Every time a significant hailstorm hits the Dallas area, the storm chasers arrive. Within 24 hours, unfamiliar trucks with out of state plates start cruising neighborhoods. Crews go door to door with business cards from companies nobody has ever heard of. They promise fast work, low prices, and even offer to "take care of" your insurance deductible.
After 38 years and 40,000 roofing jobs in Dallas, I have seen this pattern repeat dozens of times. And every single time, homeowners who hire storm chasers end up calling us six months later to fix shoddy work or deal with warranty claims that go nowhere because the company no longer exists.
What Is a Storm Chaser?
A storm chaser is a roofing contractor (or someone claiming to be one) who follows severe weather events, soliciting business in damaged areas. They are not based locally. They have no long term stake in the community. Their business model is volume: get in, collect payment (usually from insurance), do the minimum work, and move on to the next storm.
Red Flags to Watch For
No local business address
Ask for a physical address in the DFW area. If they give you a P.O. box, a hotel address, or cannot name a local office, that is a red flag. Bert Roofing has been operating from Dallas since 1988.
No verifiable BBB listing
Check the Better Business Bureau. If the company has no BBB profile or only recently appeared, proceed with extreme caution. Our A+ rating with zero complaints did not happen overnight. It took 38 years of consistent quality.
Pressure to sign immediately
Legitimate contractors do not pressure you to sign a contract on your doorstep. If someone tells you "this offer expires today" or "we only have one crew available," walk away. A good roofer will give you time to research, get multiple quotes, and make an informed decision.
Offers to waive your deductible
This is the biggest red flag of all. Under Texas law, it is illegal for a contractor to offer to pay, waive, or absorb your insurance deductible. If someone offers this, they are proposing that you commit insurance fraud. Report them.
No manufacturer certifications
Ask about GAF, Owens Corning, or CertainTeed preferred contractor status. These certifications require demonstrated quality, financial stability, and local presence. Storm chasers rarely qualify.
No written estimate with scope of work
Any legitimate contractor will provide a detailed written estimate that specifies materials, labor, scope of work, and timeline before you sign anything. If someone quotes you a number verbally and asks for a deposit, say no.
What Texas Law Says
Texas has enacted several laws to protect homeowners from storm chasing contractors. Key protections include: contractors cannot offer to pay your deductible, all roofing contracts must be in writing, and homeowners have a right to cancel within three days of signing a door to door contract.
How to Choose the Right Roofer
Check the BBB. Verify manufacturer certifications. Ask for local references. Look for a company that has been in your community for years, not weeks. Talk to your neighbors about who they used.
Bert Roofing has been your Dallas neighbor since 1988. We are not going anywhere. Call us at 214-321-9341 for an honest assessment of your storm damage.