After a storm, whether your roof is leaking or not, it’s important that you have it inspected. You can start inspecting with a pair of binoculars, but don’t try to go up there yourself as it’s risky, especially if the storm was particularly strong. Call your roofing contractor and schedule an inspection as soon as possible. You never know what problems your roof already has after being subjected to a weather disturbance.
During this time, it’s likely that your roofer is busy attending to many homeowners. It’s best to wait, however, until they’re available. Many storm chasers visit areas hit by a storm (thus the name) to offer their services, and many unsuspecting homeowners often fall for their schemes.
When a storm chaser fixes a roof, it’s not likely that they’ll give you the best service. They’ll probably give you the bare minimum to make your roof look good enough for the time being, as if it’s been fixed properly. They’ll use the cheapest products they can find, so longevity is already out of the question. It’s tempting to hire a storm chaser because they promise fast results for a fraction of the cost, but you always get what you pay for.
Roofing repair and replacement company Pawcatuck Roofing Co. offers a few tips to help you tell whether you’re talking to a storm chaser.
Storm Chasers Are From Out of Town
In most cases, storm chasers do not represent a local business. They go from place to place offering services to storm-hit clients. They may try to fool you with a local address and phone number, but the best thing to do is to check online and, if possible, visit the address.
Storm Chasers Aren’t Licensed and Accredited
Legitimate and local roofers are often accredited by an association, and many carry certifications from the most well-known roofing material manufacturers and suppliers. In some areas, a contractor needs a license to do business. Ask for proof of these if you think you’re dealing with a storm chaser. They might try to spin a story to explain the lack of these documents, but don’t believe them.
Storm Chasers Appear Uninvited
Here’s an easy one: you didn’t call them. You haven’t called anybody. Yet here they are offering their services. That should automatically raise a red flag.
Storm Chasers Make Big Promises
A deal that sounds too good to be true usually is. Don’t be swayed by big discounts that play on your current situation after a storm.
The best way to avoid a storm chaser is to hire someone you know, a local company like Pawcatuck Roofing Co. Do a little research online, or ask around. Your friends and family will probably know a reputable local roofer.
Pawcatuck Roofing Co. is a residential and commercial roof replacement authority. Don’t trust storm chasers; get in touch with us instead. Call us at (401) 262-0665 or use this form. We’re the roofers you can trust in Westerly, RI and Connecticut.
