The beginning of this year has brought alarming reports concerning roof damage due to severe winter conditions. From a Safeway Store on February 7, 2011 in Kenmore, Wash. to the Canterbury School Ice Rink on February 8, 2011 in New Milford, Conn., reports from all over the country indicate commercial and residential roof damage due to severe winter weather conditions.
Various roofing problems exist due to the forces of nature. Rain, snow, wind and even sun can affect the integrity of roofing. These are natural phenomena that contribute to roof damage.
Problem: Predatory Roofers
The spring storm season is just around the corner from all of this winter weather – and the potential for even more damage to both commercial and residential roofs. Any large weather event brings about something that the roofing industry is constantly warning consumers about: predatory roofers.
Today, the number of roofing companies is mushrooming. Any area of the country that suffers from any type of storm damage is subject to the onslaught of out-of-state roofers who tread a thin line across the standards of excellence, optimal customer satisfaction, and quality work performed by local companies.
Protect Yourself
What should a consumer do to protect themselves? The legitimate roofing industry members offer the following list of how to protect you and your building from these ruthless migratory roofing contractors.
- Ask to see any company’s Certificate of General Liability Insurance.
- Ask to see their Business License Number and/or check with your Secretary of State for proper registration.
- Make sure that the company carries Workers Compensation Policy.
- Check with your local Better Business Bureau (BBB) for any consumer complaints.
- Do they have any accreditations such as the National Roofers and Contractors Association (NCRA)?
- Ask for references and check their validity.
- Visit their website as most established roofing companies offer this service.
- Look at the workers’ physical appearances: clean and professional; work vehicle with company information?
- Never provide payment up front before work is begun, then only at the most only up to 50%. Remainder should be paid when your insurance company has inspected work completion.
Don’t ever just take someone’s ‘word’ that they have any required documents. Do some research on your own to confirm that what you are being told is factual information. Don’t fall for the itinerant roofers that offer you quick repairs for cash payment – and then cannot be found when they either don’t finish the job or do poor quality work. Spring storm season is approaching, so homeowners be on guard against these predators!