We’ve all heard the term storm chaser, referring to people who choose to insert themselves into dangerous weather conditions solely for the thrill of it. However, this phrase is also used to describe someone looking to make a quick buck off of your unfortunate roof problem.
But how do storm chasers operate, and how do they manage to take advantage of us?
The Storm Chaser Mindset
For starters, storm chasers wait patiently for severe weather conditions such as hail storms or tornadoes to hit before jumping into action. They assemble a “crew” made up of (usually) inexperienced roofers in hopes of performing as many quick-fixes as possible.
Ultimately, their only goal is to take advantage of our misfortune. They do so by offering affordable repairs and by using aggressive sales tactics. Before long, they’ll convince us that they’re the best company in the business.
More often than not, they’ll persuade us to make a claim on our insurance. That tactic often works, since no one likes to dip into their savings. As if that’s not tempting enough, some storm chasers will even offer a cash-back deductible for the claim!
Why You Need to Avoid Storm Chasers at All Costs
Although what they’re offering may seem tempting, hiring a storm chaser will end up costing more than we had bargained for!
Here’s the catch; for starters, storm chasers are fully aware of how insurance companies work. With that in mind, they estimate how much material is needed for the repairs, and offer us a bargain price on “quality” shingles. However, the reality is that the shingles they will end up using on our home will be low-grade.
As if that’s not enough, due to their inexperience, the contractors will inevitably try to cut corners by repairing our roof on the outside rather than fixing any underlying issues.
Afterward, our homes can end up getting more damaged over the course of the next few months.
How to Recognize a Storm Chaser
When severe weather conditions cause damage to our roof, the only thing on our minds is fixing it as soon as possible. Ultimately, this is what makes us so vulnerable to storm chasers.
In that case, recognizing a scammer before they can take advantage of us is pivotal. But how do we do that? Here are two obvious signs we’re dealing with storm chasers:
- They will knock on our door and insist on inspecting our roof immediately after a storm
- They will offer you an affordable repair job without even seeing the damage
Hire a Professional to Fix the Damage
When dealing with storm chasers, the main thing we need to remember is to stand our ground. No matter how persistent they are, we should never allow them on our roof.
Instead, hiring a professional roofing company such as Tadlock Roofing will ensure that your roof is repaired and ready for every weather condition.
Our team of experts is up for every challenge. We’ll make sure your roof is as sturdy as it was the day you purchased your home!
