“Just make sure you hire someone who is licensed and insured to do the roofing work. And do your research,” said Eric Wimpee of Firehouse Roofing.
ROCKWALL, Texas — Roofing contractors are finding plenty of work this week after a baseball-sized hailstorm knocked down roof shingles across Dallas-Fort Worth. And many of them warn to beware of extremely willing but unlicensed contractors offering a quick fix.
“The first thing I check is I examine the entire roof,” said Eric Wimpee of Firehouse Roofing, the premier roofing company that has been providing roof inspection, repair and replacement in the DFW area for more than 26 years.
And the damage he showed the WFAA at a home in Rockwall on Tuesday was evident. Hailstones the size of quarters and golf balls captured with a cellphone.
Tattered and decapitated fresh leaves from an oak tree that lay scattered in the front yard are another indication of the intensity of the hail. Dents in gutters and other metal sheets and pipes on the roof are also telltale signs.
“And I can see that thing was destroyed by the hail,” Wimpee said while inspecting the roof vent for the home’s water heater.
He also found roof shingles that had been lifted and loosened by the wind – these are called zippers and can be a source of future leaks.
“The seal on them is beginning to break,” he said. “And the next rainstorms can rip those roof shingles off.”
On the roof, he chalked out more than a dozen severe hailstorms, enough to scratch and dent the asphalt shingles.
“Every time it rains there is a small dent in the gravel. Water gets in there. And eventually it’s going to get through there and get into the house,” Wimpee said.
Enough, he said, to make the homeowner seriously consider filing an insurance claim for a new roof.
“With the shape of this roof with some zippers, it’s only a matter of time before it gets worse,” he said. “In my professional opinion, it needs to be replaced and he needs to get it fixed fairly quickly before he has leaks in the house that cause him even more damage later on.”
“Just make sure you hire someone who is licensed and insured to do the roofing work. And do your research. Look them up at the Better Business Bureau, look them up on Google, and do your own research,” he continued.
The Better Business Bureau also recommends being wary of storm chasers, who may not be local contractors. And the BBB also offers the following advice:
- Contact your insurance company. Inquire about your insurance coverage and specific enrollment requirements. Keep all receipts, including receipts for meals, temporary accommodation, or other expenses that may be covered by your policy. Your insurance company may also have recommended contractors.
- Beware of contractors who claim to waive deductibles. According to House Bill #2102, claiming a deductible waiver without the insurer’s consent is illegal in Texas. If you speak to a contractor who offers to waive your deductible, contact your insurance company and see if they are eligible to claim.
- Please investigate. Find companies you can trust on BBB.org. Check with your local city office that handles contractor registration and/or licensing. Get references from friends and relatives.
- Resist high-pressure sales. Some storm chasers use tactics like the “good deal” that you only get by hiring the on-site contractor. Be proactive in selecting a contractor and don’t respond to phone sales calls or door-to-door offers. Disaster victims should never feel compelled to make a hasty decision or choose an unknown contractor.
- Be especially wary of door-to-door contractors. Many municipalities require an advertising permit when vendors go door-to-door. Ask for ID. Check the vehicle for company name, phone number, and state license plates.
- Don’t give insurance checks to contractors. Get an invoice from the contractor and pay directly (preferably with a credit card, which offers additional fraud protection compared to other payment methods). Do not sign any documents giving the contractor rights to your insurance claims. If you have any questions, contact your insurance company or insurance agent.
- Be wary of places you can’t see. While most contractors obey the law, be careful about letting someone you don’t know inspect your roof and other areas of your home. An unethical contractor can actually do harm to get work. The same goes for attics, crawl spaces, ducts, and other places that you can’t easily reach or see for yourself.
www.wfaa.com
https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/north-texas-baseball-size-hail-roofing-companies-rise-in-business/287-3a65fad4-654a-4dc7-92ae-5b33a6e1b125
