Storm-Damaged Roof: What to Do First, and How to Hire a Roofer Without Getting Scammed

Your Safety Comes First

After a storm, your first concern should be safety. Damaged buildings can be very dangerous. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises you to stay away from any damaged buildings or structures until a building inspector or other government authority has checked them and said they are safe. Always wait until daylight to return to your property. This makes it easier to see hazards, especially if the power is out.

If you are inside a building and hear shifting or strange noises, leave right away. These sounds could mean the building is about to fall. If you smell gas or think there might be a gas leak, leave your home immediately. Contact emergency authorities. Do not turn on lights, light matches, smoke, or do anything that could cause a spark. Do not go back inside until authorities tell you it is safe.

Stay away from downed power lines. Treat all power lines as if they are live and dangerous. Even if they look harmless, they can still carry electricity.

Installing a temporary tarp on a damaged roof is very hazardous work. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) warns that workers who do this are at risk of falls, electrocution, and other dangers. OSHA advises against working on a damaged roof until its strength and stability have been checked. They also warn against installing a tarp during a storm, or when it is windy or raining. A tarped roof can be very slippery, especially when wet. Because of these serious risks, this work must be done by trained professionals who have the right safety equipment and training.

Stop More Damage and Document Everything

After you have ensured your safety, take steps to prevent more damage to your home and document everything for your insurance company. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) suggests taking photos or videos of all damaged areas and personal property. These pictures will be important evidence for your insurance claim.

Make essential temporary repairs to stop further damage. This might include covering broken windows or holes in your roof with plywood, a tarp, canvas, or other waterproof materials. You may need to hire a contractor to make these emergency repairs. Keep all receipts for any money you spend on these temporary fixes. Your insurance company will need these receipts.

Do not make any permanent repairs before you talk to your insurance agent or company. Your insurance company may not pay for repairs it did not authorize. It is important to get their approval first.

How to Spot a Scam Roofer

After a storm, many contractors will come to your area. Be careful, because scammers and unlicensed contractors often show up in disaster zones. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns you to be skeptical of anyone who promises immediate clean-up or repairs. Here are some red flags that might mean you are dealing with a scammer:

• They ask for cash up front. The FTC says if they want all the money before starting work, walk away.
• They won’t give you copies of their license, insurance, or a written contract.
• They claim they do not need to be licensed to do the work.
• They offer you a discount but only if you sign a contract right away.
• They tell you to sign your insurance check over to them. Never do this.
• They insist you pay by wire transfer, gift card, payment app, cryptocurrency, or cash. Pay by credit card or check instead.
• They ask you to sign a “blank contract” with empty spaces.
• They suggest you borrow money from a lender they know.
• They claim they can help you qualify for FEMA relief for a fee.

Check Out Any Contractor Before You Hire Them

Before you commit to any contractor, take time to check them out. The FTC suggests getting estimates from more than one contractor. This helps you compare prices and services. If the prices are very different, ask each contractor why.

Do not rely on a contractor to tell you what your insurance covers. Verify your insurance coverage yourself by checking your policy or calling your insurance company. Never sign your insurance check over to a contractor. The FTC suggests arranging with your bank or credit union for a Certificate of Completion. With this, the bank pays the contractor for each stage of the job only after you have approved the work.

The NAIC advises getting specific documents from any contractor you consider:

• A copy of their identification, showing their name and business name.
• Their business license. Check the expiration date.
• Proof of workers’ compensation insurance. This protects you if a worker gets hurt on your property.
• Proof of liability insurance. This protects you if the contractor damages your property.

Call the insurance companies listed on these documents to verify that the coverage is real and current. The NAIC also notes that contractors can be licensed or registered. A licensed contractor has passed exams and met other requirements to show they are competent. A registered contractor has simply provided their contact information to a government authority.

Ask the contractor to show you the building permits they will need for the work. Search online for the contractor’s name along with words like “scam,” “review,” or “complaint” to see if others have had problems. Also, ask for and check their references.

Get a Clear Contract and Understand Payment

Always get a written contract, even if your state does not require one. The FTC says a good contract protects you. Before you sign anything, make sure the contract includes:

• The contractor’s name, address, phone number, and license number (if required).
• An estimated start date and completion date for the work.
• A clear payment schedule. Reputable contractors usually do not ask for a large payment upfront.
• All promises made during your conversations about the work and its costs.
• A written statement of your right to cancel the contract within three business days. This applies if you signed the contract in your home or somewhere other than the seller’s permanent place of business.
• No blank spaces. Make sure everything is filled in before you sign.

Your written estimate should include a detailed description of the work, the materials to be used, the completion date, the total price, and the contractor’s contact information. Ensure all estimates you receive include the same things so you can compare them fairly.

When it comes to payment, the FTC advises paying by credit card or check. Do not pay by wire transfer, gift card, payment app, cryptocurrency, or cash. Always get invoices and receipts for all payments you make.

Avoid Signing an Assignment of Benefits (AOB)

An Assignment of Benefits, or AOB, is a legal agreement. When you sign an AOB, you give a third party, like a roofer, the right to act on your behalf and seek direct payment from your insurance company. The NAIC explains that with an AOB, the third party files the claim, makes decisions about repairs, and collects insurance payments without your involvement. You need to understand what rights you are giving up. Make sure the repair company is completely trustworthy if you choose to sign one.

You are not required to sign an AOB to get your repairs done. You can always file a claim directly with your insurance company. This allows you to keep control of your policy rights and benefits.

When this advice may not fit

This advice is for homeowners dealing with storm-damaged roofs and looking for contractors. If your home has structural damage, issues with gas lines, or exposed electrical components, you must contact a qualified professional immediately. Do not attempt to assess or repair these hazards yourself. If you suspect lead paint or asbestos in your home, consult with a licensed professional for safe removal or encapsulation. If you have concerns about the safety of your home due to severe damage, contact your local emergency services or building department.