Are you in need of a roof replacement or repair? If so, then that means you’re on the hunt for the right roof inspection company. Finding the right advanced roofing in Houston can help ensure that your home is protected from the elements.
However, there are those out there that look to profit from your roofing needs without giving you the proper inspection, repair, or replacement. In other words, these guys have no qualifications to perform work on your roof.
See below for several signs that you might be dealing with a roof inspection scam. Be sure to avoid these signs at all costs, only lining yourself up with the very best.
Watch for Storm Chasers
Maybe the main reason you’re looking into a roof inspection is that your area recently had a major storm come through. That storm threw a few shingles off your roof and is making you look for professional help to make sure it’s intact.
Not too long after this storm, you might’ve come across a roofing company, who may have even walked to your door to give you their business card. These roofing companies are referred to by professionals as “storm chasers.”
To get as much profit as possible, they keep a close eye out for areas affected by severe storms, then visit those places to conduct business.
One of their biggest selling techniques is promising to give you a massive discount on pricing to “help” you recover from the storm. Don’t buy it.
Offering a Massive Discount
One of the biggest scams in the business is a roofing company that offers a huge and unrealistic discount on their “services.”
If they can afford to cut the price that much, then they’re sacrificing it elsewhere. It might be that their service has poor online reviews, they use poor quality materials, or they won’t deliver a service at all. They’ll just take off with your money.
When done right, an efficient roofing repair isn’t something you can offer a large discount on. Trusted roofing companies focus on offering high-quality materials that will give you a huge return on investment, not a huge momentary discount.
In this case, the adage rings true: you’ll get what you pay for. Before you sign the dotted line or give your payment information, be sure to ask about the specific costs for things like materials, labor, time frame, etc. This will legitimize the cost that they give.
Keep in mind, trusted roofing companies can offer you affordable roofing options. But if the price seems too good to be true, then it most likely is.
No Trace of Them Online
Too many people make the mistake of hiring a roofing company with too little experience, no insurance, or no certification. All of these can be avoided by doing a little research on the roofing company that you hire beforehand.
Start by searching for their company on Google and see what comes up. You might notice that you’re having a difficult time finding anything on them. In this day in age, not having a trace of the company online is a bad sign.
Either the company doesn’t exist or they’re working illegally. They’re trying to sweep their name under the rug by going door-to-door and exchanging information. If you notice their business card doesn’t have a website you can visit, it’s another red flag.
Reputable Texas roofing companies will have a website you can visit to learn more about their brand, their services, and how they can help you. If you can’t find anything on their company, run for the hills.
Poor Online Reviews
Online reviews are worth their weight in gold these days. They give you the chance to peek behind the curtain and see other clients’ experiences with the roofing company you’re considering.
While some online reviews should certainly be taken with a grain of salt, there’s something to be said for the general consensus. If you notice that most of the reviews are negative then you should take it as a sign to steer clear of that service.
Be sure to look out for words like “scam”, “accident”, “theft”, “unqualified”, or any other words you wouldn’t want to be associated with the company you hire.
These reviews are indicative of what that company stands for. If they’re only in it for the money, their previous customers will detect it and write furious reviews as a result.
Avoid the Door-to-Door
Door-to-door sales is dead in America. Not only do many neighborhoods now have anti-soliciting laws in place, but door-to-door salesmen now have a high rate of scams.
The roofing industry is no exception. These companies are trying to get out in front of clients and promise the world in order to get your card information.
These days, trusted companies are found through the internet and, of course, referrals from a friend.
If you have a door-to-door salesman approach you, then take it as a sign they’re trying to get an angle on you and opt for a different roofing expert.
Avoid a Roof Inspection Scam With These Tips
Now that you’ve seen several signs that you might be dealing with a roof inspection scam, it’s time to find the right roofing company to work with.
Be sure to read this article on 8 warning signs that your roof is starting to fail for more information on identifying when it’s time to fix your roof.
For more inquiries, please fill out our online contact form and we’ll be happy to assist you further!
Protruding Parts
Hail can dent the protruding parts on your roof, like chimneys and skylights, if they are made of light material. Strong winds can also blow these parts’ covers away, allowing rainwater into your house. If they may not spot these issues from the ground, roofing technicians climb up your roof for a closer inspection.
Since a storm can cause significant damage to your roof, a roof inspection is necessary after a storm. This way, you can identify issues and do the required repairs before the damage becomes severe. If you hire an experienced roofing contractor, they’ll check the above vulnerable areas for damage and advice you accordingly.
At Fitz Roofing, we are committed to building relationships with our clients through quality services and excellent customer service. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
