How to Choose a Roofer in DFW (and Spot a Storm Chaser)

Picking a roofer in DFW comes down to a few checks most homeowners skip: a written contract, a real local address, and a company that follows Texas insurance law without being asked. Here's how to tell the difference before you sign anything.

Texas doesn't license roofers. There's no state roofing license, so "licensed" can mean very different things here. The Roofing Contractors Association of Texas offers a voluntary license, and some cities require permits or registration. Ask exactly what a roofer holds, and ask to see it.

Anyone offering to cover your deductible is breaking the law. According to the Texas Department of Insurance, it's illegal in Texas for a contractor to waive, rebate, or absorb your insurance deductible. If a roofer says "we'll take care of your deductible," that isn't a deal. It's your cue to end the conversation.

Insurance jobs need a written contract. For work of $1,000 or more that involves an insurance settlement, Texas requires a written contract, and it has to state that you're responsible for paying your deductible. Your insurance company can ask you for proof that you paid it.

Your roofer can't be your adjuster. Texas doesn't allow a roofer to act as a public adjuster on a job they're also doing the work on. They can't negotiate your claim settlement or tell your insurance company they represent you. A good roofer can document damage and walk the roof with your adjuster, but the claim itself is between you and your insurer.

How to spot a storm chaser. After a big hail storm, out-of-town crews go door to door across DFW. Watch for pressure to sign the same day, no local office or phone number, a "free roof" pitch, or a request for full payment before any work starts. A local company will still be around when a warranty question comes up two years later.

If you sign at your door, you can usually still back out. Under Texas's door-to-door sales law, when you agree to buy more than $25 in goods or services somewhere other than the seller's place of business, you generally have three business days to cancel. Ask for the cancellation notice in writing.

Questions worth asking every roofer: Where is your office? Can I get a written, itemized estimate? Who will actually be on my roof, your crew or a subcontractor? What warranty covers the workmanship, and for how long? Can I talk to a few recent customers near me?

3rd Day Roofing is firefighter-owned and local to Kennedale and Burleson. If you want a second opinion before signing with anyone, a free inspection gets you a straight answer, not a sales pitch.

3rd Day Roofing serves Kennedale, Burleson, and the greater DFW area. Schedule a free inspection today.