After a storm, or when a homeowner has a visible leak and needs storm damage roof repair, some contractors move fast. Many are honest. Some are not. Knowing the warning signs can keep you from losing money and ending up with a roof that is worse than before.
Red flags before the work
- Pressure to sign today. A legitimate contractor can give you time to read an estimate.
- A knock on the door with an offer of a free inspection and a hint of urgency. It is fine to accept an inspection, but be careful about what you sign afterward.
- No local address. A truck with out-of-state plates and no office is hard to find later.
- A vague estimate. Watch for a total with no detail on materials or scope.
- A demand for a large payment up front, especially in cash.
- A claim that they can get your insurance to cover everything. A contractor cannot promise what your insurer will pay.
- Offers to cover your deductible. In some places this is illegal, and it can be a sign of trouble. Check the rules with your insurer and your state.
- Signing over your claim rights. Do not sign any form that gives a contractor control over your insurance claim without reading it carefully and checking with your insurer.
- Unusual stories. If the contractor claims the damage is far worse than anything you can see, ask for photos and get another opinion.
Red flags during the work
- No permit when one is required
- Workers who cannot say who the company is
- Materials that do not match the estimate
- A crew that leaves the roof open when rain is coming
- Requests for more money partway through without a written change
Red flags after the work
- No written warranty
- No cleanup, or nails left in the yard
- Unreachable phone number
- A leak that returns, followed by excuses
How to protect yourself
- Check the license on the state website.
- Ask for proof of insurance and call the insurer to confirm.
- Get at least two written estimates for large jobs.
- Read everything before you sign, and keep copies.
- Call your insurer before work begins if a claim is involved, and review our page on insurance and roof leaks.
- Photograph the damage and the work.
- Pay by a traceable method, and do not pay the full amount until the work is done to your satisfaction.
If you think you have been scammed
Stop payment if you can, gather your paperwork and photos, and report it to the Illinois Attorney General's office and your local police. Contact your insurer if a claim is involved.
A better path
A contractor who has an address, a license, references, and a written estimate, and who is willing to wait while you check, is the safer bet. See our guide to choosing a roof leak repair company.
Check us out
Call Roof Leak Repair Carol Stream IL at (630) 866-1445 and ask any of these questions. We are at 480 Aztec Dr, Carol Stream, IL 60188.
Carol Stream Leak & Restoration is a free referral service. We connect Carol Stream homeowners with independent local roofing contractors — no fees to you, ever. Call (630) 866-1445 for fast help with a roof leak.