Storm Damage? Here's How To Pick A Roofer You Can Trust
When a storm rolls through, the door-knockers roll in right behind it. Here's a clear homeowner's guide to separating real local roofers from storm-chasers — and what a proper storm response should look like.
What To Look For (And What To Avoid)
Every storm season brings a fresh wave of out-of-state crews working the neighborhood. Some are legitimate contractors on the road. Most are not. The pressure tactics, the vague bids, and the deposits that vanish — homeowners see the same patterns every year.
The single biggest filter is simple: is this contractor still going to be around in three years when a warranty question comes up? If you can't say yes with confidence, keep looking.
Green Flags
Things that tell you a roofer is worth the conversation.
- ✓A local address you can actually visit — not just a P.O. box or truck number
- ✓Licensed and insured in your state, not a neighboring one
- ✓A written, itemized bid with material specs and warranty terms
- ✓Manufacturer certifications (e.g. CertainTeed ShingleMaster, GAF Master Elite)
- ✓Direct phone numbers — not a 1-800 call center
- ✓Real local reviews you can cross-reference against Google, BBB, and neighbors
Red Flags
If you see two or more of these, walk away.
- ✓Door-knocker with out-of-state license plates
- ✓Pressure to sign before the insurance adjuster has inspected
- ✓Large upfront deposits required to "hold your spot"
- ✓Verbal-only pricing or "we'll work it out with insurance"
- ✓Vague warranty language — no years, no coverage detail
- ✓No physical office address, or an address that turns out to be a UPS Store
How To Verify A Roofer In 2 Minutes
Before you sign anything, do these three things.
Pull up their state license online
Every state has a public contractor license lookup. Search the business name and verify the license is active, in good standing, and covers residential roofing.
Cross-reference their reviews
Google, BBB, and a neighborhood platform like Nextdoor should all tell the same story. Fake reviews cluster in patterns — 20 five-stars in a single week, generic wording, no photos. Real reviews reference real details.
Ask for three local references from the last 90 days
A real local roofer will send you addresses of recent jobs you can drive by. A storm-chaser will give you excuses.
What You Should Expect From A Good Roof Inspection
A legitimate inspection is a quick, documented process — not a high-pressure sales visit.
- ✓The roofer climbs the roof and takes photos, not just a drive-by
- ✓You receive a written or digital report with photos of any damage
- ✓The roofer walks you through findings in plain language
- ✓If there's no damage, they tell you so — no manufactured scope of work
- ✓If there is damage, you get a straight bid and a timeline
What We Handle After The Storm
This is what a full-service storm response looks like from start to finish.
- ✓Free, documented roof inspection within 48 hours
- ✓Meeting your insurance adjuster on-site so the scope of loss is accurate
- ✓Pulling the permit through your city or county
- ✓Ordering materials and scheduling install around the insurance timeline
- ✓Tear-off, install, and magnetic sweep — usually a single day
- ✓Final walkthrough and the 7 Year Gorilla Workmanship Guarantee in writing
5 Questions Every Homeowner Should Ask A Roofer
What is your local business address?
A legitimate contractor will give you a physical address in your state. Look it up — make sure it's a real office, not a rented mailbox.
Are you licensed and insured in this state?
Ask for both license numbers and a certificate of insurance. Verify them with your state's licensing board and by calling the insurance carrier directly.
What's your workmanship warranty?
Manufacturer warranties cover defects in the shingles. Workmanship warranties cover the installation. Both should be in writing. Ours is 7 years on the install — the longest workmanship warranty in the region.
Will you meet my insurance adjuster on-site?
This matters. Most scope disputes happen because the adjuster missed damage the roofer can see from a ladder. A roofer who refuses to meet the adjuster is a red flag.
Can I speak to three customers you've completed work for in the last 90 days?
A local contractor with a real pipeline can give you this immediately. A storm-chaser will stall or give you generic references from out of state.
Let's Take A Look At Your Roof
We'll climb the roof, take honest photos, and tell you straight whether there's damage worth filing on — no pressure, no pitch.
The Gorilla Guarantee
More than a promise — it's our commitment to unmatched craftsmanship and total transparency. We stand by our work 100%, no exceptions.
- Honest assessments — repair when possible, replace when necessary
- Premium materials and certified installation, every job
- 100% workmanship coverage backed in writing