A little roof TLC. A lot less worry.
Texas sunshine, hailstorms, high winds and the occasional hurricane. Your roof puts up with a lot. Here's how to take care of it before the next storm rolls through.
It's doing a lot up there.
Your roof spends every day protecting your home from the Texas elements. Blazing sunshine, spring hailstorms, heavy rainfall and powerful winds all take their toll.
A little regular maintenance can help extend its life, catch small problems early and reduce the risk of expensive surprises.
How often should you check your roof?
Make roof maintenance part of your regular home care routine. A visual check in spring and fall, plus a check after major storms, is a useful habit.
Have a qualified roofing professional inspect your roof every few years, or sooner if you notice signs of damage.
Stay on the ground.
You don't need to climb onto your roof to look for problems. Use binoculars from a safe location and leave close inspections to professionals.
Five things worth checking.
Look for missing, cracked, curling or visibly damaged shingles. For tile or metal roofs, watch for broken or displaced sections.
Clear leaves and debris so water can drain properly. Check for loose gutters and damaged connections.
Have overhanging branches trimmed and remove dead limbs that could fall during storms.
Ask a professional to check areas around chimneys, vents and skylights, where water can sometimes enter.
Watch for water stains, damp insulation, moldy odors and other signs of moisture intrusion.
Hail happened.
Now what?
After a major hailstorm or wind event, check your property for visible signs of damage once conditions are safe.
Look for these warning signs.
Missing shingles, damaged gutters, dented vents, fallen branches, water stains and new leaks can all indicate a problem.
Don't climb up to investigate.
Roof damage can be difficult to identify from the ground. If you suspect damage, arrange a professional inspection.
Document what you find.
Take photographs of visible damage from safe locations. Save inspection reports, repair estimates and receipts.
Sometimes, a patch isn't enough.
Roofs don't last forever. Their lifespan depends on the materials, installation quality, maintenance and exposure to weather.
If your roof is approaching the end of its expected life or has widespread damage, ask a qualified contractor whether repairs or replacement make more sense.
A common choice.
Widely available and offered in several grades, including some impact-resistant options.
Built for longevity.
Some systems offer strong wind resistance and long service lives. Performance depends on the product and installation.
Durable, but not invincible.
Tile can last many years but may crack from impact or improper foot traffic.
Extra storm protection.
A FORTIFIED Roof uses specified installation methods designed to improve resilience against severe weather.
Ask about impact resistance.
If you're replacing your roof in a hail-prone area, ask about tested impact-resistant materials and stronger installation methods.
Some insurance companies offer discounts for qualifying roofs. Confirm eligibility before committing to an upgrade.
Your roof's age matters. A lot.
Insurance companies consider roof age, condition and materials when determining coverage and pricing. An older roof may have different coverage than a newer one.
Today's repair costs.
Subject to policy terms, replacement cost coverage pays the covered cost of repairing or replacing damaged roofing without deducting for age.
Depreciation matters.
Actual cash value coverage deducts depreciation based on factors such as age and condition. That can leave you paying more yourself.
Check your deductible.
Your wind and hail deductible may be different from your standard homeowners deductible.
Read the fine print.
Some policies limit roof coverage based on age or condition. Review your policy when you renew.
Let's do some deductible math.
Suppose your home is insured for $400,000 and your wind and hail deductible is 2%.
Your deductible is $8,000.
That means you'd generally pay the first $8,000 of a covered wind or hail claim, subject to policy terms.
Oh yeah.
Insurance.
Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home. It's also one of the first things insurance companies look at.
If you've recently replaced your roof, your insurer should have the correct installation date and material on file. Certain upgrades may qualify for available discounts.
Hey Charley is independent, so we can help you review your roof coverage, understand your deductible and compare available insurance options.
New roof?
Old policy?
Whether you've just replaced your roof or haven't reviewed your coverage in years, let Charley help you explore your insurance options.
LET CHARLEY TAKE A LOOK →