Have Roofing Storm Damage? Who to Trust After a Hail Strom?

Over the past couple weeks there have been several strong storms near Brunswick and Medina in Northeast Ohio and you may be wondering if that roof leak you are experiencing might be a result of storm damage or hail damage. There are certain tell-tale signs that you can look for as a homeowner, such as denting in the metal roof vents, flashing, or valleys of your roof. Other signs might include missing granules on asphalt shingles, cracked shingles, or bruised shingles. Of course, to assess this damage you will have to get out your ladder and get on the roof. For those of who are concerned about heights or uncomfortable getting on the roof, the best thing you can do is contact a local, roofing storm damage contractor to fully inspect your roof for damages.

We say a local, reputable roofing company because after severe storms, there are contractors known as storm chasers who prey on people having just lived through tough weather conditions. Often, these contractors are not local and tend to be impossible to track down if you discover that there is a problem with the work they completed for you. They also have the tendency to complete unnecessary work, conduct sub-par work, bill for work that has not been completed, or promise that your repairs will be covered by your insurance when in reality they may not. Triple Peaks Roofing has had to redo the work of storm chasers for many of our customers and hope you can avoid paying twice for repairs you may need done.

According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau President and CEO Joe Wehrle, “There are a lot of unscrupulous, fly-by-night roofers and

repairmen who are what we call Storm Chasers. They follow the storms and deliberately try to rip off unsuspecting homeowners and their insurers by making unnecessary repairs or deliberately inflicting damage to a roof or siding to try to get insurance money.” Another thing homeowners may not realize is that there is no licensure for roofers in the State of Ohio. Knowing this, how can you protect yourself from being “taken?” For those of you in Brunswick, Medina, or other areas of Northeast Ohio hit by storm damage, here are some things to watch out for:

1. If you see a lot of signs from a roofing company that you‘ve never seen before or heard of before, that’s probably because they weren’t around before. Be wary of any roofing company that seems to appear out of thin air.
2. A reputable roofing storm damage contractor is not likely to show up on your door step and tell you that you need to get your roof fixed. They will wait for you to call them. Be wary of anyone who knocks on your door and tells you that you need work.
3. People at your door may tell you that they can see damage to your roof from the street. Unless there is a large chunk of roof missing, that’s not likely. Most damage from storms and hail is not visible from the ground.
4. If you see out-of-state license plates on company vehicles, be wary. This is a good indication that the roofing contractor may not be around long enough to remedy any issues you may have with the work they do. In addition, a warranty is only as good as the company backing it and you need to locate the company to make good on that warranty.
5. Pay attention to job titles. Most reputable companies place a foreman on every job site. If the most you see if a project manager, you should be wary.
6. Ask to see the roofing company’s paperwork for workers compensation and liability insurance. If a worker gets injured on your property and the contractor does not have liability and worker’s compensation insurance, you may be liable.
7. Make sure that materials being used have been paid for by the contractor. We have heard stories of storm chasers completing work and leaving without paying for materials, leaving the homeowner to cover that cost – again.
8. If the roofing company is spending more time talking about insurance and what you should get paid, and less time helping you get a good, well-ventilated, manufacturer-backed roofing system, you may be talking with a storm chaser.

Ultimately, it is important that you know, like, and trust your roofing company. Select a local contractor who can provide you with references, obtain a report from the Better Business Bureau (216-241-7678) for the company, and ask lots of questions. You are the boss, make sure you feel comfortable talking to the contractor and that they take the time to address all of your questions and concerns professionally.