After a significant hail event in Central Texas, door-to-door contractors appear within 24–48 hours. Some are legitimate. Many are not. Here’s how to tell the difference — and why it matters.
The Storm Chaser Problem
Storm chasers are contractors who follow weather events across the country, sign as many homeowners as possible in the immediate aftermath, use local subcontractors of varying quality, and move on before problems surface. By the time a leak shows up or a workmanship issue becomes visible, they’re three states away working a different storm zone.
They know how to sound credible. They’ll reference local landmarks, mention the specific storm, and have slick marketing materials. The question isn’t whether they sound good — it’s whether they’ll be there in 18 months when you need warranty service.
What to Look For
Local address and verifiable history
A contractor who has been operating in Central Texas for years has a record. Check Google reviews — look at the dates. A company with consistent reviews over multiple years is established. A company with a surge of reviews from the past 30 days should raise questions.
Texas Contractor Registration
Texas has licensing requirements for roofing contractors. Verify that the contractor is properly registered with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). This takes two minutes online and rules out a significant number of unqualified operations.
Insurance — theirs, not just yours
Any contractor working on your home should carry General Liability insurance and Workers’ Compensation. Ask for a certificate of insurance naming you as an additional insured. A legitimate contractor will provide this without hesitation. One who balks at the request is telling you something.
Manufacturer certifications
GAF Master Elite Certified contractors represent fewer than 3% of roofing contractors in North America. This certification requires consistent installation quality standards, ongoing training, and customer satisfaction benchmarks. It doesn’t guarantee perfection — but it’s a meaningful differentiator from an uncertified contractor working your neighborhood after a storm.
No assignment of benefits pressure
Be cautious of any contractor who asks you to sign over your insurance claim benefits to them (“Assignment of Benefits” or AOB). Once you sign, the contractor controls your claim, and your ability to dispute their work or the claim settlement is significantly reduced. Legitimate contractors work directly with you and your carrier — they don’t need control of your claim to do their job.
What Legitimate Looks Like
Divided Sky Roofing & Solar has been in San Marcos since 2013. GAF Master Elite Certified. Best of Hays County multiple years running. San Marcos Chamber Business of the Year 2021. Inc. 5000 2022. Our address is in San Marcos. Our crew is local. When you need us in 18 months for a warranty question, we’re still here.
After a storm, we offer free inspections — not to pressure anyone into a contract, but because documentation matters. Your insurance claim depends on accurate damage documentation. We do that work regardless of whether the job goes to us.
📞 (512) 995-7663 | 🌐 mydividedsky.com
