Storm Chasing in the Roofing Industry: Everything You Need to Know

When severe storms hit Myrtle Beach, whether hurricane, hail, or tropical storms, homeowners may have to make urgent repairs to their homes. Often homes with older roofs will have some damage from a severe storm. 

In those stressful days after a storm, it’s common to see unfamiliar roofing companies canvas neighborhoods, knocking on doors to offer immediate help. In the roofing industry, we call them storm chasers. 

And while there are storm chasers who keep their promises, offer quality work, and help members of our community after a big storm, there are enough bad apples out there to warrant concern. Here, we’ll talk about how to spot a storm chaser, the risks of hiring someone who’s here today and gone tomorrow, and why an established local roofing company offers you a great long term benefit. 

Let’s start by talking about storm chasers in the Myrtle Beach area.

Table of Contents

What is a Storm Chaser in Roofing?

A “storm chaser” is a roofing contractor who moves from state to state or town to town following severe weather. They generally rely on getting business in areas where homes have been damaged due to recent weather, but more importantly locations where homeowners are likely to file insurance claims. 

Storm chasers often:

• Arrive quickly after a storm, usually from another area or state
• Knock on doors without warning to solicit business
• Offer great deals or “special pricing” compared to local roofers

Why it’s a problem: The quality of your roof ultimately depends on the roofer’s personal standards, which can vary widely. You might sign a contract, work through the insurance process, and end up with a well-built roof, but it’s still something of a gamble. 

The bigger concern often comes later. If the contractor is based out of state, they might be unlikely to return for minor repairs. Even if your warranty technically covers the problem, you may still be forced to hire (and pay) a local roofer out of pocket because the original contractor won’t travel back to service it.

How to Spot a Storm Chaser in Myrtle Beach

Often storm chasers hook potential clientele by claiming they’re doing work on a neighbors home to build trust and rapport with you. They may say something like “Your neighbors hired me to fix their roof after this recent storm. While I was on their roof, I noticed you had some damage on your roof, too.” 

They may also drive unmarked vehicles, making their origins difficult to trace. If the roofer is not a name you know in the Myrtle Beach area, it might be best to search the name of the company and see where their headquarters is located. If you find that they’re from another state, it might be worth looking into their practices.

How will you know someone might be a storm chaser? There are a few things to look out for:

• They arrive quickly after a storm, usually from another area or state
• They may knock on your door
• They might offer a lower price in comparison to local roofers or a deal of some kind if you sign right away
• High-Pressure Sales: A storm chaser may put a lot of pressure on you to sign a contract with them right away
• Some only have temporary set ups: You may find that the company does not have a permanent office, business license, or local phone number. 

The Risks of Hiring a Storm Chaser

Unfortunately, the construction industry has a bad reputation for being late to scheduled appointments and unfinished projects. Additionally, there are a number of scams in the roofing industry homeowners have become more aware of in recent years. To learn more about scams in the roofing industry, check out the top 5 we see most often in Myrtle Beach, here.

When hiring a storm chaser for your roofing project, it’s possible to face additional risks like:

• Installation may be completed quickly to ensure they can complete plenty of projects while they’re in town
• Can be hard to track them down if issues arise. It can also be difficult to have them come back out to your home if their headquarters is located in another state or town. 
• Potential fraud or incomplete documentation on insurance paperwork. For example, some storm chasers may offer to cover your insurance deductible. This practice is both misleading and illegal.

Benefits of Hiring a Local, Established Roofing Company

After a major storm or during hurricane season, reliable local roofing companies often get booked quickly. That’s why we recommend scheduling routine annual maintenance to keep your roof ready for whatever weather comes our way. To learn more about what’s involved in roof maintenance and how much it costs, check out ‘How Much Does Roof Maintenance Cost in Myrtle Beach?’

The biggest advantage of hiring a local roofing company, however, is the level of customer service you receive. A roof is a major investment, so you deserve to have your questions and concerns addressed before, during, and after the project. Out-of-town roofers are less likely to honor their warranties, but local companies, especially those offering in-house warranties, are far more likely to return and fix issues. Not only is their reputation on the line, but you’re also more than just a customer to them, you’re a neighbor and a part of their community.

FAQs About Storm Chasers

Can I get in trouble for working with a storm chaser?

Not necessarily. But if you allow a roofer to cover the cost of your deductible, you may be on the hook for insurance fraud. It’s important to know the laws regarding homeowners insurance before signing any contingency documents with an unknown roofer. A way to prevent any trouble from coming your way is to contact your insurance company before signing anything with a storm chaser. 

Are all out-of-town roofers bad?

Certainly not. As they say, one bad apple spoils the bunch. Some out of town roofers may come to a storm damaged area to help with recovery efforts. However, there are enough coming into town to make a quick buck that you should proceed with caution before hiring a roofer from outside of Horry or Georgetown Counties.

What happens if I have problems with a roof installed by a storm chaser?

Even if they offered a warranty, getting service may be nearly impossible once they leave the area. That often means paying another roofer to fix what should have been covered.

Protecting Your Home After a Storm

After a storm, homeowners in Myrtle Beach face the stressful challenge of protecting their homes and navigating insurance claims. Storm chasers often take advantage of this vulnerability, offering quick fixes that may not hold up, or disappearing when warranty issues arise.

The solution is simple: choose a trusted, local roofing company with a proven reputation in the community. And make sure you are scheduling yearly maintenance visits with the roofer you’ve chosen. At Linta Roofing, we stand by our work, honor our warranties, and treat every homeowner like a neighbor, not a number.

If your roof has been impacted by recent storms, contact us today for an inspection. Protect your home, your investment, and your peace of mind.