Roof replacement after hail in Dallas-Fort Worth

Several industry sources say Texas has no state roofing license, and the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, which licenses electricians and HVAC contractors, does not license roofers. Many cities require contractors to register, pull permits, or carry certain insurance, and the rules differ by city. The Roofing Contractors Association of Texas offers a voluntary license program, which is its own credential, not a government license.

Reporting in the Dallas Morning News notes that only a licensed public insurance adjuster may work with an insurance company on a homeowner's behalf. A roofer can inspect, document, and bid, but should not negotiate your claim. Texas law also limits contractors from waiving or absorbing your deductible, so check the Texas Department of Insurance for current rules.

Many Texas policies set wind and hail deductibles as a percentage of the home's insured value rather than a flat amount, which can mean a large out-of-pocket cost per storm. Read your own policy for the percentage, deadlines, and what counts as covered damage.

Roof price depends on the size and pitch of the roof, the shingle line, tear-off and disposal, decking repair, and flashing and ventilation work. Because storm-season demand changes pricing and availability, get two or three itemized written bids and compare what each one includes. We do not publish a universal price.

Class 4 is the highest impact-resistance rating for roofing. Some insurers offer premium discounts for Class 4 roofs, but they are not required to, so ask your carrier before you spend extra. A claim of a specific discount percentage is the insurer's decision.

1. Photograph visible damage and keep dated records, then check your policy.
2. Call your insurer to open a claim and ask about deadlines.
3. Get two or three itemized bids from established local roofers, not just the first crew at your door.
4. Check the contractor's city registration, insurance, references, and local address.
5. Never sign a contract that hands over control of your claim, and do not agree to anything that waives your deductible.

• Are you registered in my city, and who pulls the permit?
• Which shingle line and underlayment are you bidding, and what is the warranty?
• Is tear-off, decking repair, and disposal included?
• Can I see the roof in a visual mockup before I choose?
• How long have you worked in this area, and can I see recent local jobs?

When hail hits, searches spike. Roofers with a complete Google listing and clear, honest pages on licensing, claims, and costs are the ones who get found. See our roofing contractor page and Ascend.