Hail Damage to Siding? Beware of “Storm Chasers”

After a tornado, severe rain, or hailstorm, exterior remodeling companies descend on towns in mass. No matter where you live in Southeastern WI—Waukesha, Brookfield, or West Allis—these “storm chasers” offer great deals that are quite tempting, especially if your roof or siding has undergone significant damage.

So, should you trust them? If your homeowners’ insurance will work with you on the repair or replacement service, is it safe to go with someone who comes knocking? Here’s why you may want to proceed with caution before you work with storm chasers.

Warning Signs of Fly-By-Night Contractors

First of all, storm and hail damage is a real problem that can be both scary and frustrating. Suddenly, through no fault of your own, Mother Nature throws one of those raging Wisconsin storms our way. Your roof and siding can sustain dings, dents, and damage, some of which can be more than just cosmetic.

The signs of weather damage are usually fairly obvious, but depending on the type of damage, the issues may run deep. Your home’s siding and roofing may be more susceptible to water damage and high winds once it’s survived a severe storm. Once the integrity of the siding is damaged, moisture intrusion can occur. The situation may call for a total siding replacement or a new roof.

So, what should you do if stormy weather has damaged your home? It’s not a bad idea to see what your homeowner’s insurance covers and to contact a reputable local home remodeling company like Weather Tight to assess the issue for replacement.

But more often than not, a sales representative will ring your doorbell or leave a flyer that promotes the convenience of their services. It’s almost like they just knew you were considering a call.

Well, frankly, they did—they were banking on it!

There are less-than-reputable companies that offer siding and roofing services right after a storm as their entire business model. Sometimes, they can help you remedy severe damage from natural disasters, but sometimes, these folks can leave you mired in a lengthy claims process and an expensive problem. Here are a few reasons to proceed with caution before engaging with one of these storm chasers.

1. They Aren’t Local

Many of these pop-up storm chaser contractors travel all around the United States to any area that’s been impacted by a storm. They promise quick fixes, slapshot repairs, and solutions that sound too good to be true.

Once these fly-by-night sellers finish their work and collect payment, they pack up and leave town, never to be seen again. Down the road, when issues arise with their work (and they more than likely will arise), it’s impossible to track them down. Often, the warranties don’t offer proper coverage, they won’t honor them, or they refuse to repair poor and problematic work.

2. They Do Low-Quality Work

There’s a certain level of wariness in the home remodeling and renovation business. It’s because so many customers have been burned by shoddy craftsmanship and unreliable contractors in the past. These contractors rush through jobs with a focus on maximizing their profits.

Not well-established contractors may use subpar materials, cut corners, and use improper installation techniques. While they might promise a quick, cheap solution for seemingly necessary repairs, it can leave you facing a more significant repair cost down the road.

3. They Risk Insurance Fraud

Some contractors may push homeowners to file a fraudulent insurance claim. They may overstate the roof or siding damage or even cause additional damage to get a higher payout. This can really put you in danger as a homeowner. Even if your insurance coverage will cover such damage, the documentation and process can be insufficient, leading you to cover the additional cost.

If your insurance company has any concerns, they may delay payment and investigate. If they find out there’s fraud, they could deny your claim and increase your premiums. Even worse, they could cancel your insurance policy, and in the most extreme cases, you, as the policyholder, might face legal consequences. It’s never a good idea to take risks with insurance companies

4. They Use High-Pressure Sales Tactics

Listen to your gut whenever someone is using high-pressure sales tactics that make you uncomfortable. Many of these storm chasers are on a tight timeline because they want to avoid you checking their credentials or getting other quotes.

If someone is pushing you too hard to act now, take a step back and reassess. Reputable companies, like Weather Tight, have been in the industry for long enough to know that high pressure can put people off. It’s our fair and friendly approach that helps make us Wisconsin’s most recommended remodeler.

5. They May Overcharge

Storm chasers might overestimate the cost of repairs to get more from insurance. Sometimes, contractors ask you to sign documents and agreements that give them access and control your insurance payout.

This means that they may do work that isn’t necessary and could be done for less money. It also means that you might pay in the long run should your insurance provider deny the claim or pay less than agreed.

6. They Might Not Be Licensed

In some cases, storm chasers are going from state to state, so they may not hold the proper license, insurance, and bonds in your state. They may not understand the permit process, or they may not perform quality work.

Unlicensed contractors leave you holding the bag. They may not be covered if something goes wrong, and product warranties may be void. Protect your home and yourself by contacting a trustworthy company.

How to Stay Safe from Storm and Hail Damage Scams

Anytime you’re contracting work on something as precious (and pricey) as your home, it’s worth doing some research. Check out the company—have they been in business for many years? Are they headquartered in Wisconsin? Should you consider a second opinion?

Take the time to read through customer reviews and references. Are most of the customers local? Can they refer you to neighbors and folks in your area who have had work done? You can also check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if complaints have been filed against them.

If you feel that your insurance company will cover the damage, you should reach out to them right away. Before you sign over insurance payouts or sign up for an agreement with a contractor, make sure you’re following the process laid out by your insurer. They may send out a home inspector to get a closer look and assess the impact damage. This can slow the process, and a fly-by-night contractor may flee before finishing the job.

At Weather Tight, we’re proud to serve Southeastern Wisconsin with excellent products and reputable contractors. We’ve been in the state for decades and know how to fortify your home against Wisconsin’s wild weather.

For a no-hassle quote, reach out today. Our staff is happy to help you explore your options for beautiful exterior remodeling and updates, even when Mother Nature throws us a challenge.