KAYSVILLE, Utah — Strong winds and large hail swept through parts of Davis County last week, leaving homeowners to assess damage and consider repairs. As residents begin the cleanup process, local roofing experts are cautioning against potential red flags when choosing a contractor.
The days following the storm have been particularly busy for companies like Legendary Roofing, according to owner Vanessa Putnam. “It’s been wild. There’s been so much going on. The phones are ringing off the hook,” Putnam stated, noting that many in the industry are actively trying to assist affected residents.
One Kaysville homeowner, Hilary Partridge, experienced the storm firsthand. She described its sudden arrival, forcing her family to seek shelter in their garage and basement as golf ball-sized hail began to fall. Partridge recounted that it was so loud inside, it "sounded like we were under attack." Once the storm passed, she discovered significant damage to her property, including holes in both her fence and roof.
Even before many homeowners had fully inspected their properties, roofing companies began reaching out. Partridge noted receiving numerous "door hangers" on her home, and her friends reported receiving non-stop calls from contractors.
Putnam warned residents to be wary of contractors using high-pressure sales tactics in the immediate aftermath of a storm. She emphasized that homeowners are not obligated to sign any agreements for a roofer to conduct a damage assessment. Putnam advised that homeowners should “maintain ownership of their claim,” particularly if the damage extends beyond the roof to other parts of the property, such as siding or a fence, which may involve multiple insurance claims and trades.
Sales representatives have been actively going door-to-door in various Davis County neighborhoods since the storm, according to Putnam. To help homeowners make informed decisions and avoid potential issues, she recommends several key steps.
Before signing any agreements, homeowners should verify a contractor’s license through Utah’s Division of Professional Licensing. Additionally, Putnam advises asking for references from past clients and thoroughly reading online reviews to gauge a contractor’s reputation and reliability. This due diligence can help ensure residents choose reputable professionals for their repair needs.
Putnam acknowledged that dealing with storm damage is already a stressful situation for homeowners. She expressed concern that residents should not be subjected to additional pressure from contractors during this recovery period. As cleanup and repair efforts continue across the affected areas of Davis County, roofing companies expect to remain busy assisting residents in the coming weeks.