What Exactly Is a Roof Storm Chaser and Is It really Risky To Hire One?

What is a roofing storm chaser?

Storm Chaser (stȯrm chā-sər) n: Person(s) or company(s) that hire high-pressure sales people to blitz areas hit by severe storms. They use roving bands of roofing hired “guns” to install roofs a quickly as possible.

Why does it seem roofing storm chasers frequent Texas?

We live in an area that is frequently hit by severe thunder and hail storms. These storms damage property, especially roofs. It doesn’t matter what type of roof you have a severe hailstorm will damage a roof. These storms attract “storm chasers” by the thousands. Lots of damaged roofs, lots of victims... and lots of insurance money!

You don’t need a roofing contractors license in Texas.

States like Arizona, New Mexico, and other Western states, roofers are require to have state roofing license. They have to be in the roofing trade for many years, pass a state examine and required to carry liability insurance and be bonded. This does protect the property owner. Be careful whom you hire!

What to watch out for with roofing storm chasers

Roofing storm chasers are no longer just small “mom and pops” trying to follow storms and make a living, they are sophisticated, complete with computers, forecasting where the next storm will hit and their next victims. Roof storm chasing is a multi million-dollar industry; they often travel with their own adjusters. Because they travel from state to state a lot operate with out proper licensing and insurance.

A lot of these Storm Chasers set up PO boxes and they also forward their calls out of state to appear local. Remember the number they give can be disconnected at any time they decide to move on. Most of their “local” offices are set up to look legitimate but can easily be broken down in minutes.

These well planned companies with their teams of high pressure sales people go door to door and pressure homeowners for a so called “FREE” roof inspection and talk them into filing roof replacement claim with the homeowners insurance company. They insinuate that there is a short window of time to file a claim (which is not true). The purpose is to scare homeowners into a quick decision so they can get as much work as possible.

The biggest issue is that they hire bands of roofing gangs, quickly install your roof and then disappear from the storm area. When you do have a roof leak or roof issue, they are nowhere to be found. Storm Chasers generally do not offer any details of the work to be done and offer no written WORKMANSHIP guarantees. Even if they do, a guarantee is worthless if the company is no longer in business in our area.

I have even been at roofing training seminars where these storm chaser try to get certified in various roof systems or as certified roof inspectors to appear legitimate to unsuspecting property owners. I have even heard them “brag” on how they over charged property owners and submitted change orders and the poor property owner was just another victim with no where to turn.

The Solution: Contact The Roof Medics At 866-334-4416