Springtime typically means storm season in North Texas. If your area gets hit by a hail storm, it’s also the season of flyers, business cards and salespeople on your doorstep.
Over the years, we’ve seen all kinds of claims made by roofing contractors who swarm upon neighborhoods, ranging from high integrity, reputable information … to questionable … to flat out misleading.
Before you hire a roofing contractor, take a closer look at their claims. Are they claiming to be:
INSURED?
Ask to see a copy of their certificate of insurance. Call and verify it is still in effect and that their liability insurance covers roofing work (some policies don't).
LICENSED?
Ask to see a copy of their license. The state of Texas does not have any kind of licensing requirement or mechanism for roofing contractors or general contractors. The only Texas roofing license is a voluntary program through RCAT - Roofing Contractors Association of Texas. You can call or check their website to see if a contractor really does hold a license through them.
MEMBER?
If they claim to be a member of NTRCA, RCAT, BBB or any other organization, it's easy to check that out online. NTRCA's membership listings are updated daily on our website - www.ntrca.com.
CERTIFIED?
Most professional roofing contractors are certified through one or more roofing product manufacturers. If they make this claim, don't be afraid to ask for specifics and then do your research to verify that those claims are true. You can go to the manufacturer’s website to see which roofing contractors are certified to install their roofing system.
LOCAL?
Where is the roofing company located? Do they have a permanent North Texas area address, operated year-round? Or have they come to town with the storms? You can look at their license plate, ask to see their driver’s license and/or drive by and check out their business address. You probably don’t want to hire a roofer who is operating out of his pickup truck or temporary P.O. Box. Where will they be after your roof is installed, should you have an issue and need them to honor their warranty?
ABLE TO DO YOUR ROOF AT ZERO COST TO YOU?
Are they offering to “take care of” your insurance deductible or install your roof at no cost at all to you? "Waiving," "eating" or "covering" a deductible is insurance fraud if a contractor and/or homeowner falsify an invoice, a proposal, a loss summary or any other pertinent documents relating to the payment of an insured loss in order to circumvent the payment of a deductible.