Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Attention Homeowners: It's Time for a New Roof - Now What?




The spring storm season is right around the corner in Texas.  For homeowners in McKinney, Allen, Frisco and the surrounding communities, replacing your roof may be a necessity due to storm damage or recommended as part of renovations to your home.  The good news is that a new roof may qualify you to receive a new roof discount from your insurance company.  Here are some points to consider when deciding on a roof replacement:

1.      Do I need a new roof? 
There are multiple factors to consider when deciding on a new roof replacement.  Some factors include the age and condition of the roof, whether the new roof is taking care of existing wind/hail damage or is deterring the possibility of damage from future wind/hail storms. 

2.      How Do I Find a Reputable Contractor?
Hiring a reliable, reputable contractor can seem like a daunting task.   There are many sources of information you can leverage in your search.  Check online sites like Angie’s List, Yellow/White Pages and the Better Business Bureau.  You can also check with your local Chamber of Commerce to identify local contractors in your area.  Finally, personal referrals are a great way to get first hand feedback on contractors before you make your hiring decision.
 
3.      What Roofing Materials Should I Choose?
In McKinney, Frisco, Allen and the surrounding areas, composition asphalt shingles are used on the majority of homes.  This is primarily due to the cost effectiveness of this particular style of shingle.  You can also choose other types of roofing materials, such as metal, clay tile, wood shake and slate roofing.  These types of materials are more expensive than composition asphalt, in most cases, but they offer more durability and resistance to hail damage. 

4.      How Long Will the Work Take?
The length of the job depends on the size of your roof, the availability of materials, the weather conditions and the size of the crew performing the work.  Generally speaking, professional installation by a roofing contractor can run as little a couple of days.  This includes the preparation time of ordering the materials, removing the old roofing material, installing flashing and water-barring materials, making any necessary repairs to the roof decking and installing the new roofing material. 

If you have additional questions regarding roofing, new roof discounts and how it may impact your home insurance premium, please stop by my offices in McKinney,Texas or give me a call at (972) 727-9111. 

Stan Polk, CPCU
6951 Virginia Parkway, Ste. 316

McKinney, Texas 75071