After a Texas storm, roofing scams spike. Use simple checks, legal rights, and sound paperwork habits to protect your home and wallet when contractors start knocking on your door.
Storm damage creates a sense of urgency, and scammers rely on that pressure to rush decisions that feel safe in the moment but cause problems later. Industry experts recommend that you slow the process with a simple checklist, document everything, and avoid signing or paying until facts are verified.
Professionals at Galveston County Roofing stress verifying the contractor’s identity, checking for active insurance, and obtaining a detailed written scope before any work begins, because tight documentation reduces disputes and keeps claims straightforward. Homeowners should request a carrier-issued certificate of insurance, record license details, and require line-item materials, timelines, and change-order terms in writing.
Texas has no statewide roofing license certification process. Therefore, verification should include current general liability coverage, confirmation of workers’ compensation coverage if carried (or a written disclosure if not), and any required city registration/permits. It is also illegal for a contractor to waive or absorb your insurance deductible under Texas Insurance Code §27.02.
The Federal Trade Commission’s Cooling-Off Rule gives you three business days to cancel most door-to-door sales, which is useful when contractors show up after hail. Contractors also cannot negotiate your insurance claim unless they are licensed public adjusters under Texas Insurance Code Chapter 4102.
“Speed matters after hail or wind, but documentation matters more,” a Galveston County Roofing team member says, noting that organized files reduce headaches with insurers. “Clear photos, a line-item estimate, and a realistic timeline help owners stay safe and make better choices.”
Request a driver’s license photo and match it to the name on insurance and the contract, then snap a picture of the vehicle and business card for your records. Ask for recent local references with addresses, and call the owners to confirm workmanship, cleanup, and punctuality.
Insist on a written contract that lists materials, manufacturer, color, ventilation details, and flashing components, plus a target start and completion window with weather caveats. Avoid large upfront payments; small deposits tied to confirmed material deliveries are safer than cash handed over at the door.
Take a few minutes to verify the physical address of any roofing company, confirm permit or registration requirements with your city, and read recent reviews that include dated photos. Ask for a carrier-issued insurance certificate, and insist on a written, line-item scope with timelines and change-order terms.
