Local Roofer vs. Storm Chaser: 4 Ways to Spot the Difference

Storm Chasers vs. Local Roofers: What’s the Difference?

After a major storm, it’s common to see out-of-town roofing companies flood neighborhoods in search of quick work. These “storm chasers” might rent a local phone number, wrap a truck with a fresh logo, and vanish the moment the final check clears.

Local roofers, like McCoy Roofing, are different. We’ve been installing and repairing roofs across Nebraska for nearly two decades—and we’re not going anywhere. “We care about our reputation here because we live here,” Zach says.

That local connection makes all the difference. Whether it’s a warranty follow-up, a leak years later, or just the peace of mind that comes with knowing who’s on your roof, a local roofer sticks around. A storm chaser doesn’t.

Storm chasers want to be your roofer this summer. McCoy Roofing wants to be your roofer for the next decade.

1. Look Past the Door Knock, Check Local Roofer Reviews

“If your area has been hit by severe weather, expect doorknockers,” Zach explains. “Local companies, big companies, small companies—everybody knocks.”

You’ll likely meet friendly, helpful reps offering inspections and quick quotes. But a local-sounding number or magnetic truck sign doesn’t prove a roofer is from your community.

Zach’s advice? “Look at their reviews. Look them up online—ask your neighbors!”

He recommends digging beyond the star ratings and reading the reviews themselves. Watch for multi-location companies using a single Google Business Profile, which can make it hard to know where those five stars came from.

2. Monitor Who’s Getting on Your Roof

“Be careful with who you let up on your roof,” Zach warns. “Some companies will go up there and cause damage.”

Driven by profit, some storm chasers may exaggerate—or even create—damage to get you to file a claim.

“I’ve heard from adjusters—they can spot created damage. And now your house can get flagged in the insurance world.”

At best, that means a claim on your record with no new roof. At worst, it could be considered insurance fraud.

If someone pressures you to file a claim without clear photo evidence or walking you through what they found, then that’s a red flag.

“A local guy will give you an honest opinion because honesty is the best policy,” Zach says. “Storm chasers roll the dice. They don’t care if your claim gets denied. They’re gone either way.”

3. Ask the Right Questions and Listen to the Answers

Storm chasers have gotten better at blending in.

“You can get a local number for $35 at Walmart,” Zach says. “But license plates don’t lie.”

Don’t be afraid to make small talk. Ask where they live. If you hear, “I’m from Des Moines, just helping out in our Omaha office,” you may be dealing with a storm chaser.

Local roofers understand the local codes, permitting, and weather patterns. McCoy Roofing pulls a permit for every job—and we build roofs meant to last through Midwestern winters.

“We know Omaha gets snow every winter,” says Zach. “Texas doesn’t. Your roof should reflect that.”

4. Local Roofers Build for the Long Haul

Roofing isn’t just about finishing the job. It’s about being there after the job.

“As much as we like to think our work is perfect, things happen,” says Zach. “Things go wrong. Period.”

When your roofer is local, you’re not just a name on a spreadsheet—you’re a neighbor. That means if a leak appears six months later or you have a warranty question in six years, you know exactly where to find us.

At McCoy Roofing, our team lives here. Our office is here. And we’re not going anywhere.

We’re not just another name on your storm damage checklist. We’re your local roofer, your long-term resource, and your advocate—long after the last shingle is nailed down.

Ready for a Local Roof You Can Trust?

Don’t wait for the next storm to hit. Schedule your free, no-obligation roof inspection today. At McCoy Roofing, you’re choosing a team committed to protecting what matters most—for the long haul.