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Jul 25, 2019
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How to Deal With Unreliable Storm Chasing Roofing Contractors

It’s been said that the only things certain in life are death and taxes.  Having been in the home improvement industry for the past 40 years, we’d like to include an additional item to this list: storm chasing contractors.  Like clockwork, as soon as heavy winds or hail desecrates an area, contractors from several states away enter the impacted areas into their GPS and start driving.  Risks that come from working with storm chasing contractors include incomplete work, work that doesn’t meet building codes, and having to retain storm damaged services from another contractor and attorney to get your home restored.

Signs a Roofing Contractor is a Storm Chaser:

Their Address is a PO Box

This means there’s no genuine way to track a storm chaser down in a few years should their seemingly acceptable roof installation begin to leak.  Even though roofing manufacturers offer material warranties, if the product was installed incorrectly, the manufacturer warranty is void.

Inability to Produce Local References

If the only names and phone numbers of homeowners a contractor can provide are from several states away, it’s likely they are a storm chaser.  In today’s economy, reputable contractors quickly book up and have no need to live a nomadic lifestyle.

The Storm Chaser Offers to Pay Your Insurance Deductible

This, in one word is fraud.  This is because an insurance policy is a legally binding contract between a homeowner and their insurance company.  Learn more about the insurance claim process when your home is damaged by a storm.

Unable to Supply Documentation of Being Licensed & Insured

If a worker is injured working on your property and the roofing contractor they’re working for does not have insurance or lacks proper limits, the homeowner can become liable for their medical expenses and even lifetime disability.  Likewise, if storm chasing contractors don’t have general liability insurance and damages your home while performing work, the homeowner can be left trying sue for damages, with the hopes the contractor has the ability to pay.

No Builder’s License Number

A contractor’s license number shows that they adhere to industry standards.  Unlicensed contractors cannot pull building permits and are very unlikely to perform work that’s up to building code.

Be on the Look-Out for Out of State License Plates

If the roofing contractor at your door has license plates from a state in a different time zone, it’s a sure sign they are a storm chaser.  The same holds true of their driver’s license.  Beware of any of any contractor in a company vehicle that has magnets that can be removed at a moment’s notice.  Simply having attire with a construction company logo on it, does not insure they are local.

What to Do if a Storm Chasing Contractor Comes to Your Door:

Act in a Calm & Patient Manner

Storm chasers make for unreliable roof contracts and try to take advantage of the fact that homeowners with storm damage are anxious to get the work completed quickly.  In most cases, homeowners have a year to file a claim after a storm and can have up to two years to get the work completed.

Do Not Allow Them to Inspect Your Roof

Even if you haven’t agreed to hire the contractor, if they perform an inspection and are not insured, the homeowner can be liable for their injuries.

Don’t Sign Anything

A common trait among storm chasing contractors is high pressure sales tactics.  Signing vague contingency documents to allow them to commence work once your insurance company has approved it can lead to harassment and threats of litigation.

Get the Facts On Storm Damage Restoration

 

Browse Our Storm Repair & Restoration Projects:

Storm Damage Restoration Reviews:

Salesperson was knowledgeable and helpful with insurance due to hail damage. We had our previous LeafGuard® Gutters over 20 years. Replaced with new LeafGuard® Gutters due to the hail damage. Installation went great. Clean up was good. Highly recommend.

Beth J.
Minnetonka, MN
May 12, 2022

"Installed gutters after a hailstorm. The work was done professionally and looks good."

Michael L.
Eden Prairie, MN
October 25, 2021

"Lindus Construction recently installed a new roof, replaced my soffits/fascia and installed replacement LeafGuard® Gutters that were damaged by hail this summer. (My original gutters were installed in 1999!) I could not be more pleased with their work, professionalism and meticulous attention to detail on all aspects of the project. Even the flashing on the chimney looks 110% better than what had been previously done and is now caulked as well. I highly recommend Lindus and would definitely hire them in the future should a need arise! You will definitely not be disappointed!

Kimberly S.
Richfield, MN
November 30, 2020

"This year we had storm due to hail and our insurance company allowed us to have Lindus Construction replace our gutters and downspouts. They sent a crew out in a timely manner and swap out the old product. Very pleased with the attention to details and professionalism of Lindus Construction.  As a professional realtor since 1986, I have seen a lot of gutter contractors come and go. I always recommend clients talk with Lindus Construction and see for themselves the great value of the LeafGuard® product."

Greg S.
Lakeville, MN
November 21, 2020

"Our home recently sustained damage from a late summer hailstorm. Dealing with insurance and contractors can be stressful but Lindus made it pain free. They installed today during an unexpectedly heavy fall snowstorm. The guys worked hard and as usual they did an amazing job even in terrible conditions. I would recommend Lindus to anyone and I will be working with them again in the future."

Mauri S.
Bloomington, MN
October 20, 2020

"Just want to tell you our LeafGuard® gutters are still holding strong.  No problems for five years.  I've been sweeping, vacuuming to clean up seed pods and helicopters, but none in the gutters.  True mess in spring, leaves in fall, rain, snow, wind, or hail.  Runs clean without fail.  Nothing gets in, not even the squirrel's tail."

Darlene B.
Red Wing, MN
June 6, 2020
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