How to Tell if You’re Working With a Local Roofer

The sun comes out and the sky becomes clear after a passing storm. And for many Tennessee homeowners affected by the inclement weather, the process of roof repair and restoration is just getting started. There are a couple of things you’ll need to do following a major weather event. First, you’ll need to inspect and document the damage sustained by your roof and home. Next, you’ll want to call your insurance provider and jumpstart the claims process. And finally, you’ll have to find a reliable roofing contractor to deal with the storm damage. The first two steps are straightforward, but the third one, not so much.

Much of the success of any roofing project will depend on your choice of the roofing contractor. Checking qualifications will help you narrow down your options, but it’s also important to know where your prospective roofer operates. Are they local or are they from out of town? Here’s how you can tell:

Spotting a Non-Local Roofer

You’ve most likely heard of storm chasers. Also called roof gypsies or hail chasers, these are contractors who travel to areas recently affected by storms and offer roof repair, inspection, or replacement services. You should be wary of storm chasers, not only because they usually deliver poor workmanship and take advantage of homeowners, but also because they’re non-local. You’ll know this because:

• They get to you first. Storm chasers don’t operate in your area, so you’ve most likely never heard of them. But they will make the first introduction. Storm chasers usually accost people outside or knock on doors to offer their services for free. Very subtle and not-at-all suspicious. But the fact is that a local roofing contractor doesn’t actually drive around the neighborhood looking for a roof to repair or restore. If you want to schedule a roof storm damage assessment and discuss repair or restoration, you’ll need to contact them first.

• They have out-of-town license plates. Storm chasers can chase storms because they have their own truck. Some even feature a logo of their very legitimate ‘business’. But you shouldn’t make the build of the vehicle or the logo your primary focus. Take a closer look at their license plate instead. If the plates are from out of state, look for another roofer to work with. You can even ask them to show you their driver’s license so you can be double sure.

• They don’t have a local number. Making a storm chaser, a.k.a. a non-local roofer, accountable for their subpar materials and sloppy workmanship can be difficult. That’s why hiring one is never a good idea. Have they given you their phone number? Check whether it’s local, and consider it a red flag when it turns out negative. A local roofing contractor, on the other hand, not only has the right phone number, but has a physical business location, a working email address, and an updated website as well.

Here are some other red flags to watch out for in storm chasers/non-local roofers:

• They’ll try to pressure you into having your roof repaired via questionable sales tactics.
• They offer free inspections – and then fabricate proof of storm roof damage.
• They’ll claim that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has endorsed them. FEMA doesn’t endorse contractors at all.
• They don’t see a problem in asking for advance payment on work they haven’t done yet.
• They offer a free deductible, which is a type of insurance fraud.

Why Hiring a Local Roofing Contractor Matters

You’ll find that working with a local roofer offers many distinct advantages that protect you better as a customer, and ensure that any project, whether they involve roof replacement or repair, can go on smoothly. In fact, when you hire a local roof professional, you’re sure that:

• Your roofing project will be done faster. Proximity is an integral factor when hiring a roofer. Because a local one literally operates near you, travel times become negligible. They’ll arrive on time since they’re only a short drive away, helping prevent unnecessary delays and ensuring the work will be done within the projected timeline. Having a local roofing contractor you can speed dial is especially useful when there’s a major weather event. Their proximity means faster response times if you ever need emergency roof repair services.

• Resolving concerns will be much easier. Most local roofing contractors are already established in the community. They have a reputation to maintain, which is why they’ll make sure every roof replacement or repair will be completed to satisfactory results. And in cases where you have concerns about the quality of the work, they’ll be easy to find. Local roofers make problem resolution a top priority. Should a problem arise with your roof repair or replacement, they’ll take care to address it immediately.

• Your roof repair or replacement will be up to code. Building codes vary in each town and state. You’ll want to work with a local roofer because they’re already familiar with the building codes and standards specific to your area. For your greater safety, they’ll make sure your project will adhere to these requirements. Additionally, a local roofing contractor knows what it takes to get a building permit – an essential part of any large renovation project. They’ve already gone through the permitting process many times before so they may even have an easier time getting your project approved.

Summit Roofing & Restoration, Inc. Is Your Local Roofer

Homeowners in West Tennessee know that Summit Roofing & Restoration, Inc. is the only name to call for exceptional roofing services. We have the necessary licensing, bond, and insurance (plus workers’ compensation and liability coverage) that make us eligible to perform roofing work in your area. While still fairly new, we can deliver exceptional solutions to your every roofing need with our highly trained, skilled, and experienced team. No costly mistakes, callbacks, or delays – just superior workmanship that continue to earn us 5-star ratings in Google My Business from satisfied customers. Additionally, we’re a GAF Certified Master Elite® roofing contractor, so you have greater peace of mind knowing any roof we install will be done to stringent quality specifications.

The Leading Roof Expert in Tipton County and Beyond

Summit Roofing & Restoration, Inc. can help you get the most of your roof repair, replacement, or installation. We remain unrivaled when it comes to delivering high-quality residential roofing services. Call us today at (901) 430-1974, or fill out this contact form to schedule a roof evaluation. We proudly serve homeowners in and around Dyersburg, Atoka, and Paragould, TN.