Roofing scam in my area.

[SMSgt]

MY house was hit by three hurricanes in 2004, two direct hits. I suffered a few torn shingles that I repaired myself. After a fourth hit the following year and a few more lost shingles, I knew the roof wouldn't hold up much longer. I drove around after the hurricanes to note roof damages, and metal roofs stood up to the winds far better than shingles or tiles, by a lot! There was little damage beyond some edge trim bent back.

In 2010 I replaced the shingles with metal 5-V from a local company. I got three bids and took the highest bid ($14,000 then) because it included any and all repairs, which I knew there would be some damage. They replace an entire area of damaged sheathing, which would have been extra with the lower bidders. I could not be happier with it. So if you need a new roof, I highly suggest a metal roof if you can afford it. It helps with the HO insurance also.

 

[TXBryan]

Hail

Few years back we experienced a "mild" hailstorm here in Central Texas. Been through several that obviously compromised roofs but this one seemed relatively tame.

Regardless the "contractors" descended like locusts on green corn. I let one up on our roof after assurances he was bonded. Minutes later he reported a new roof would be necessary - despite it being less than two years old as a result of a previous (real) hail storm. I'd already been all over the roof and it looked okay to me though I'm no expert.

I asked him to show me what he saw that I did not. He informed me "Oh you can't really see it." I politely, but firmly, asked him to leave my property and not return.

That roof lasted another 15 years until the next "real" hailstorm.

 

[dave1918a2]

When They came and offered to inspect My roof I asked for a copy of Their contractors license and a copy of Their Liability insurance. Guess what? They leave.

 

[Kiwi cop]

Every few years we get the Gypsy driveway sealers come through the country.

A couple of years ago i read in the on-line edition of the regional newspaper they were in our area. Later that day I get called out to the road (it's only 6 yards from my front door and they couldn't open the gate), to be met by a man offering to seal our driveway (lose chip surface) as they have some asphalt left over from a nearby job.

I asked them to wait while I get on my shoes, grab a pen (and my wallet) and go out to the road. I start to write down the trucks registration number.

"What are you doing"?

"You think I'm stupid? I read about you in the paper today".

"That's not us, we're legit".

Out comes my wallet open to my badge and ID card. Into the truck goes the Irishman and they were last seen turning onto the highway at the end of our road. I got their registration number, phoned it into the local 24 hour station and they were stopped later that day and locked up.

 

[raljr1]

I have a tile roof and had some concerns about the valleys of the roof needing recoated. Salesman comes out and says, I can get your insurance company to pay for a new roof. Says they have adjusters who will work with them to say our roof is bad... seems like a faulty idea to me, my insurance pays $40k for a new roof that I don't need, and then drops my insurance.

I call his boss and tell him the tactic didnt work...boss looks at the photos his guy took and says, your right, you dont need a new roof, just some minor repairs . Duh, go figure. I wonder how many peeps fall for this stuff.

Robert

 

[paplinker]

Every few years we get the Gypsy driveway sealers come through the country.

A couple of years ago i read in the on-line edition of the regional newspaper they were in our area. Later that day I get called out to the road (it's only 6 yards from my front door and they couldn't open the gate), to be met by an Irishman offering to seal our driveway (lose chip surface) as they have some asphalt left over from a nearby job.

I asked them to wait while I get on my shoes, grab a pen (and my wallet) and go out to the road. I start to write down the trucks registration number.

"What are you doing"?

"You think I'm stupid? I read about you in the paper today".

"That's not us, we're legit".

Out comes my wallet open to my badge and ID card. Into the truck goes the Irishman and they were last seen turning onto the highway at the end of our road. I got their registration number, phoned it into the local 24 hour station and they were stopped later that day and locked up.

You know most ever year we get that same scenario!

A group of I guys with a pretty thick accent and no card.

They always say they are in the area working but you never see them. Seeing three guys riding around looking for work is a red flag already. Maybe one but not three. Its always three.

I assume they want the money up front? Is that the scam?

Being a local tree trimmer I pretty much know 90% of contractors in my area as many times we have to work around each other on a customers property.

At this point I mostly even know who does great work and has there act together.

I hire contractors a 100% by my valued customers experiences and have solid business practices.