Avoiding commercial roofing scams this summer

A bad storm blows through your commercial district damaging some roofs. Within a few days they start arriving: storm-chasing roofing “companies,” and by “companies” we mean con men. Homeowners are becoming more alert at the danger of roofing scams, but business owners may be just as vulnerable.
A logo-wrapped van pulling up to your office with an official-looking representative wearing a company polo may be nothing more than a well-oiled money scam. How do you know you can trust them? How can you prove that a specific roofing contractor has the skill set to fix your roof?
There are several crucial ways to avoid being the next victim of a commercial roofing scam:
- Ask for a local business reference. If they cannot provide you a local reference whose story checks out, don’t trust them to fix your roof.
- Review their credibility. Check for liability insurance, property coverage, and their ratings for services such as Angie’s List.
- Get a second opinion. Our R&A Contracting team provides complimentary inspections for St. Louis-based businesses, even if you choose to go with another contractor.
- Do not use a roofer who requires a down payment. If a roofer asks for a down payment to “secure materials” or “hold an appointment,” it’s either a roofing scam or a greenhorn who may not have the capability to properly fix your roof.
- Do not use a roofing contractor who offers to pay your insurance deductible as part of their services. This is in direct violation of Missouri Senate Bill 101 and Missouri Senate Bill 610.
If your commercial roof is in need of repair, don’t rely on door-to-door knockers to get your roof fixed. R&A Contracting is St. Louis’ leader in commercial roofing systems. We are committed to helping business owners in our community keep focused on the customers in front of them, not the roof over them.