UPDATE ON TEXAS LAW Relating to the Payment of Insurance Deductibles Related to Property Insurance Policies; Creating a Criminal Offense


  • Payment of Deductible IS Required by the homeowner per Texas Law
  • The homeowner CANNOT accept a "rebate, credit, discount or allowance" to offset any part of your deductible.
  • Insurance has the right to request Proof Of Deductible payment from you and/or your contractor prior to issuing all insurance funds owed.
  • The homeowner AND contractor can be prosecuted under any violation of this act - it is Insurance Fraud.

Common Questions

What if a contractor says they will waive or put my roof on without paying a deductible?

It is considered FRAUD. Period. It is against the law and both the contractor and the homeowner can be held liable.

Why would one bid be less than another?

The insurance company is getting the customer to do the shopping for THEM, not the homeowner. This can present a problem because the cheaper contractor is not always the best option. Contractors often lower their bid to compete with other bids to win the job. The problem is this usually results in the contractor being less attentive to detail, use low quality materials and the company not being around for your next roofing concern. When you get multiple bids and choose the least expensive one, the insurance company is the winner because they are the only ones saving money, not the homeowner.

What are some potential signs that my roof may need to be replaced?

  1. Shingle edges are curled or shingle tabs are cupped.
  2. Bald spots where granules are missing.
  4. The roof just looks old and worn - Neighbors are getting new roofs. Homes built around the same time period can be experiencing the same types of weather conditions can mean that your roof is nearing its useful life.
  5. Moss - Moss can grow on roof surfaces that don't get much sunlight, especially in cool, moist climates. Moss growth can be more than a cosmetic issue. Moss holds moisture against the roof surface and overtime in freezing climates can cause damage to the granules on the top of the shingles. Moss can be brushed off but it won't prevent it from growing again; take care not to damage the shingle surface. You may need to contact a professional roofing contractor.

How long does a full roof replacement take?

Most roofing materials like asphalt shingles will usually take 1-2 days to install on your average residential roof of 1600 square feet. But whether we are replacing your roof or repairing it, we still have to be mindful of the certain variables, like weather, will affect how long it will take to install a roof.

How long will a new roof last?

Typically, a 30 - year roof will last on average 12-15 years in more extreme climates, such as we have here in Texas. 25 - year roofs lasting 9-12 years on average. Hailstorms in our state can sometimes shorten that lifespan.

There are several factors that determine the lifetime of a roof. UV rays, debris, excessive temperature shifts, storm damage, and other physical hazards will all tick away at the longevity of the shingle. While some physical hazards can't be avoided, like small hail damage and severe, others can be prevented. For example, when a tree limb is allowed to grow too close to the roof it becomes a potential cause for increased granule loss.

Do I have to be home/present for any project your team does? What should I do while my roof Is being repaired or replaced?

Regardless of if you need roof repair or roof replacement, this is a rather extensive home improvement. It takes time to schedule the job, good weather, and money. However, after working out all of the logistics of a roof replacement, having a set date for the replacement, and being ready to get started, you may think - what are you actually supposed to do during the repairs or the replacement process?

Some people wonder if they need to move out while the new roof is being installed or while a roof repair is going on.

The simple and short answer is no, there's no need to. We usually complete roofs in one day, but sometimes take two days depending upon the size and other variables. The majority of professional roofers work during the week, when most people are at school and work. This means there's a minimal disruption to day-to-day activities.

However, if you work out of your home or if you are spending most of your time at home, you may want to stay away while the work is going on. Keep in mind, though, there will be a crew of workers handling the job, and a lot of noise. If you don't think you will be able to stand all the noise going on, you may want to find somewhere else to stay while the roofers are there. If you don't want to leave the house or you can't leave your house, there are some roof replacement logistics to keep in mind.

Your Children
If you are planning to stay home while a roof is being replaced and your kids are there, make sure you tell them what is going on and give them some additional rules for the repair period. Be sure designate some safe spaces in the home for your children to play in and make sure they know they should remain inside while the roofers are handling their work. Since the roofers are going to have to tear the old roof off, there are usually a lot of debris that are falling off on the sides, which means it won't be safe for children to run around under them.

Your Pets
It doesn't matter if you have plans to stay in your home or if you plan to leave while the replacement is being done, it's smart to remove or secure your pets in some way. Even if your pets are usually calm, they may find the roofing work distressing and they won't always react to strangers in and around their home.

At a minimum you need to keep your pets in a quiet part of the house, such as the basement, where they will be able to have a bit of a respite from the noise. Or, if you plan to leave for the day, take them with you.

By taking the precautions listed here, you can ensure your roofing repair or replacement doesn't have any adverse effects on your day, house, or family.

What is the value of a long lasting roof?

Another reason to consider replacing your roof is the value that it adds to your house if you are planning on selling it in the near future and your roof is nearing 15 to 20 years old, depending on the type of material used, the quality of the build, and any damage that may have occurred.

Getting a roof inspection, fixing any problems before they start, and potentially replacing your roof can make a significant difference in the selling price.

In fact, a house with a new roof sells for an average of $12,000 more than a house with an older roof, which means that you may recover the costs of the roof replacement when you sell.

Regardless of whether or not you are planning on selling your property any time soon, the condition and the longevity of the roof over your head is of utmost importance.

While the length of time that your particular roof lasts depends on the type of materials used, the installation techniques involved, and any damage that may need to be fixed during its lifespan, all the aforementioned guidelines can help you determine when to replace your roof as well as to understand the potential lifetime value of your investment in a new roof.

What do I do If I think I have hail damage?

If you're a homeowner and think you may have hail damage, the first thing you should do is call a professional contractor for a free roof inspection. If the inspector thinks you may have damage, your next step would be to file an insurance claim with your home owners insurance company. A lot of people ask: "Will insurance pay for a new roof?" This depends on your policy and who you have on your team. A trained professional can determine whether the damage is functional or cosmetic in nature. Homeowners: It's very important that you have your contractor come out and inspect the roof with your insurance adjuster. You have to remember the insurance company is looking for reasons NOT to replace your roof. That's why it's important to make sure your contractor inspects the roof with the adjuster.