Why You Should Avoid Door Knockers and Storm Chasers

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Why You Should Avoid Door Knockers and Storm Chasers

Recent hail storms have damaged thousands of homes in the greater Austin area. It’s times like these that storm chasers and door knockers come out! You’ve most likely experienced these solicitations if you live in an area that has been impacted. Door knockers will knock on your door and offer a free roof inspection. Storm chasers are door knockers that come from out of town or state and go town to town following hail storms. Once your roof is “repaired,” or replaced, they leave town. Leaving you without a warranty. This is why you should avoid door knockers.

If a roofing advisor knocks on your door, be wary. Don’t get wrapped into their schemes by agreeing to a free inspection immediately.

Who are Door Knockers

Door knockers are individuals who go door-to-door offering roofing services and free inspections. Sounds innocent enough, right? Well, there are several common tactics that these door knockers can employ.

Free Inspection

A free inspection sounds like a no-risk situation. However, with door knockers, it isn’t. These free inspections will typically involve signing an authorization form allowing them to get on your roof. Often you are actually signing a contract that allows them to meet with an adjustor at your property on your behalf. The salesman will then pressure you into calling your insurance company to get the adjustor out for inspection. What most homeowners don’t realize is that this will cause a claim on your record, which most of the time is not needed.

Manufacturing Damage

After having permission to get on your roof, these canvassing salesmen will cause or “manufacture” damage resembling natural causes. This is an attempt to justify getting the roof replaced by your insurance company.

How to Identify Door Knockers

Before you let anyone on your roof, be sure to research who is knocking. Never sign a contract from a door knocker until you have time to research their company and ensure its validity.

The Risks of Hiring Door Knockers

As mentioned already, various risks come with signing contracts with door knockers. Scams aside, lack of credibility and reliability is one of them. A reputable roofing company will accomplish your job in a timely and appropriate manner. If a door knocker has no reputation you can’t guarantee either of those.

If door knockers aren’t blatantly scamming, they are doing other things such as performing poor-quality of work. Door knockers and storm chasers complete the reroof and skip town. Then the warranty they promised is void. Most door knockers are in it for the quick buck and won’t do a quality job like a local reputable roofing company.

There’s always the possibility of blatant scams and fraud. Door knockers will often ask for large sums of money upfront, especially cash. Most roofers will ask for a small marginal deposit upfront. However, door knockers will ask for significantly more. If you pay upfront, they can disappear or do a poor job.

Protecting Yourself From Door Knockers

Don’t get scammed by a door knocker. In Austin, there are so many reputable roofing companies to choose from. Save yourself the time, money, and pain, and go with a company that’s been in the community for decades.

Research Reputable Roofing Companies

Get a roof inspection and address any damage as soon as possible. However, you should take the time to do some research on local roofing companies before you jump to a free inspection. A reputable roofing company should have a robust online presence. This will include a website, Google page, Better Business Bureau page, and mentions on websites such as Nextdoor, Facebook, and Reddit. Even better if the company has won community and roofing awards.

Ask for Credentials and References

After finding 1-3 roofing companies you’d like to get a free inspection from, you should ask for references and credentials before signing any contracts. A reputable roofing company will always be happy to offer references for their work. Next, you should ensure the roofing company has the necessary insurance. Additionally, reputable roofing companies will have a good relationship with insurance companies. Ask your insurance company which roofers they would recommend or if they have done business with the roofing company you are getting a free inspection from.

Avoid Making Hasty Decisions

At the end of the day, a repair or reroof should never be done hastily. You should always take your time to do your research and go through the proper channels. A reputable roofing company should have a plethora of experience working with insurance companies and can help guide you through the insurance process which takes time. You should do you research and then get free inspections and bids from multiple reputable roofing companies to compare.

Wilson Roofing has been in business for over 47 years in the Austin area. We are recommended by all top insurance carriers and will work to ensure you get everything deserved from your insurance company. We are offering free inspections (no contracts or signatures needed!) to any residential homeowner who’s house has been impacted by recent hail storms. Contact us today or give us a call at 512-263-3157