Are Roofing Scams Real, and do They Happen in the Twin Tiers?

It’s that time of year again when homeowners are starting to think about replacing or repairing their roofs. If you’re a new homeowner, or you’ve never had to worry about your roof, it’s easy to get mixed up in a scam, even if the contractor seems completely trustworthy.

At Just In Time Roofing and Gutters, it angers us to think of people taking advantage of others. Sadly, it does happen, and it’s important for you to know how to recognize a scam when you see one.

Angie’s List has become a website that people trust to make recommendations on contractors for everything from roofing to plumbing. They have offered five different types of scams that you should be on the lookout for.

Door-to-Door Salesmen

There are roofing salesmen who will go door-to-door in Horseheads, Elmira, Big Flats, Corning and Ithaca promising people a free roof inspection. They’ll often target neighborhoods with a lot of senior citizens, older homes, or locations where severe storms have hit. They’ll offer a free roof inspection and then do a number of different things while they’re on the roof. They may:

Show the homeowner pictures of a different roof that has been damaged after the inspection, claiming it’s their roof.
Tear off shingles themselves during the inspection.
Hit the shingles, breaking them, to simulate damage from a hailstorm.

Their goal is for the homeowner to submit the damage to their insurance company unknowingly. That way, they don’t have to pay for the new roof, but the company still gets paid.

Storm Chasing Contractors

This one is similar to the salesman, but these companies will actually follow the paths of storms looking for homes that have been damaged. They’re looking to collect insurance money, but the work they produce is shady at best.

Their goal is to put on a cheap, new roof, only doing the bare minimum amount of work. They do not address any of the other problems that may be present as a result of the storm, and they do not restore the roof to its original condition. Most of these roofs only last around seven years, at best.

The Vanishing Down Payment

This one is far too common. There are some companies who will give the customer an estimate, without signing a contract and then require a down payment prior to starting the work. They’ll say they need it to cover the cost of materials, but once that down payment is made, they never return. Sometimes they will even convince the homeowner to sign over an insurance check to them, and then they disappear.

Stick With Companies You Know to Avoid Roofing Scams

Whether you are a new homeowner or a seasoned one, it’s easy to spot a scam if you know what to look for. Your best bet is to do some research, look them up on google, read their reviews and go with a company that you know and can trust.

We want you to know that we’re here to help you if you have roofing problems. Simply contact us and we’ll schedule your free estimate right away.

A Question for Elmira/Horseheads Homeowners: Is Your Roof Ready for Winter?

Whether we want to admit it or not, winter is on its way here in the Northeast. If you live in Elmira, Horseheads, Corning, Ithaca, or the surrounding areas, you know how brutal this season can be. This might be the first winter you’ve ever owned your own home, it could be the twentieth winter you’ve seen. Either way, it’s a good idea to make sure your roof is prepared for what lies ahead.

Most homeowners aren’t excited about the thought of climbing a ladder to check out their roofs themselves. That’s why it’s a good idea to call a local roofing contractor to inspect it for you. At Just In Time Roofing and Gutters, we can provide you with this service, as well as an estimate, if necessary, free of charge.

Your Pre-Winter Roof Inspection

There are a few roofing problems your contractor will be looking for when they’re performing your inspection. They include:

Checking for loose or missing shingles – We’ve had a lot of rain this summer, and water can get under the shingles on your roof, causing them to become loose. With all the wind that accompanies rain, those loose shingles can even blow away or just slide off the roof. Your contractor should check every inch to make sure all of the shingles are present, attached and in tact.
Damage from fallen branches – If you have a lot of trees near your home, branches may have fallen on your house without you realizing it. Heavy ones can break shingles, which means you could have some damage that needs to be repaired.
Weathered and cracked sealant areas – There are so many spots on your roof that are protected by sealant. These include flashing, the chimney, antenna mounts, and plumbing stacks. As the years go by, the sealant can crack, and when it does, it needs to be repaired. This will help to protect your home against water damage.
Clogged gutters – The gutters are often the most ignored part of any house. The leaves are falling, and they can quickly become clogged by them, dirt, and other debris. It’s a good idea to have them checked during this inspection.

Scheduling Your Repairs

Hopefully, your roof will be fine and it will be ready to withstand the long winter that lies ahead. But, there’s always the chance that it won’t be fine. It’s best to have your inspection done before the snow flies. That will give your contractor a great view of your roof.

If you do need to have some work done, your contractor will provide you with an estimate. Feel free to ask any questions you may have. They will probably want to schedule your repairs before it starts to snow, which is also why it’s a good idea not to put off your inspection.

We care about our customers, and you’ll find that our expertise and the pride we take in our work speaks for itself. If you need to schedule an inspection for your roof before winter arrives, please contact us!