As a general rule, you should have your roof inspected after a storm or extreme weather event. That’s because no matter how durable your roof is, it’s likely to have suffered some form of damage during the storm. Before hiring a contractor to fix your leaking roof, you need to vet your prospects.

In addition to doing your research on a contractor’s basic qualifications (like a state license and worker’s insurance), you should also find out the warning signs of roofing scams. For instance, if a storm recently passed through your area, you need to be on the lookout for storm chasers, who are notorious for their shoddy workmanship.

How Do You Spot a Storm Chaser?

Storm chasers go door-to-door, offering to repair homeowners’ damaged roofs for a heavily discounted price. (This is already a big red flag because no professional contractor would go door-to-door to offer their services.) While it may be tempting to accept their offer, the quality of their work is always substandard. That’s because their main goal is to conduct as many repairs as possible to maximize their profits.

How to Avoid Storm Chasers

To avoid storm chasers (or hiring contractors who aren’t qualified for the job), you should always vet a roofer before hiring one.

Here are some vetting tips:

Focus your search on contractors near your area –

To quickly narrow down your options, limit your search to local roof replacement contractors. Hiring local also has other advantages. For instance, local roofers are known for their personalized service.

Ask how long they’ve been in business –

The number of years a contractor has been working in the industry should give you a good idea of their level of expertise.

Tony’s Roofcare Inc. is a family-owned and -operated company that has been serving local residents since 1997. We offer a wide range of professional roofing services, including roof repair and replacement services. To get a free estimate, call us at (253) 881-8743, or fill out this form.