After every major storm in North Carolina, a wave of new roofing companies seems to pop up overnight. They’ll knock on your door, offer a free inspection, and promise to “get you a brand-new roof, paid for by insurance.”
But what they don’t mention could cost you more than just your deductible.
The Real Concern Isn’t the Roof—it’s the Risk You Take
Here’s the hard truth: these companies are rarely the ones doing the actual work.
Most “roofing claim specialists” you meet after a storm are salespeople, not roofers. They don’t own the crews. They subcontract the labor, often to whoever is available at the moment. That means:
– The person selling you the roof is not the person installing it
– The “quality” someone else told you about may come from a different crew entirely
– You could hire a completely different roofing company and end up with the same subcontractors on your roof
So what are you actually buying? Usually, a sales pitch—and a contract.
Red Flags That Deserve a Closer Look
– Recently Formed Companies: If a company didn’t exist before the last storm, it might not be around after the next one. You can check the NC Secretary of State website to see how long they’ve been in business.
– Leased Warehouse Bays or Shared Office Parks: Many of these outfits lease a unit, slap a sign on the door, and disappear six months later.
– Free Gmail or Yahoo Email Addresses: If someone wants to manage your insurance claim but uses a Gmail address, it’s worth asking how serious their operation really is.
– They Want to “Handle the Entire Claim”: Only licensed public adjusters or attorneys can negotiate with your insurance company on your behalf. Unlicensed negotiations are a risk to you.
What Happens If Something Goes Wrong?
Here’s the worst-case—but all-too-common—scenario:
1. You sign a contract with a storm-chasing company that just formed.
2. They send an unknown subcontractor to install your roof.
3. The work is poor—or the roof leaks within a year.
4. You try to call the company… but the number’s disconnected.
5. You’re left with a huge insurance claim on your record, and no one to back the warranty.
No contractor. No warranty. No recourse. Just you and a damaged roof.
What You Can Do Instead
– Call your insurance advisor before filing a claim or signing anything.
– Get more than one estimate and review of the damages.
– Ask if the company owns their crews or subs out the work.
– Request local references and ask specifically: “Was this the same crew I’ll be getting?”
– Look up the company on the NC SOS site and your county GIS tool.
We’re Here to Help
If someone knocks on your door promising insurance money and a new roof, call us before you file that claim. We’ll walk you through it and try to help protect your long-term coverage—and your home.