Roofing scams are one of the biggest worries that many homeowners fear when they need services - and with good reason.

At the top of the list of those scams are storm chasing roofing contractors, the ones who appear out of nowhere after a storm, offering convenient services at too-good-to-be-true prices.

Rather than dealing with scam artists, homeowners should instead seek out local professional roof contractors who have great reputations within their community.

Use these tips to recognize a storm chaser and understand why they should be avoided!

1. They Appear Out Of Nowhere

The first warning sign that an attempted roofing scam is taking place is a knock at the door from an overly friendly, if not somewhat pushy roofer who comes around right after a storm.

These supposed roof contractors follow bad weather, frequently showing up and offering a free inspection before a homeowner can even think about assessing the condition of their roofs.

While it is always a good idea to check a roof after a severe storm, the track record suggests that a roofer going door-to-door to drum up work is not the most reliable one to hire to do it.

2. They Are Not A Local Roofing Service

The main concern with working with one of those roofing contractors who appears out of nowhere after a storm is that they are usually not a local service.

Many are not even from the same state.

It is difficult to research their reputation and more importantly, should things go wrong with their work after the fact, they may be impossible to contact.

A contractor with a local physical address, vehicles with in-state license plates, and who can be verified as being established in the community is a much safer option.

3. They Are Not Licensed or Certified To Work In The Area

Out-of-state roof contractors that follow storms seeking customers to sway typically do not hold licenses to work in the states where the weather takes them.

They are usually uninsured as well, not manufacturer-certified to install quality materials, and frequently have unskilled, untrained laborers working for them.

4. They Always Find Damage During Inspections

Fly-by-night roofing services will typically offer a “free” roof inspection to put unsuspecting homeowners' minds at ease after a storm, then always report back with some kind of damage that needs repairing.

Whether there is something wrong with the roof or not, these scam artists oversell their services, presenting a worst-case scenario to hook well-meaning homeowners trying to protect their homes.

5. They Come Bearing Deals and Special Rates

Another sure-fire indicator that a roofing contractor from outside of the area is a storm chaser is their attempts to bribe customers with “today only” deals and special low prices.

A professional roofer who is established and well-regarded in their community will never try to undercut other services as a means of getting work.

By providing excellent services at competitive prices, they simply don’t need to.

6. They Ask For Payment In Advance

Another thing that a respected local roof contractor does not do is demand payment before services are rendered.

This is a common practice by unethical roofers, who take money when they can get it, and then either leave town before doing anything or provide substandard quality work, then leave before anyone notices.

Professionals may ask for a deposit, but they only ask for payment in full after finishing the job.

7. They May Commit Insurance Fraud

On top of the scam of being a storm chaser, many of these roofing services commit insurance scams as well to get away with more money.

One such scam is to offer to pay the insurance deductible and absorb it into the roofing bill, while another one is to accept payment directly from the insurance company.

In both cases, the contractors typically bill the insurance company elevated rates, then provide inferior work to the homeowner - and then take off with the money.

These are fraud tactics that are not only illegal but could result in legal troubles for homeowners as well with their insurer.

Avoid The Storm Chasers - Work Only With Local Roofing Pros

The takeaway in all of this is hopefully clear.

Homeowners must stay vigilant when approached by any roofing contractor after a storm and choose instead to contact a local professional if storm damage is suspected.

An established roof contractor with a good local reputation will always have their customer’s best interests in mind!