Roofing Tips

Savy homeowners know that it's wise to do your research ahead of selecting a contractor to do work on your home. Replacing your roof is structurally important, and is also a high-dollar value investment in your home. After asking for referrals from friends and family, researching local roofing contractors on the internet, and reading about those roofing companies on their own websites, the next step is to contact each one you are considering for a free quote.

A representative from each roofing company will come out to take a look at your roof and ask you some questions. They'll provide you with a quote for the repair or replacement of your roof, and then you are left to decide which roofing contractor to choose.

There is nothing wrong with choosing the lowest bidder. Sometimes budget is the only deciding factor. However, the cost structures for all roofing companies in this area are very similar, so an unusually low bid should be a red flag. Insurance companies use pricing software that may have you paying more out of pocket. The deductible is the only amount you should pay.

Some roofing companies will complete the work, but cut corners to make a profit. Examples include using inexperienced workers, leaving the old felt paper on your roof, or selling you a high quality shingle but installing a cheaper grade. A common problem we have seen is the improper use of flashings, for example: reusing old flashings or not using them at all.

To protect yourself, conduct a little due diligence using methods we have outlined below.

We will not always be the lowest bidder. We have high standards of quality and professionalism, and we will not consider a project that we would not want to attach our name to.

Below is a list of 14 important questions to ask every roofing company you are considering hiring.

• Are you insured?
• Do you have a copy of the documents verifying that you are licensed and insured?
• Are you a member of the Better Business Bureau?
• Do you have a list of references?
• Will you remove my old shingles before installing the new roofing system?
• Have you replaced any roofs in my area in town?
• How long have you been in business?
• What brand of shingles do you use?
• Will you remove the old felt? Do you use synthetic underlayment?
• Will you replace any bad decking?
• How many days to complete my roof?
• What ridge cap will you install?
• Do you use ice & water in valleys?
• Are you factory certified?

The Problem: Waiving insurance policy deductible ("you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours") has been common place in Texas since 1989 and came about as the result of a poorly worded statute passed that same year that contractors have basically ignored. Contractors who have broken the 1989 law by waiving deductibles (primarily roofing contractors) are known as "deductible eaters." Property owners were lured into signing contracts with the deductible eaters based on promises, for example, of a "free roof."

The Cure: The new law, entitled Payment of Insurance Deductible, goes into effect September 1, 2019, and will be located in Chapter 707 of the Texas Insurance Code. The first full paragraph states: "A person insured under a property insurance policy shall pay any deductible applicable to a first-party claim made under the policy." See Tex. Ins. Code 707.002. This really has always been the law but has been ignored and not enforced.

However the new law provides that it is a violation of this law if a contractor:

• Pays For,
• Waives,
• Absorbs,
• Rebates,
• Credits or Offsets or
• otherwise assists the insured in any manner in avoiding monetary payment of the required insurance deductible or provides a good or service knowing that the insured will pay for the good or service with the proceeds of a claim under the policy and without the insurer's consent to do so.

Below are a few things to be aware of or to do to ensure a smooth process during the project - if you have any questions about any of these items, just give us a call and we'd be happy to discuss them with you.

• Delivery - Materials are scheduled to be delivered the day before.
• Early Starts - The crew can start as early as 7 a.m. - sorry for any inconvienence!
• Potential Delays - We try our absolute best to give our homeowners a realistic start date, but please bear in mind that there are countless extenuating circumstances that can affect the schedule - inclement weather, surprises on the job before yours, material delay, crew leaders may get sick or have an emergency, etc. We will do our best to keep you up to date with any schedule changes along the way - thank you in advance for your patience and understanding!
• Satellite - During the construction of the roof, we're going to have to detach and reset your satellite if you have one. The roofers will do their best to put it back exactly how you had it, but sometimes the signal doesn't come back and the cable company has to come out and fix it, which usually costs about $50. If that does happen, go ahead and call the cable company and we'll reimburse you for the service call.
• Move Cars - Be sure to park on the street the night before so you don't get trapped in the garage during construction.
• Noise - Demolition and construction can be noisy - sorry for any inconvienence!
• Nails - As you can imagine, the construction of a roof involves a LOT of nails. Just as many come off the roof as go on it, and while our crew members do their best to go through the yard with a magnet afterward to pick up as many as they can, it is impossible to get every single one. Please be careful after the project is complete and keep your eye out for any strays. In some instances if the crew finishes late and it is getting dark, there may be more nails than usual left behind. If you are finding an unacceptable amount of debris in the yard, please call me and let me know; I'd be more than happy to swing over and clean up for you.
• Outdoor Furniture - Please move any lawn furniture, yard art, or grills away from the side of the house to protect it from debris during construction. We don't want to damage anything!
• Plants - Our crews will do their best to protect landscaping immediately around the house, but unfortunately plants cannot be temporarily moved like lawn chairs or grills. We apologize in advance if any shrubs lose a branch or any flowers get squished.
• Neighbors - If you can let your neighbors to the left and right know that you will be having upcoming construction on your house to prepare them for any noise or in case they need to move their vehicles, that would be greatly appreciated.
• Alternate Contact - As always, you can call my cell phone at (903)-821-5855 if you have any questions throughout the project. If you are unable to reach me and have an urgent question or matter, here is my production father's cell phone number (903)-821-5514. His name is Charles and he would be happy to help you with any questions or concerns you may have.
• Leftover Materials - We always order more materials than we need on a job because it is better to have some left over than not enough, as it can delay projects by a couple days to over a week. Any leftovers will be picked up by our company after the completion of the project.
• Collections - When the project is complete, the project manager will come by to review the house with you and make sure you are satisfied with the final project. At that time we will collect the 1st and 2nd check. So please have those handy.
• Our Goal - Your satisfaction is our number one priority. We want this to be a painless process for you with as few inconvienences as possible, and our goal is that you will be a pleased customer after the job is done. Please let us know what we can do to make this a positive experience for you and your family. Thank you again for choosing CRF Roofing and for allowing us to help you with this project!