Frequently Asked Questions
Common Insurance Questions
Q. “Should I file an insurance claim for my roof work?”
A. Whether you decide to file an insurance claim for work done for your roof will depend on what type of work you need. For example, many homeowners choose not to file claims for small work such as a quick leak repair, as the cost may not exceed their deductible. However, if your entire roof is being replaced you will more than likely need to file a claim with your insurance.
Q. “Some roofers offer to cover my deductible, is that possible?”
A. The short answer is no. When replacing a roof from a insurance claim the homeowner or insured is only responsible for paying the deductible. The insurance company should properly pay for the rest of the monies needed to replace/restore your roof. If a roofer offers to cover or refund your deductible by inflating the cost of work or materials on your insurance claim, they are engaging in insurance fraud. As a homeowner you can face serious consequences if you become part of this type of “free roof” scam.
Q. “Can you help me file an insurance claim for my roof?”
A. Yes! Our Project Managers will invoice the insurance company to recover all final supplement money and recoverable depreciation owed. This will assure your insurance company that the work has been complete and your property restored. We’ll do everything we can to make sure your claim goes smoothly.
Q. “Will you work with my insurance for my roof replacement?”
A. Cox Brothers Roofing in Cuero Texas has worked with many insurance companies through the years and we’ll be happy to work with your provider as well. Contact us for additional details.
Common Storm Damage Questions
Q. “I found shingles in my yard after a storm. What should I do?”
A. Finding shingles in your yard is a sign that your roof has been damaged, even if you can’t see the damage. This can be caused by hail storms, strong wind, or other severe weather. Missing or loose shingles can lead to leaks, so it’s important to get the problem taken care of before it gets worse. The first step is to have your roof inspected by a professional roofer. After an inspection your roofer will let you know what is needed to fix your roof.
Q. “My neighborhood was hit by a hailstorm but I haven’t noticed any damage. Should I still get my roof inspected?”
A. Even if you can’t see any damage to your roof, it’s still a good idea to get your roof inspected after a hailstorm comes through. Cox Brothers Roofing offers free roof inspections for homeowners in Cuero and the surrounding South Texas areas. Our Cuero roofers always communicate clearly with homeowners about any repairs that may be necessary. If your roof doesn’t need any work, we’ll let you know so you can move on without worrying about the roof over your head.
Q. “What’s the difference between wind damage and hail damage?”
A. Many homeowners know the damage that hail can do to their roof. Extremely high winds can also cause damage to roofs. The main difference is where the damage is found. Wind damage is often localized to the windward side of the roof. Hail damage is more likely to be found across the entire roof, and more often results in needing a full roof replacement to repair the damage.
Q. “My roof is severely damaged but it’s after business hours, what should I do?”
A. If your roof has been severely damaged, especially if it’s letting water or hail into your home, call for emergency storm damage repair. Even if the roof cannot be repaired immediately, emergency tarping can be erected to protect your home in the meantime.
Common Roofing Questions
Q. “How do I know if I should get my roof repaired or have it replaced?”
A. The first step in determining if you need a new roof is to get a roof inspection. An inspection will tell you without a doubt the current condition of your roof. From there you’ll want to factor in the age of your roof. A leak in an older roof might indicate that your roof will need replacement soon, while a similar problem in a newer roof could just need repair. The more widespread the damage, the more likely a replacement will be advised over a repair.
Q. “Should I use a GAF certified roofing contractor?”
A. If you’re looking for a roofer, GAF certified roofing contractors are a great option. GAF is the leading roofing manufacturer in the US and contractors certified through them are highly trained. Roofers that obtain GAF certification are licensed and insured for your protection. In addition, they’re able to offer excellent warranties on material and workmanship.
Q. “What happens during a roof inspection?”
A. How a roof inspection is conducted may change depending on the type of roof your building has. If you have a one or two story home, most roof inspections will be completed by an expert roofer accessing and examining your roof. If you have a multi-story building with an intricate roof (such as found on some commercial apartment buildings), your roofer may utilize aerial imaging for your initial inspection.
Q. “How can I tell if my roof is leaking?”
A. Most roof leaks announce themselves as a stain on the ceiling or moisture on interior walls. These signs are usually noticeable and if caught quickly can be repaired while damage is still minimal. If you suspect you may have a roofing problem that could lead to a leak, but haven’t seen signs inside yet, don’t wait. Check outside beneath your roof line. Water spots here can also be a sign of a leak and that you should call a roofer.
Q. “How can I get the roof of a multi-story building inspected?”
A. Some multi-story buildings are not only difficult to access, but can have complicated roofs as well. In these cases you can still get your roof inspected for free! Many roofers take advantage of aerial imaging for initial inspections in these cases. Expert roofers will be able to quickly inspect your roof this way just as thoroughly as if they were standing on a single story home roof.
Q. “How long do most roofs last?”
A. The lifetime you can expect from your roof will vary somewhat based on the type of roof you have and the type of roofing materials used for it. Common asphalt shingles on a well-maintained home roof can be expected to last 20 years before needing replacement.
Common Siding Questions
Q. “How long will my siding last?”
A. Like roofs, the longevity of your siding is usually determined by the material used, among other factors such as care and weather exposure. Wood siding can be expected to last up to 20 years or longer with proper maintenance. Vinyl siding will last even longer.
Q. “My siding is rotting. Do I have to remove the old boards before installing new ones?”
A. Yes. Installing new siding without removing the old material can lead to more problems down the line. The last thing any homeowner wants it to have their siding repaired without removing the old boards and end up needing to redo the entire process. Always remove old siding before installing new.
Q. “My siding looks dull. Do I have to replace it?”
A. If your siding is still within its expected lifespan and there are no signs of rot, you don’t necessarily need to replace it. If it’s lost its original brightness you can simply update its appearance, either by cleaning or painting it. The methods for either of these fixes will vary based on the material your siding is made of. Feel free to ask our siding professionals any questions about cleaning or painting your siding.
Common Gutter Questions
Q. “Can gutters be repaired or do I have to replace them?”
A. If your gutters aren’t very old and you notice they aren’t diverting water as intended, it’s possible they can be repaired. If the problem is that the gutters are leaking, sometimes a patch with silicon will fix the issue. If the gutters need extensive repair (usually the case with older gutters), it’s usually recommended to have them replaced.
Q. “What type of gutters do you use?”
A. Our team will work with homeowners to determine the best gutter options for their specific home. We often recommend k-style gutters. These are seamless and can be fit exactly to each home. This ensures water will be properly diverted from your home.
Q. “My gutters overflow when it rains, what should I do?”
A. One of the most common reasons that home gutters overflow is that they’re blocked. You can check for blockage in downspouts yourself, and clear any debris you find. If you can’t find the problem, don’t hesitate to call an expert to check your gutters. An expert will be able to safely access your roof and help determine what the problem is and repair it.
Have a question for Cox Brothers Roofing? Contact one of our Cuero roofers today.