Question #2: Do I have to sign anything for you to get on my roof?
This relates to what I call the “Dirty Little Secrets of the Roofing Industry.” Many of the door-knockers will ask you if you would like to have a “free” roof inspection. If you suspect you have damage, you might tell the roofer to do the inspection. After all, it’s “free” right? Then what he/she does is whips out a form and asks you to sign it. Many homeowners think, at this point, that they are signing a consent form, or a liability waiver. They never suspect that they are actually signing a contract with the roofer. This contract says that IF he/she finds damage on your roof, IF you file a claim, or IF the claim is accepted, you MUST use that roofing company to complete the work. Remember, this is all before your roof has even been inspected!
One lady I know who had this happen to her, later tried to back out of the contract because she realized what kind of a scam she had gotten into. Then the roofer began to threaten her with lawsuits and fines.
If you have to sign anything even before the roofer gets on the roof, tell him, “No thank you,” then grab your phone and text all your neighbors to be on the watch for that company and others like them.