The Best Defense Against Roofing Scammers Is For Homeowners To Do Their Homework And Ask Plenty Of Questions
Yesterday’s severe storms did a lot more than cause roof damage in the Kingwood and Houston areas, they also caused seven deaths and knocked out power for a million people, as stated by Redemption Roofing, a roofing contractor located in Texas. Falling trees caused two of the deaths and also contributed to downed power lines. The extent of roof damage in the metro area will be large. These hurricane-force winds will rip off roof shingles and roof decking. Older roofs are at greater risk because of their weakened state. And everyone in the roofing industry knows that large, severe storms with fierce winds, heavy rain, and/or hail will bring out the worst of the scammers.
May 16, 2024, saw major thunderstorms slamming into the Houston area and then moving on to Louisiana. This was another in a series of spring thunderstorms that have flooded parts of northeast Houston and east Texas with historic numbers. This storm, however, was deadly. The strong winds blew out many windows in downtown skyscrapers and knocked down electrical transmission towers. Falling trees also knocked down many power lines. A day after the storm it was estimated that one million homes and businesses did not have electrical power.
Common Roofing Scams
Storm Chasers / Traveling Contractors
Usually, these scammers will start knocking on doors after a large storm. They are “smooth talkers” and will always offer a free inspection. Many other “benefits” will be presented to the homeowner to encourage them to sign a contract with these unknown roofing contractors. They can be very charming and persuasive and may have a fake website for a fake company with fake reviews. The result can take several forms including a disappearance after a down payment is made, a small job suddenly becomes a big job after discovering more damage, low-quality work and materials, and more.
High Pressure
High-pressure sales tactics are a huge red flag and are common among scammers. They want a contractual commitment before the homeowner has done their research and homework.
Bait and Switch
There are variations of this scam and they usually start with an unusually low bid. Often “other roof damage” is found and the roof repair or roof replacement cost is inflated significantly.
Offer to Pay The Insurance Deductible
This is considered insurance fraud. There are versions of this scam and homeowners can be duped into participation. It can involve fake reports sent to the insurance company, price decreases for the homeowner after the claim was submitted to the insurance company or some other sketchy strategy.
Down Payment
This is the easiest scam because the scammer takes the money and disappears. A contract has little value if the company is fake or the contractor is experienced at avoiding the consequences.
Tips To Identify Roofing Scammers
The Texas Department of Licensing and Registration does NOT license roofing contractors in the state of Texas. Any person can claim to be a “roofer” or “roofing contractor” in Texas.
Do Your Homework
Read the insurance policy; Call the insurance company; meet and talk with the insurance adjuster; ask about the years of experience of the roofing company; verify the roofer’s website, reviews, and insurance liability; clarify all terms in the contract including timelines, scope of work, and payment terms
3 Bids
All roofing contractors should be told that 3 bids will be obtained before a decision is made. This action will discourage many scammers because the homeowner is becoming more “educated” about their roof and its damage.
FREE
Free roofing inspections are common but other freebies could be a scammer committing insurance fraud with the homeowner’s permission. Any service that a roofer offers for free should be closely analyzed.
Too Much Time on the Roof
Experienced roofers can inspect and take photos of the damage on an average-sized roof in 20 minutes or less. If it takes much longer then the homeowner should be suspicious.
Requesting a Large Down Payment
This is a big, flashing, red light. Yes, a roofing contractor will have to buy expensive roofing materials before a roof replacement or extensive roof repair. A roofer should not ask for a deposit until the material is delivered to the job site.
Offers To Pay the Insurance Deductible
In Texas, it is insurance fraud if a roofer is promising to “cover your deductible”.
Assignment of Benefits
This agreement gives the roofing contractor permission to work on the homeowner’s behalf when filing an insurance claim. Although it can be a legitimate process it is best to confirm everything with the insurance company. Roofing contractors have abused this agreement in the past. THIS CAN NOT BE DONE IN TEXAS!
Hire a Local Roofing Company that has a History in the Community
The Roofing Contractors Association of Texas has provided the following key points for homeowners to consider when selecting a roofing contractor.
- Read and understand the home insurance policy and the stated deductible
- Do the homework first – Do NOT sign anything from a salesperson or roofing contractor until then
- Ask for a copy of the roofing company’s liability insurance, then call the insurance company to confirm
- Obtain a written copy of the warranty coverage from the roofing contractor before signing the contract
- Select a LOCAL company with good references
Redemption Roofing serves the Texas market and offers a complete line of residential and commercial roofing services. Regular roof inspections, quality roofing materials, and timely roof repairs will extend the life of any roof.
