7 Tips to Avoid Getting Scammed by a Storm Chasing Roofing Company

When severe weather hits, homeowners often find themselves dealing with the aftermath of hail, wind, and storm damage. Unfortunately, storm-chasing roofing companies take advantage of this vulnerability, targeting affected areas with high-pressure sales tactics and subpar workmanship. Knowing how to identify and avoid these scammers is crucial to protecting your home and finances.

At S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC, we take pride in providing honest, high-quality roofing services in Northeast Ohio, including Youngstown, Cleveland, Medina, Euclid, Willoughby, and beyond. As an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor, we are committed to ethical business practices and top-tier craftsmanship.

In this guide, we’ll explore the top 7 tips to help you recognize and avoid storm-chasing roofing scams.

1. Verify the Roofing Company’s Local Presence

One of the biggest red flags of a storm-chasing roofing company is their lack of a legitimate local presence. These companies often travel from state to state, setting up temporary operations in storm-damaged areas, then disappearing after collecting payments.

How to Protect Yourself:

✅ Check the company’s physical address and verify it exists. A legitimate roofing company will have an established office, not just a P.O. Box or temporary workspace.
✅ Look up their business name online to see if they have a history of working in your area.
✅ Ask for their local references and completed project addresses.

At S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC, we are based in Youngstown, OH, and have a long-standing reputation for serving homeowners in Northeast Ohio with integrity and excellence.

2. Ask for Proof of Licensing, Bonding, and Insurance

Storm chasers often operate without the proper credentials, putting homeowners at risk for subpar work and liability issues.

How to Protect Yourself:

✅ Request to see the company’s state roofing license and verify it with local authorities.
✅ Make sure they are bonded, which provides financial protection if the company fails to complete the job.
✅ Verify their liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. This protects you from being held responsible for any accidents or damages.

3. Be Wary of High-Pressure Sales Tactics

Storm chasers thrive on creating a sense of urgency, pressuring homeowners into making quick decisions before they’ve had a chance to research their options.

Common High-Pressure Tactics:

🚩 “Sign this contract today to secure the best price!”
🚩 “We have leftover materials from another job and can give you a discount!”
🚩 “Your insurance claim must be filed immediately, or you’ll lose coverage!”

How to Protect Yourself:

✅ Never sign a contract under pressure—take your time to review all terms.
✅ Get multiple estimates from reputable local contractors before making a decision.
✅ Be skeptical of any deals that seem too good to be true.

4. Avoid “Free Roof” Scams and Insurance Fraud

Some storm chasers promise homeowners a “free roof” by offering to cover their insurance deductible. This is insurance fraud and can result in serious legal consequences for both the homeowner and the contractor.

How to Protect Yourself:

✅ If a contractor offers to pay your deductible, walk away—it’s illegal.
✅ Only work with roofing companies that follow legitimate insurance claim procedures.
✅ Consult your insurance provider directly before signing any agreements.

5. Get Everything in Writing

Storm chasers often use vague contracts that leave homeowners unprotected when issues arise. A reputable roofing contractor will provide a detailed, written contract outlining the scope of work, materials, costs, and timelines.

How to Protect Yourself:

✅ Ensure the contract specifies the type of shingles, underlayment, and other materials being used.
✅ Confirm that warranties are included and understand what they cover.
✅ Review payment schedules—be cautious of contractors demanding full payment upfront.

6. Check Online Reviews and Ratings

A quick online search can reveal a lot about a roofing company’s reputation. Many storm chasers create fake online profiles with glowing reviews, so it’s important to verify their credibility.

How to Protect Yourself:

✅ Check reviews on Google, Better Business Bureau (BBB), and Angi (formerly Angie’s List).
✅ Look for long-term customer feedback, not just recent reviews.
✅ Beware of companies with no online presence or only positive reviews with no details.

At S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC, we are proud of our excellent reputation and encourage homeowners to check our reviews before hiring us.

7. Choose an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor

A simple way to avoid scams is to work with a manufacturer-certified roofing contractor. Owens Corning Preferred Contractors must meet strict industry standards and provide quality workmanship.

Benefits of Choosing an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor:

✅ Proven track record of high-quality roofing installations.
✅ Access to premium roofing materials backed by manufacturer warranties.
✅ Commitment to ethical business practices and continued education.

As an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor, S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC guarantees superior service and trustworthy roofing solutions for homeowners in Northeast Ohio.

Protect Your Home with S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC

Storm damage can be stressful, but choosing the right roofing contractor doesn’t have to be. By following these 7 tips, you can protect yourself from storm-chasing scams and ensure your home gets the quality roof it deserves.

If you need a reliable, local roofing company, trust S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC to handle your storm damage repairs with integrity and professionalism.

Contact Us Today!

☎️ Phone: [440.307.2060]

📍 Service Areas: Youngstown, Cleveland, Beachwood, Chagrin Falls, Chardon, Concord, Gates Mills, Kirtland Hills, Lyndhurst, Mayfield Heights, Pepper Pike, Walton Hills, Wickliffe, Twinsburg, Madison, and surrounding areas.

Final Thoughts

By staying informed and vigilant, homeowners can avoid storm-chasing roofing scams and make informed decisions when repairing or replacing their roofs. If you’ve recently experienced storm damage and need a trusted, local contractor, S&K Construction and Remodeling LLC is here to help. Contact us today for a free roof inspection and consultation!