When a major storm hits your neighborhood—bringing hail, high winds, or heavy rain—the damage to homes can be significant. Unfortunately, the aftermath of a storm often brings more than just insurance adjusters and repair crews. It also brings a wave of storm-chasing roofing companies—contractors from out of state who quickly move into storm-hit areas, offering fast, often too-good-to-be-true repairs.
While some may seem legitimate, many are looking to make a quick buck, complete subpar work, and leave town before problems arise. As a homeowner, it's critical to understand the risks of hiring these companies and why working with a local, trusted roofing contractor makes all the difference.
Storm chasers are out-of-town roofing companies that follow major weather events, especially hail and wind storms, to target recently affected areas. These companies often:
Go door-to-door offering free inspections
Promise quick insurance claim help
Use aggressive sales tactics
Offer suspiciously low prices or “today only” deals
They typically set up temporary operations, hire subcontractors with little oversight, and disappear once the job is “done”—leaving behind warranty issues, incomplete work, or insurance headaches for the homeowner.
If someone shows up at your door after a storm, be on the lookout for these common red flags:
Most reputable local companies work within a specific region. Be cautious if the truck or business address is from another state.
Ask for local referrals or recent jobs in your area. Storm chasers typically can’t provide this—and that’s a warning sign.
“If you sign today, we’ll give you a huge discount.” Sound familiar? High-pressure tactics are a hallmark of storm chasers.
Always ask for copies of liability insurance, workers' comp, and state or local licenses. Without them, you could be liable for accidents on your property.
While local roofing contractors often help guide you through the claim, storm chasers sometimes push for you to assign your benefits—a risky move that can give them too much control over your claim and payout.
While the offer of a “free roof” or immediate repairs might sound great when you're stressed about storm damage, storm chasers pose serious long-term risks:
Poor Quality Work: Many use cheap materials and rush the job. Improper installation can lead to leaks, mold, and costly future repairs.
No Warranty Support: Once they leave town, good luck getting someone to come back for repairs or warranty work.
Insurance Complications: Incomplete documentation or exaggerated claims can slow down or jeopardize your insurance payout.
Legal Issues: Some storm chasers are outright fraudulent and may take your money and vanish without doing any work.
Hiring a local, licensed roofing contractor—like Bella Construction—comes with peace of mind that storm chasers simply can’t offer.
We’re based in Western PA, and our reputation is built on years of trusted service. You’ll know exactly where to find us if you have questions, concerns, or warranty issues down the road.
Our team is experienced in helping homeowners navigate insurance claims properly and ethically. We’ll walk with you—not pressure you.
All of our roofing projects come with proper warranties and quality control. You’re not just a number to us—you’re our neighbor.
Being local means we understand the regional weather patterns, roofing needs, and municipality requirements better than someone just passing through.
Here are some quick steps to protect yourself after a storm:
Take photos of any visible damage for your records.
Contact your insurance company to report a potential claim.
Do your research before hiring a contractor—read reviews, check licenses, and verify insurance.
Get everything in writing, including a detailed contract, payment schedule, and warranty info.
Don’t pay in full upfront. Reputable contractors ask for a deposit and the rest upon completion.
Storm damage is stressful enough without having to deal with shady contractors. While it’s tempting to say yes to the first roofer who knocks, be cautious. If they’re not local, can’t show proof of licensing, or are pushing you into a fast decision, you’re better off walking away.
At Bella Construction, we’re proud to serve homeowners throughout Western Pennsylvania with honesty, quality, and care. When storms roll through, we’re already here—ready to help with roof inspections, insurance coordination, and reliable repairs.
Need a free roof inspection?
Contact our team today and work with a company that’s always here when you need us.