Avoiding Roofing Scams After Storms: Tips from Durable Roofing Residential
Severe weather can wreak havoc on your home, especially your roof. Unfortunately, storm damage often attracts scammers looking to take advantage of homeowners in distress. At Durable Roofing Residential, we want to help you avoid these pitfalls and ensure your roof is repaired by trusted professionals.
Spotting the Scammers
After a storm, you might find your doorbell ringing non-stop with offers to repair your roof. While some of these offers may be legitimate, many are not. According to Steve Bernas, president and CEO of the Chicago Better Business Bureau, "Unfortunately with storms, people tend to go with whoever knocks at their door because everybody else is booked up."
“Signing a storm-chaser’s paperwork could put you in a bad situation” says our own Durable Roofing Residential President Carlos Furlan, “Don’t sign anything up front. And don’t give them your homeowner’s insurance policy information.”
Red Flags to Watch For
Here are some red flags to watch out for when choosing a roofing contractor:
Upfront Payments: Be wary of contractors who demand large sums of money upfront. As Bernas noted, "We had a recent one. I think it was over $20,000 they are still trying to get back."
Unlicensed Workers: Ensure the crew working on your roof is licensed. Kevin Filotto from the Chicago Roofing Contractors Association warns, "A lot of roofers now use a sub crew for their labor. So a lot of roofers actually don’t have a license themselves."
Brand New Companies: A common theme in roofing scams is that the contractor is brand new and with little history of doing business locally. “Hire a local roofer” Durable’s Carlos Furlan suggests. “A roof should last 15 years. Hire a company that’s been around at least that long. Do your research, check reviews. Look for a history of satisfied customers.”
What to Do Instead
If you can’t schedule your preferred roofing company, Durable Roofing Residential, contact your insurance company. They may provide a list of recommended contractors. Also, look for signs of damage yourself, such as granules from shingles on the ground or visible debris on your roof.
Trust Durable Roofing Residential
At Durable Roofing Residential, we pride ourselves on our integrity and quality of work. We offer free inspections to assess any storm damage and provide honest, reliable service. Don’t let scammers take advantage of you—trust the experts at Durable Roofing Residential.
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