Arrowstar Roofing & Construction - Oklahoma Tornado and Storm Damage Experts
By David W. Locklear
Owner, Arrowstar Roofing & Construction
Due to the recent extreme wind and hail in various sections of the Metropolitan Oklahoma City area, Arrowstar Roofing would like to remind property owners to be patient in getting roof estimates from local contractors.
Our city has be inundated with out-of-town and ‘fly-by-night’ roofing companies, some from as far East as New Jersey.
These companies specialize in hailstorms around the United States. Some have unlimited advertising dollars, and many even rent local offices to provide more local legitimacy.
It’s important to deal locally, particularly when severe weather has residents in their most vulnerable, emotional states.
Key giveaways for spotting these ‘hail jumpers’ include out-of-state license plates on their vehicles, companies you’ve never heard of or companies in ‘close partnership’ with more local corporations, and – obviously – estimators’ accents that don’t quite seem to be Oklahoma native.
Most out-of-state companies will give from 3 to 5 year warranties, just like local companies. However, an important fact to remember is… when another hailstorm hits elsewhere in our great nation… these fly-by-nights will likely be gone upon hearing that first Weather Channel report.
What’s the downside to all this? You’re left with a worthless warranty… and often times a job that has used substandard (or used) materials or unqualified labor.
Remember to never pay more than one third to half of the total estimate as deposit prior to the work being started. Another good tip is to check area telephone books… a technique that allows you to assess whether or not the corporation has an established presence in the state of Oklahoma. Fly-by-night roofers almost never have Yellow Page or Business Directory ads.
The initiative teaches students in grades 6 to 8 about green roofs—a roof that replaces traditional roofing with a living environment of plants and soil.
