Every big storm brings two things to Phoenix: damaged roofs and a wave of roofing trucks. Since the hail on October 20 and 21, homeowners around Metrocenter, North Phoenix, Desert Ridge and Chandler have told us about door knockers, flyers on every door and roofers pushing them to sign the same day.

Plenty of roofers are honest. But after a storm, the biggest mistake we see is homeowners signing a contract before they have done any homework. These are the questions we would ask if it were our own home.

9 Questions to Ask a Roofer Before You Sign

1. Are you licensed with the Arizona Registrar of Contractors?

Every roofing contractor working in Arizona should have an active ROC license. Ask for the number and look it up yourself at roc.az.gov. It takes about a minute. Ours is ROC #339920.

2. Where is your office, and will you be here in five years?

A roof is supposed to last for decades, and a warranty is only as good as the company behind it. Some storm crews follow hail across the country and are gone once the work dries up. Ask where they are based and how long they have worked in Arizona.

3. Do you work with insurance claims?

Some roofers will not touch an insurance job and leave you to handle everything on your own. Others know the process well. Ask how they document damage, whether they will meet your adjuster, and who in their office will keep you updated.

4. Will I get a written report with photos?

You should see what the roofer saw. A good inspection ends with photos and a written report, not a verbal “you need a new roof.”

5. Will you tell me if my roof does not need work?

This is one of the best questions you can ask. An honest roofer will tell you when your roof is fine. If every roof on the street “needs replacing,” that is worth noticing.

6. Are you offering to cover my deductible?

If the answer is yes, walk away. Under Arizona law, a roofer cannot pay, waive or rebate your deductible. It is not a favor. It is a red flag.

7. Do you want me to sign before my claim is decided?

Arizona law does not allow a roofer to start storm repairs until your insurer approves or denies the claim, except for emergency work to stop further damage. You also have the right to cancel a storm repair contract within 4 business days of signing, and within 72 hours after a claim denial. A roofer who pushes you to sign on the spot, or who will not explain your cancellation rights, is not looking out for you.

8. How much do you want up front?

For storm repair contracts in Arizona, the down payment cannot be more than 50 percent of the total. Be cautious of anyone asking for most of the money before work begins.

9. Do you know tile roofs?

Most Valley homes have concrete tile, and tile is easy to break if you do not know how to walk it. Ask how they inspect tile, how they handle underlayment, and how they find replacement tile that matches.

Red Flags to Watch For

  • “This price is only good today.”
  • Offers to pay or waive your deductible.
  • Promises that insurance will definitely cover the roof.
  • Asking you to sign over your claim or “let us negotiate with your insurance company.” Roofers are not allowed to negotiate your claim in Arizona.
  • No license number, no local address or no written estimate.
  • Pressure to sign before you have had a chance to read the contract.

Why We Tell Homeowners to Slow Down

We understand the urge to get it handled. There is water in the ceiling, the neighbors are getting new roofs, and someone at the door says they can start tomorrow. But a day or two of due diligence can save you from a bad contract, a poor repair or a warranty from a company that is not around to honor it.

We would rather you take the time to compare. We are local, we have been doing this in Arizona, and we are confident in how we work.

What Working With The Arizona Roof Co Looks Like

  • We usually get out within a day or so.
  • Justin or Damon walks your roof and inspects every part of it.
  • You get a written report with photos and a repair estimate, quickly.
  • If your roof is fine, we tell you.
  • Laura and Tasha in our office help with the estimate and the insurance process.
  • Financing is available if you need it.

Have a flat or foam roof? Flat roofs on homes and commercial buildings take hail differently. Read Hail Damage on Flat Roofs in Phoenix for what to check after the October storms.

Get a Second Opinion Before You Sign

Whether you have already talked to another roofer or you are just getting started, we are happy to take a look. Request a free roof inspection or call 480-622-4893, and we will give you a straight answer on what your roof needs.

Posted in Roofing, Storm Damage