Roof Repair Help in Humble, TX

What to do first when your roof is damaged

In short: if wind, hail, a tree or a leak damaged your roof, limit further damage, photograph everything, report it to your insurer, and then get a roofing company to look at it. Do not make permanent repairs before your insurer has seen the damage.

1. Stay safe. If the roof or ceiling looks unsafe, stay off the roof and away from sagging ceilings and wet light fixtures.
2. Prevent more damage. Remove standing water and cover holes and broken windows to keep rain out. Save every receipt, because your policy may pay for temporary repairs.
3. Document it. Take photos and video, and list the damage inside and outside the house. Do not throw damaged items away until your insurer says you can.
4. Report it. File the claim as soon as you can, and keep a list of everyone you speak to at the insurance company.
5. Get it looked at. Call a roofing company, and get more than one bid before you agree to anything.

Sources: Texas Department of Insurance: Hail damage to your home or car? What to do next.

How the call works

You call, an automated prompt asks for your ZIP code, and the call is matched with a participating roofing company that serves your area.

You then describe what happened, and the company you speak with explains the work and handles it from there. Calls from ZIP codes outside the participating areas cannot be connected. We are not a roofing contractor, we do not inspect roofs, and we do not do the work.

Pick the page that matches your problem

Texas facts most roofing pages leave out

• A contractor cannot waive your deductible. It is illegal under Texas law, and your insurer may ask for proof that you paid it.
• Age alone does not buy a new roof. The Texas Department of Insurance says insurers do not pay for a new roof just because it is old or worn out.
• Wind and hail may have their own deductible. Ask your agent whether it differs from your other deductibles, because you could pay more out of pocket after a storm.
• There is no state roofing license in Texas. So check references, ask for proof of liability insurance, and never sign a contract with blank spaces.

Sources: Texas Department of Insurance: Insurance and your roof; Texas Department of Insurance: Hail damage to your home or car? What to do next; NBC 5 Responds: If you have hail damage, what's next?.

Keeping a roof in shape between storms

The Texas Department of Insurance offers a short checklist. Insurers inspect your roof when you apply for a policy and may charge more or refuse coverage based on what they see.

• Remove tree limbs hanging over or near the roof.
• Check the roof for missing or damaged shingles after every storm.
• Check the chimney for loose bricks that could fall onto the roof.
• Keep gutters clean so water does not damage the roof edge.
• Hire a roof inspector every few years to catch problems early.

Source: Texas Department of Insurance: Insurance and your roof.

Roof questions in Humble

Who should I call first after roof damage?

Your insurance company. The Texas Department of Insurance says to file a claim as soon as you can after hail or strong wind damages your home, and its consumer line is 800-252-3439. You can also call the number on this site to be connected with a participating roofing company in your area.

Is it illegal for a roofer to waive my deductible?

Yes. The Texas Department of Insurance says it is illegal under state law for a contractor to waive a homeowners deductible or work the deductible into a bid. If a contractor offers, find another one. Your insurance company may ask for proof that you paid your deductible.

Will my insurance pay for a new roof because mine is old?

Not for age alone. The Texas Department of Insurance says a company will not pay for a new roof just because it is old or worn out. Some policies pay less on older roofs, and some companies switch to actual cash value as a roof ages, so check your policy.

How do I limit the damage until a roofer can come?

The Texas Department of Insurance advises preventing more damage by removing standing water, covering holes and broken windows to keep rain out, and saving all receipts, since your policy may pay for temporary repairs. Climbing onto a wet or damaged roof is risky, so ask a roofing company to cover it if you cannot do it safely.

Do roofers in Texas need a state license?

NBC 5 Responds reports that Texas does not require state-level licensing for roofers and general contractors. That makes it more important to check references, ask for proof of liability insurance and confirm with the insurer that the policy is current.

Are you a roofing company?

No. We are an independent referral service. When you call, an automated prompt asks for your ZIP code so the call can be matched with a participating roofing company in your area. That company does the work and is responsible for it.