
Every time a big hailstorm moves through DFW, the area is overrun with out-of-town crews who are trying to take advantage of the business opportunities. As a homeowner who needs immediate services, it’s critical that you know how to find a trustworthy roofer for hail damage and repairs.
The truth is that hiring the right roofing company will have an undeniable impact on the overall outcome of your roof replacement. If you make the mistake of hiring an unqualified team, then you could be dealing with major issues and a lack of support when something goes wrong with the roof.
Why Every Homeowner Needs to Watch Out for Storm Chasers
The term “storm chasers” refers to crews that come in from out-of-state after a major storm. Their goal is to sell their services as fast as possible. They close the deals, install the new roofs, and then get out of the area before any problems arise with their work.
These storm chasers can often be found knocking on doors within 24 to 48 hours after a storm. They apply high-pressure sales tactics and try to get homeowners to commit to the services on the spot. One big red flag is that these storm chasers don’t have a permanent local address, which should be a warning that you probably shouldn’t move forward with their services. Instead, hire a reputable and trusted roofing company for long-term support.
Since hailstorms are common in DFW, this area is regularly targeted by storm chasers. If any big storm comes through, then every homeowner needs to be watching for storm chasers who are trying to cash in on the damage.
The Checklist for Choosing a Reliable Roofing Company
When you need hail damage roof repair, there are a few things that you should keep in mind when choosing roofing services. These are some of the signs of a trustworthy roofing company:
- Make sure that you are working with a legitimate roofing company that has a permanent local address. Just because there is a magnetic sign on the truck, it doesn’t mean that they are a professional crew.
- Verify the credentials and business information before signing a contract. Ask to see their Texas roofing license, active insurance coverage, and any other manufacturer certifications they hold (such as GAF). This information matters, especially the contractor’s status and certifications, which will affect your warranty coverage.
- Ask for references and local referrals. A trustworthy hailstorm roof company in DFW will have a solid reputation and online reviews that you can read.
Know How Home Insurance and Your Deductible Actually Work
Most home insurance companies in DFW have wind and hail deductibles that are percentage-based. Instead of a flat-rate amount for your deductible, your out-of-pocket expenses are based on the value of your home (typically 1% to 2%).
If your roof is damaged in a hailstorm, then it’s critical that you repair the roof and resolve the claim as quickly as possible. This helps to avoid the issue of another storm hitting before your first claim is resolved.
One of the biggest warning signs that you are talking to a storm chaser is that they will offer to waive your deductible. While it might seem like an attractive offer, it means that the roofing crew is fraudulent. In the state of Texas, it’s illegal to waive insurance deductibles like this.
What to Expect During Your Hail Damage Roof Inspection
A legitimate roofing company will offer a full-service inspection, including full documentation of the damage. Not only are notes written down, but photos can be helpful for showing the extent of damage. The inspection and documentation are always completed before the repair work begins.
One thing that you might consider is having both the roofing contractor and the insurance adjuster on site at the same time. In this situation, it means that both parties are assessing the same roof damage at the same time.
Sometimes, you might run into an issue where the insurer denies or underpays the claim. In this situation, an experienced roofing contractor can help you push back with the documentation that was gathered during the initial inspection.
Red Flags & Warning Signs That You Are Talking to Storm Chasers
If you run into any of these warning signs, then it’s best to end the conversation immediately and find a local roofing company instead:
- Time-sensitive pressure to sign the contract as soon as possible.
- You receive a verbal estimate instead of a written scope of work.
- The contractor is asking for an upfront payment in cash, but there is no payment schedule tied to project milestones.
- You can’t verify the legitimacy of the contractor because they don’t have a permanent, local office.
FAQs
How quickly after a hailstorm should I get a roof inspection?
It’s important that you take action by scheduling a roof inspection as soon as possible after the hailstorm. Ideally, this inspection should happen within a few days. The longer you wait for a roofing inspection, the higher the risk of further damage and granule loss due to continued weather exposure.
Does homeowners’ insurance cover hail damage in Texas?
Most standard insurance policies in Texas cover hail damage. But the coverage details and your specific deductible structure will vary depending on your policy. Make sure to check your insurance coverage so that you know what to expect when it’s time to pay.
What if my insurance adjuster lowballs the damage assessment?
This is one of the reasons why you need to be working with an experienced and legitimate roofing company. If the insurance adjuster denies the claim or lowballs the damage assessment, then your roofing contractor can provide the necessary documentation for your appeal.
Finding a Trustworthy DFW Roofing for Hail Damage
Knowing how to find a trustworthy roofer for hail damage is the most important thing that you can do after your home is damaged. You need a team that has a reliable track record and a history of success here in the DFW area.
For more information about available services, our crew at Infinite Roofing is here to assist. We offer a free, no-pressure inspection with full transparency so that you know what to expect when you decide to move forward with the repairs.
Additionally, our team at Infinite Roofing is here to help with other exterior home services, including solar installation, windows, gutters, and more. Contact us today to discuss your needs.