Number

If their address is out-of-state, there’s a good chance the roofer at your door is only in town for a short period of time to scam you and your neighbors. If they have a local, physical location and local area code, then they are much more likely to be reputable. In addition, check for online reviews of their company. A legitimate roofing business will have reviews and ratings online.

3. Don’t Sign Any Paperwork

While the low prices being offered may be tempting, do not sign any papers they present to you. Even if they say they are only going to do a roof assessment, signing their papers gives them the rights to you roof and you will have to use their services in order to not break the contract. Some storm chasers have even been caught damaging roofs once they are up performing “inspections” so that they have “proof” of storm damage to show you.

4. Call Your Insurance Company

Reach out to your insurance company and they will send someone out to see if you have a storm damage claim. If you do, then you can look for a reputable, local roofing company that will install your roof correctly and comply with state standards.