Fighting The “Storm Bandits.”

Educate Your Community And Protect Your Reputation.

This year’s summer storm season has been an active one. Tornadoes have flattened entire communities and just last month, Hurricane Beryl slammed the Texas coast taking lives and causing extensive damage.

We hope you followed our advice (and took advantage of the free content we provided) and wrote blogs or sent out emails, flyers, or mailers with important information about how to prepare for the storm season before Mother Nature went nuts on us. If you did, you may have helped some people escape some roof damage. You may have even gotten some business from those communications. At the very least, you got your name out there in the market as a leader.

But now that the storms have hit, there’s a much different type of information you should share with your community because with the storms—unfortunately—come the kind of roofers and scammers that give reputable companies like yours a bad name. They’ll swarm in from out of state, or they’ll start up out of the blue to cash in on the immediate need of area homeowners. For example, in Texas, practically anyone can get into roofing at any time because the state does not require roofers to get a license.

To keep from getting your reputation tarnished by others, and to provide a valuable service to your community, you should warn people about these “pop-up roofers and offer tips on what to do. Not sure what to say? We at Marco have done the hard work for you. Feel free to copy and paste the info below for your communications!

Hiring a roofer after a storm can be risky due to unscrupulous individuals looking to take advantage of homeowners. Here are 10 tips to help ensure you hire a reputable roofer:

1. Verify Credentials: Check if the roofer is licensed and insured. Licensing requirements vary by state, but a legitimate roofer should be able to provide proof of both.
2. Check Reviews and References: Look for reviews online and ask the roofer for references from past customers. A trustworthy roofer should have a track record of satisfied clients.
3. Get Multiple Quotes: Don’t settle for the first roofer you find. Get estimates from several contractors—not just to compare prices (you get what you pay for), but to make sure you are comfortable with the company’s character.
4. Avoid Door-to-Door Solicitations: Be cautious of roofers who show up unsolicited at your door, especially after a storm. Reputable roofers typically rely on referrals and don’t need to solicit business this way.
5. Understand Payment Terms: Be clear about payment expectations and avoid paying the full amount upfront. A common practice is to pay a deposit upfront with the remainder upon completion of the job.
6. Get a Written Contract: Ensure all work to be done, materials to be used, and costs are outlined in a written contract. This protects both you and the roofer and prevents misunderstandings.
7. Research the Materials: If possible, familiarize yourself with the roofing materials being suggested for your project. This can help you assess if the roofer is recommending quality products.
8. Ask About Warranties: Inquire about the warranty both for the materials used and the workmanship provided by the roofer. A reputable roofer should offer warranties to cover any issues that arise.
9. Don’t Rush: While it’s important to repair storm damage promptly, take the time to research and choose a roofer carefully. Rushing into a decision can lead to regrets later.
10. Trust Your Instincts: If something doesn’t feel right or if the roofer pressures you into making a quick decision, it’s okay to step back and reconsider.

By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to unscrupulous roofers and ensure your roof repairs are done professionally and reliably.

Feel free to customize and brand the above information to fit your company. The important thing is to get it out there. Sham and shoddy roofers hurt us all, not just stealing business, but damaging the reputation of quality and professionalism you’ve worked hard to build.

For more information, visit www.MarcoIndustries.com. To contact us directly, email here or call 1-800-800-8590.