After the storm, Red Oak flooded by contractors

 RED OAK — Rick Taylor has been selling insurance in Red Oak for the past four decades and has dealt with more than one severe thunderstorm.

But the aftermath of the first one to hit Red Oak in 2014 has been something unto itself. 

“This is the worst I’ve ever seen in terms of the number of out-of-town roofers,” he said. “I have never, ever, ever seen this many out-of-town roofers come in and prey on our town.” 

With hail as large as tennis balls falling intermittently throughout Red Oak Saturday, April 12, several homes and cars were damaged. 

While there was an absence of high winds, many cars were dented, some had broken windshields and many homes suffered roof damage. 

As a result, numerous out-of-town contractors appeared in Red Oak last week, employing various marketing techniques to contact potential consumers, including phone calls and door-to-door salesmen. 

“Unfortunately, storms like this bring in companies that are sales-oriented and they make their living off of what I call hysteria,” Taylor said. “Don’t be fooled by a good sales tactic.”

Red Oak City Manager Brad Wright said city codes only require contractors to have a peddler’s license if they are soliciting business door-to-door. He estimated about eight contractors had obtained a peddler’s license. 

“Most of the roofers we’ve encountered seem to be playing by the rules,” Wright said. “They don’t have to obtain any kind of contractor’s license and we don’t have any codes outlining any specific requirements when it comes to the work. We would advise people to do their own research. Make sure they have liability insurance and good references as well.”

Wright said there was one city ordinance roofers seemed to be breaking frequently early in the week. 

“We have picked up a ton of yard signs already,” he said. “Those are  not permitted in the City of Red Oak, as per our sign ordinance. They can put up a sign in the yard of a home they are working on, and that’s it. They also can’t leave that sign in the yard for months after they finish working.”

Taylor urged residents to contact their insurance company before signing any contract and warned against paying for anything before the work is completed. 

Most of all, he recommended using caution and patience. 

“There is no need to put a roof on today. I don’t know a single instance in Red Oak where a roof needs to be put on today, not one,” he said. 

And while he wouldn’t recommend against using an out-of-town contractor, he said his lack of experience with them prevents him from endorsing them as well. 

“There is probably some good roofers who will come in, but I can’t tell you who is good and who is bad. You just can’t tell for sure,” he said. “If they have been recommended by a family member or someone you know, sure, feel good about it. But if they just show up at your door, buyer beware. I hate to see anyone in Red Oak get taken by someone.”

There also added benefits to using a local contractor. 

“Most of the ones we know in Red Oak have been here a while and aren’t going anywhere. Most of these roofers are going state-to-state and if you need them to come back, good luck,” he said. “And when there is money involved, why not let our local people make that profit? The money turns over in our community much more so than someone who comes in from out of town. That is what helps keep our community and our schools going.”