Roofs suffer a great deal when hit by severe storms. Before this happens to you, it is good to know the difference between storm chasers and standard roofing contractors in Plymouth Michigan. When a storm hits your roof, you are likely to repair or replace your roof. Storm chasers are likely to invade a particular area affected by a severe storm. They end up ripping innocent homeowners with substandard roofing projects. This is not an attribute of a standard roofing contractor.
Attributes of Substandard Roofing Contractors In Plymouth Michigan
Knowing the attributes of a substandard roofer will help you distinguish between who a storm chaser is and a professional roofer.
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Understanding Who a Storm Chaser Is
Storm chasers is a substandard roofing contractor who goes to neighborhoods affected by severe rain, hail, or wind. These fraudsters use certain software to track areas affected by storms and the values of homes affected by the storm. Then they use their experience with insurance companies to give an estimate for roof replacement. These people know that a reputable roofer would have been booked and too busy to attend to some pending project. So, they visit homes to let them know they are available for roofing services.
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Storm Chasers Are Not Reliable
No matter how professional a storm chaser claim to be, you can’t trust them. They give a quick and free inspection to make them look real. Then they draft an estimate for new roof installation. As soon as they get the money from you, they get substandard materials and install a roofing system that may not last up to 5 years. You should note that storm chasers do not have a license or insurance for roofing projects.
In some cases, after giving quotes and demanding upfront payment, they vanish into thin air. So homeowners should know to whom they award their roof projects.
How Storm Chasers Operate To Rip Homeowners
There are several ways storm chasers operate. So, homeowners are to look out for these signs before trusting their money into the hands of strangers.
1. They Come To Your Door Directly
When a roofer comes directly to your doorstep advertising himself, it is a sign that he is a storm chaser. A standard roofer does not go after work. They wait for clients to contact them for work. Some storm chasers could tell you they were sent by the last roofing contractor that worked for you recently. When situations like this occur, ask them for verification.
2. Storm Chaser Demand For Cash Upfront
A standard roofing contractor will not be after your money. Only a storm chaser would demand cash upfront before they can do any work. Don’t be surprised if the last time you will set your eyes on the storm chaser is after you give the upfront payment.
3. They Add More Damage To The Previous One
Because substandard roofers do not know about the insurance claim process, they end up creating more damage to the existing one. Always watch anyone who comes for a roof inspection to avoid foul play. You could hold a camera while the inspection is going if you doubt them.
Conclusion
It is beneficial for homeowners to know the difference between a storm chaser and standard roofing contractors in Plymouth Michigan. Don’t trust strangers to inspect your roof. If you are a victim of storm damage, contact any local roofing contractor with traces. Don’t fall victim to storm chasers who will make you spend extra to fix your roof.
