When it comes to ensuring the safety and integrity of your home, few things are as crucial as a solid roof. Whether you’re facing the aftermath of a severe storm or simply in need of routine maintenance and repairs or replacement, choosing the right roofing contractor is paramount. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between storm roofers and local roofers to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding Storm Roofers
Storm roofers, also known as storm chasers or stormers, are typically contractors who travel to areas recently affected by severe weather events such as hurricanes, tornadoes, or hailstorms. Their primary focus is on providing rapid repair or replacement services to homeowners dealing with storm damage.
Advantages of Storm Roofers:
1. Prompt Response: One of the main advantages of storm roofers is their ability to respond quickly to emergencies. They understand the urgency of repairing damage caused by severe weather and strive to address homeowners’ needs promptly.
2. Experience with Disaster Recovery: Storm roofers often have extensive experience dealing with storm-related damage. They are equipped to handle complex repair projects efficiently including temporary measures to get a damaged roof in the dry.
3. Insurance Expertise: Dealing with insurance claims can be daunting, especially in the aftermath of a natural disaster. Storm roofers are familiar with the insurance process and can help homeowners navigate the claims process, ensuring they receive the compensation they’re entitled to.
Considerations with Storm Roofers:
1. Temporary Presence: One drawback of storm roofers is that they may only be temporarily present in an area following a disaster. Once the immediate demand for their services diminishes, they may move on to other regions, leaving homeowners without ongoing support.
2. Quality Concerns: In some cases, storm roofers may prioritize quantity over quality, rushing through repairs to accommodate high demand. This can potentially result in subpar workmanship and the need for additional repairs down the line.
The Case for Local Roofers
Local roofers, on the other hand, are established contractors who operate within a specific community or region on a long-term basis. They provide a wide range of roofing services, including installations, repairs, and maintenance, catering to the ongoing needs of homeowners. Local doesn’t necessarily only mean roofers from the town affected by the storm. In smaller communities with few or no roofers located in that town, roofers from neighboring cities and towns may already have been supplying homeowners roofing needs even before the storm.
Advantages of Local Roofers:
1. Familiarity with Local Conditions: Local roofers are intimately familiar with the weather patterns, building codes, and environmental factors unique to their area. This expertise enables them to provide tailored solutions that withstand the test of time.
2. Established Reputation: Local roofers rely heavily on their reputation within the community. They strive to deliver exceptional service and quality workmanship to maintain positive relationships with homeowners and earn referrals through word-of-mouth.
3. Accessible Support: Unlike storm roofers, local contractors are readily accessible for follow-up services, routine maintenance, and future roofing needs. Establishing a long-term relationship with a local roofer ensures ongoing support and peace of mind for homeowners.
Considerations with Local Roofers:
1. Limited Availability during Emergencies: While local roofers offer reliability and ongoing support, they may face challenges in responding to emergencies, especially during widespread natural disasters when demand exceeds capacity.
2. Potentially Higher Costs: Local roofers may charge slightly higher rates compared to storm roofers, reflecting the quality of their workmanship, ongoing support, and investment in the local community.
Making the Right Choice
Ultimately, the decision between storm roofers and local roofers depends on various factors, including the nature of the roofing project, urgency of repairs, and personal preferences. In emergency situations following a natural disaster, storm roofers may provide the fastest solution to address immediate damage. However, for long-term roofing needs and ongoing support, establishing a relationship with a reputable local roofer offers invaluable benefits.
Before selecting a roofing contractor, homeowners should conduct thorough research, seek recommendations from trusted sources, and request quotes from multiple contractors. Regardless of the choice, prioritizing quality, reliability, and professionalism is essential to safeguarding the integrity of your home and ensuring lasting peace of mind.
Here’s a Checklist to Help You Decide
1. First determine if the contractor is local or pretending to be. Anyone can roll into town and have a local phone number and address within hours. Do your research, where are they really from?
2. Ask the contractor to provide proof that they have worked in your community before and are from the area or region. Typically, a contractor within 2 to 3 hours away can respond in case a problem occurs requiring warranty service.
3. Ask yourself if you need a roof immediately? If you don’t have roof leaks then waiting shouldn’t be an issue. Most insurance companies realize that its going to take a while for contractors to get to everyone and offer a period of 12 to 18 months to get your new roof installed and turn in your final paperwork.
4. Finally do your homework! Is the contractor properly insured. Ask the contractor to provide proof of insurance in the form of an insurance certificate. A legitimate contractor should be able to provide an insurance certificate with general liability coverage of at least $1,000,000. Furthermore, check with the BBB (Better Business Bureau) to see if the contractor has an “A” or “A+” rating with no unresolved complaints.
