By Kevin Reece
Make sure you hire someone who’s licensed and insured to do roofing. And do your research,” said Eric Wimpee of Firehouse Roofing.
In Dallas-Fort Worth, hail the size of baseballs has pummeled shingles, according to roofing companies. And many warn, to be wary of unlicensed contractors offering quick fixes.
The first thing I do is walk across the entire roof,” said Eric Wimpee, owner of Firehouse Roofing, a top-rated roof inspection, repair, and replacement company in the DFW area.
The damage he showed WFAA Tuesday at a Rockwall home was evident. Cellphone video captured hail the size of quarters and golf balls.
Another sign of the intensity of the hail is the shredded and decapitated leaves littering the front yard. Dents in rain gutters and other metal flashing on the roof are also a sign.
“This thing’s been destroyed by the hail,” Wimpee said while inspecting the rooftop vent for the water heater.
Additionally, shingles were lifted and loosened by the wind, a condition known as zippering.
There is a crack in the seal, and it may rip off the shingles during the next few rainstorms.
More than a dozen hail hits were marked with chalk on the roof, scarring and indenting the asphalt shingles.
“Each time it rains, there’s an indentation in the shingle. Water soaks in there and eventually finds its way into the house,” said Wimpee.
A homeowner should strongly consider filing an insurance claim for a new roof, he said.
As a result of this roof’s shape and zippering, he said that it is only a matter of time before things get worse. It needs to be replaced in my professional opinion, and he needs to address it as soon as possible before he suffers further damage.
If you want someone to do roofing for you, make sure they are licensed and insured. Also, do your research. Check them out on Google and on the Better Business Bureau.
In addition, the Better Business Bureau warns against storm chasers who may not be local contractors. Here are some tips from the BBB:
Inquire about your insurance policy’s coverage and filing requirements. Keep all receipts, including those for food, temporary lodging, and other expenses that may be covered. Your insurance company may also recommend contractors.
It is illegal in Texas to waive insurance deductibles without the insurer’s consent, according to House Bill 2102. When you speak to a contractor who offers to waive your deductible, call your insurance company to find out if they are authorized to do so.
Consult BBB.org to find businesses you can trust. Check with your local city government to see if contractors are registered and/or licensed. Get references from family and friends.
Don’t give into high-pressure sales tactics. Storm chasers often use tactics such as the “good deal” that can only be obtained if you hire the contractor right away. Don’t be reactive to sales calls on the phone or door-to-door pitches to choose a contractor. There should never be pressure on disaster victims to choose an unknown contractor or make a hasty decision.
You should be especially cautious about door-to-door contractors. Many municipalities require a solicitation permit. Ask for identification. Check their vehicle for a business name, phone number, and license plate.
Get an invoice from the contractor and pay them directly (preferably with a credit card, which offers additional fraud protection over other forms of payment). Don’t sign any documents that give the contractor any rights to your insurance claims. Your insurance company or agent can answer your questions.
Despite the fact that most contractors follow the law, be careful allowing someone you don’t know to inspect your roof and other areas of your house. An unethical contractor may actually cause damage for the purpose of getting work. Attics, crawl spaces, ducts, and other places that you cannot see for yourself are also problematic.
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