Thunderstorms or hailstorms are the best time for roofers. You'll see their trucks parked on your street or in front of your house and hear their ads on the radio. But before you go with a door-knocking roofing company, here's what you need to know: They may not be licensed or insured. They may be using a “storm chasing” company to do their marketing. And they may offer a free roof inspection, but it's really just a way to get their foot in the door.
When a major storm hits an area, roofers are everywhere.
When a major storm hits an area, roofers are everywhere. They knock on doors and offer a free inspection and free estimate to homeowners whose roofs may have been damaged by the weather. They have a lot of money to spend on advertising and can afford to offer lots of free inspections in the weeks and months after a storm has passed through your area.
They will also likely be offering lifetime warranties, as well as offering free roof repairs so that you don't have to pay anything out of pocket if something goes wrong with your roof or gutters in the future—and they're not just saving you money right now, but forever! Or are they?
Door Knocking Roofing Inspectors
They May Not Be Licensed or Insured. One of the first things you should ask a roofing inspector is if they're licensed and insured. If they can't show you proof of both, then you shouldn't let them on your roof. In some states, roofing contractors must have a license, but not all of them do.
Roof Inspections Are Free
A free roof inspection sounds great, but keep in mind that these inspectors are looking for damage so they can sell you a new roof. They're not going to tell you that your roof is fine, even if there is no damage.
Reliable Roofing Contractor
It's best to go with a reputable roofing contractor who has a good reputation in your area. Ask your friends and neighbors who are providing quality. Get multiple estimates. And make sure you read the fine print before signing any contracts. By following these simple tips, you can avoid being scammed by door-knocking roofers. Roof inspectors working with an insurance company may also try to get you to sign a contract that gives them permission to inspect your home for damage and repair any damaged areas without your consent. If you're not comfortable with this, then you should decline the offer.
Door Knocking Roofers May Use "Storm Chasers" Tactic for Roof Replacement
Another thing to watch out for is door-knocking roofers who are using “storm chasers” to do their marketing. Storm chasers are companies that follow storms and offer their services to homeowners in the aftermath.
The roof inspector often uses high-pressure sales tactics and may even try to intimidate homeowners into signing a contract. They come talking about roof shingles removal, roof ridge vent installation, and other services that you might not need, up to and including replacement roofs.
A thorough inspection of your roof by an insurance industry or licensed roofer is the best way to ensure that your roof is in good repair and will protect your home from future damage.
Door-knocking roofers usually aren't trustworthy.
Door-knocking roofers are often not who they say they are. Many of them will lie about their credentials, including when and how long they have been in business. They may also claim to have all the certifications that a legitimate contractor would have, but be unable to provide certain proof or documentation when asked.
It's important to note that most door-knocking roofers don't even carry these credentials with them into your home; instead, they can produce them after you've already signed on the dotted line and paid for services rendered. If a contractor wants you to sign an agreement without providing one of these items beforehand, it could mean that he or she is trying to hide something from you—like shady business practices or low-quality products
Door-knocking roofing contractors offer "Free Inspections" to Scam You
Door-knocking roofing contractors may offer "free inspections" that aren't really free.
They will knock on your door and tell you that they are looking for jobs and want to do a free inspection of your roof. The problem is, these "free inspections" are not actually free; they come with strings attached.
After the "free inspection," the contractor will likely tell you that your roof needs to be replaced or repaired and try to pressure you into signing a contract on the spot. They may even try to scare you by saying that your roof is in danger of collapsing and that you need to act fast.
Do not fall for this scam! Free roof inspections should not come with any pressure to buy something from the contractor. Many a time, they may even cause damage to your roof without your knowledge.
Beware of door-knocking roofers who only accept cash or checks.
These door-knocking roofers may be hiding something. They may be avoiding the paper trail, they may be avoiding taxes or they may be avoiding paying their employees and suppliers. These are all reasons to avoid doing business with them.
Also, beware of any door-knocking roofers who only accept cash or checks—they might just want to avoid paying their fair share in taxes as well!
Door-knocking roofing companies may not use quality materials.
- Be suspicious if a door-knocking roofing company says they only use top-quality materials.
- Be suspicious if they do not show you their materials.
- Be suspicious if they do not show you their licenses and insurance.
You've seen the trucks and heard the ads: "Free inspection!" "Lifetime warranty!"
You've seen the trucks and heard the ads: "Free inspection!" "Lifetime warranty!" You might think these door-knocking roofing companies are sweet deals. But before you sign on the dotted line for a roofing project or even inspection, make sure you know who you're dealing with - and what those contracts actually mean!
How to Avoid Door Knocking Inspection Services
The best way to avoid door-knocking inspection services is to not answer the door! If you are home during the day, make sure that your doors are locked and that you have a sign that says "No Solicitors" or "Do Not Disturb."
You can also call the police if you feel like you are being harassed by someone who is door-knocking.
You can always say that your home's roof is in good shape. When you have the best roofing materials on your roof, from vent pipes, skylights, roof pipes, and chimney caps, you are sure that your roof is free of roof penetrations.
Make sure that as a homeowner, you regularly scan for areas that need repairs, that need to be replaced, etc. You can then report roof damage and leaks to your trusted home inspectors.
You don't need to wait for a door-to-door roofing contractor to offer you a free roof inspection in order to do this. You can instead take the initiative and reach out to roofing companies on your own terms.
Regular Roof Inspection By Property Owners
Door-to-door roofing companies often target areas that have recently been hit by severe weather conditions, such as a hail storm.
Homeowners can avoid being taken advantage of by these so-called "storm chasers" by being proactive and having their roofs regularly inspected by a trusted professional. Doing this will ensure that any potential damage is caught early on and can be repaired before it becomes a bigger problem - and before the storm chasers come knocking on your door!
Get Your Roof Inspected on Schedule
It's important to get your roof inspected on a regular basis - at least once a year, if not more often. This will help you catch any potential problems early on before they have a chance to become bigger (and more expensive) issues.
If you're not sure how often you should have your roof inspected, it's best to err on the side of caution and have it done more often than you think is necessary. After all, it's better to be safe than sorry!
Reach Out to a Trustworthy Roofing Company
When it comes time to get your roof inspected or repaired, make sure you reach out to a trustworthy roofing company that you can rely on. Someone trustworthy can certainly handle any roofing services.
Don't take chances with your roof - or your safety! Working with a fly-by-night operation that could leave you high and dry (literally), and without a reliable roof.
Do your research and vet any potential roofing service before you let them anywhere near your home. This will help ensure that you're working with a reputable business that will get the job done right - and that you won't have to worry about being taken advantage of.
If you are ever approached by door-knocking roofers offering free estimates or inspection, do your research first and never take them up on their offer! These so-called "storm chasers" are often more interested in taking advantage of homeowners than they are in actually helping them.
Conclusion
All in all, door-knocking roofers and "storm chasers" are a part of the roofing industry. But they're also a huge risk for consumers. We don't want anyone falling prey to scams or low-quality workmanship, so we've outlined some tips here to help you avoid these shady companies.
If you're looking for a high-quality and trustworthy roofing company, please get in touch!
