Roof Repair or Roof Replacement in Humble, TX?

Questions to settle before you decide

In short: repair or replacement is decided by what is damaged, what your policy pays for, and what the bids say. Insurers do not pay for a new roof just because it is old, so find out whether a covered event caused the damage.

1. Is the damage from a covered event? A storm, a tree or something else sudden can support a claim. Age and wear alone do not.
2. Is your roof coverage replacement cost or actual cash value? This decides how much the insurer pays on an older roof.
3. What is your wind and hail deductible? It can differ from your other deductibles.
4. What do at least three bids say? Compare the work described, the materials listed and the terms, not only the totals.
5. What is the roof's condition overall? A roofing company can inspect it. A hired inspector every few years helps catch problems early.

Sources: Texas Department of Insurance: Insurance and your roof; Texas Department of Insurance: How to avoid contracting scams.

How insurers pay for a roof

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

What a good bid and contract look like

• On the company's letterhead, with a phone number and an address.
• Lists the materials the company will use.
• No blank spaces anywhere in the contract.
• No clause saying you agree to the repairs for the value of the insurance proceeds, which would give the contractor every penny of your payment.
• No large or full payment up front, and no final payment until the work is finished.
• Copies of every agreement and the warranty terms, kept by you.

If a contractor offers to waive your deductible, find a different contractor. It is illegal in Texas.

Sources: Texas Department of Insurance: How to avoid contracting scams; Texas Department of Insurance: Hail damage to your home or car? What to do next.

Materials, permits and the insurer

The Texas Department of Insurance suggests considering roofing materials less likely to be damaged by wind, hail or fire, and to ask your insurer which materials matter for your policy before you choose.

Permit rules depend on whether your address is inside a city or in an unincorporated area, so ask your local building department before work begins, and ask the roofing company who is responsible for the permit.

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

Roof replacement questions

Will my insurer pay for a new roof?

Only if the damage is covered. The Texas Department of Insurance says your insurance company will not pay for a new roof just because it is old or worn out. A storm, a tree or another covered event that damaged the roof can support a claim.

What is the difference between replacement cost and actual cash value?

Replacement cost coverage pays up to the full amount needed to repair the roof. Actual cash value coverage pays less if the roof is older or showing wear. As roofs age, some companies switch coverage to actual cash value, so check your policy at renewal.

How many bids should I get?

The Texas Department of Insurance suggests getting at least three. Bids should be on the company's letterhead with a phone number and an address, and you should keep a copy of all agreements and warranty terms.

Can better materials help with insurance?

Possibly. The Texas Department of Insurance suggests considering roofing materials less likely to be damaged by wind, hail or fire, and to ask your insurance company whether they matter for your policy before you decide.

Do I need a permit?

Many cities and counties require permits for roof work, and the rules depend on where your address is. Ask your local building department before work starts, and ask the roofing company who is responsible for the permit.