Unfortunately, there are always people out there looking to make quick money by taking advantage of unsuspecting homeowners. Roofing is a common target because repairs and replacements can be costly, and most people don’t know exactly what their roof needs after a storm. These scammers are often called storm chasers, and every year, countless homeowners end up dealing with their misleading tactics.
What Are Roof Storm Chasers?
Storm chasers are individuals or companies who travel from place to place watching the weather and visiting neighborhoods right after a major storm. When they think an area may have experienced hail, flying debris, or wind damage, they often start knocking on doors offering their “help.”
While a few may be legitimate, many come from out of state and are simply looking to make fast money before moving on to the next storm-hit community. Some may not be licensed or insured, and they may not have trained workers who know how to properly repair or replace a roof.
Storm chasers use a variety of tactics. Some collect a deposit and then disappear before any work begins. Others may go onto the roof and cause additional damage to make it look like repairs or a replacement are needed.
Some will insist your roof is damaged even when everything is fine. Others make promises about insurance coverage they know may not be accurate, leaving you responsible for paying the full cost later.
You may also encounter storm chasers offering surprisingly low prices by using cheap materials. Another common tactic is charging the highest amount they think insurance will cover.
They might use low-quality materials and keep the difference, then leave town shortly after, making it difficult to get help if the work fails. A trusted local roofing company will back their work and be there if you need them long after the storm passes.
How to Spot Storm Chasers
Knowing what to look for makes it much easier to protect your home and your wallet. Here are some of the most common red flags that suggest someone may be a storm chaser or running a roofing scam.
They Knock on Your Door Soliciting Their Services
Door knocking alone doesn’t make someone a storm chaser, but it’s one of the most common tactics used. After a major storm, many out-of-town contractors go door to door claiming they “noticed damage” on your roof. This is often a scripted sales tactic designed to pressure homeowners into an inspection they didn’t ask for.
Storm chasers typically rely on this approach because they don’t have an established local presence, reputation, or customer base. They may claim they’re already working on a neighbor’s roof or that your home has urgent damage, even if that’s not true.
By contrast, reputable local roofing companies don’t rely on scare tactics or manufactured urgency. While our team may knock on doors to connect with homeowners after a storm, we are a trusted, established DFW company, not an out-of-town storm chaser. We live and work here, and we provide professional inspections, honest assessments, and long-term support you can count on.
They Aren’t Local
Another strong sign is if the person or company isn’t truly local. Some may use a local PO Box to appear legitimate, but any reputable roofing company should be able to provide a physical business address. Out-of-state license plates or phone numbers with unfamiliar area codes are also good clues that the company might not be from the area.
They Use Pushy Sales Tactics or Scare Tactics
Storm chasers often try to pressure homeowners by insisting the roof is badly damaged and needs immediate attention. Their goal is to get you to sign a contract on the spot, before you’ve contacted your insurance company or had a local, trusted roofer inspect the damage.
While hail and wind can certainly damage a roof, that’s not always the case. Even if nearby homes were damaged, yours may be perfectly fine or only need minor repairs. If someone unexpectedly shows up claiming your roof is in trouble, it’s always best to call an experienced local roofer for a proper inspection.
If you read the contracts these companies present, you may notice language stating you’re responsible for the cost if your insurance denies the claim. A reputable roofer will work with your insurance adjuster and won’t pressure you to move forward until you understand your claim status.
They Try to Get You to Pay Upfront
A trustworthy roofing company will inspect your roof and provide an estimate at no cost. While most require a reasonable down payment, they won’t ask you to pay the entire amount upfront. If someone demands full payment before starting, it’s a strong indicator that something isn’t right.
As one of the largest and most reputable roofing companies in the DFW area, KPOST Company is the name to trust when dealing with roofing storm damage. We work with residential and commercial properties and have a proven track record for providing quality services at fair prices. We’re proud to be the official roofing partner of the Dallas Cowboys as well as a proud partner Texas Rangers, and our experienced team is ready to help with whatever you need. To schedule a roof inspection or get an honest, unbiased second opinion, contact us today.
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