How to Spot a Hail Storm Chaser and Avoid Roofing Scams

A hail storm spells terrible news for all Colorado homeowners. 21st-century houses can weather bad storms but require maintenance before facing the next one. 

Repairing damage from storms isn’t easy for any homeowner, so many rely on expert professionals for help.  Scam companies often take advantage of this problem by following storms and swindling unsuspecting homeowners out of money for subpar work. These scammers are called hail storm chasers.

What is a Hail Storm Chaser?

A hail storm chaser is someone who chases or traces the path of a storm and offers roofing or home improvement services to affected homeowners. They show up immediately after a hail storm has damaged houses, when people are in a vulnerable state and actively looking for a company to provide them with much-needed repair services. 

A hail storm chaser will take advantage of the crisis and offer ridiculously low rates to repair your roof. For people who are in need of a quick solution, it may seem like an exceptional deal. The bad thing about these hailstorm chasers is that they are amateurs who are not skilled or experienced enough to repair your roof properly.

In the end, you’re going to end up spending more money to fix your roof. So, how can you spot a roofing scam?

How to Spot a Roofing Scam

Roofing scams and hail storm chasers typically encourage you to get multiple estimates, claiming they’ll be able to undercut everyone else. Don’t fall for it! The industry average is somewhere between $1,600 and $2,300 per thousand square feet of roofing; if you get more than two bids for a project and someone is still much lower than that, be wary. They also will require payment upfront: Most legitimate contractors won’t ask for money until their work is done.

Hail storm chasers push for quick installations resulting in shoddy work that will only need additional repairs and maintenance later on. While it may seem like you’re saving money by getting your installation done quickly, there are often hidden costs associated with making things right after they go wrong.

Avoid a roofing scam and contact a licensed and accredited roofing service company for your commercial and residential needs.