FAQs

How can I find a reliable roofing professional?

Look no further! Reign Roofing is reliable and reputable. We’ve been doing business in Fort Bend county for over 20 years.

What is a hip roof vs. a gable roof?

A hip roof is a roof that slopes on all sides. A gable roof is a roof design that has two slopes with a vertical wall on either end. Most homes built in the last 40 years will most likely include both hip and gable roofs for a more interesting design.

How much does a new roof cost?

The price of a new roof varies based on the size of your home, the height of the roof, the slope (steepness) of the roof and many other factors. The average home’s roof costs between $15,000–25,000.

Which type of roofing is best?

It’s hard to say which type of roofing is best because “best” is subjective. For one person, “best” may mean the longest lasting or the most storm resistant. For another person, it may mean the lowest cost. At Reign Roofing, we mostly install high-quality asphalt composite shingles that are Class 3 impact-rated because this is the best balance of price and longevity for most homeowners in the areas we service.

Can I replace my roof for free?

Many disreputable roofing companies offer a “free roof” as a marketing ploy to trick homeowners into doing business with them. In order to give a free roof, they have to waive or “eat” your insurance deductible. This can sound appealing to homeowners looking to save money, but in reality, it is insurance fraud. When a homeowner signs up for insurance, they sign a contract agreeing to pay their deductible for every claim approved. In Texas, it is illegal and considered fraud by both the homeowner and the contractor if the deductible is not paid.

What kind of roof do I need in Houston?

This varies by location and how close you live to the coast, but generally speaking most homeowners in the Houston area need a 30-year composite class 3 impact-rated shingle.

What is the roof insurance claim process?

The first step in an insurance claim is to have Reign Roofing inspect your roof to confirm that you have storm damage. Once the damage is confirmed, a homeowner should contact their insurance agent or claim department to make a claim. The insurance company will gather some information from you and schedule a time for an inspector to visit your home. Be sure to let Reign Roofing know when the inspector will be there so we can assist in the inspection and advocate for you with the inspector. The inspector will write up a report and send it to a desk adjuster at the insurance company who will ultimately make the decision about whether or not to approve your claim.

If the claim is not approved there is an appeal process that we can help you with. If the claim is approved, the insurance company will send you a detailed estimate showing the price and the scope of work for the roof replacement. You should forward this paperwork to your Reign Roofing representative so they can check to make sure the insurance estimate is correct and complete. You will receive the first insurance payment in the mail within a week or so.

After the work is complete and you have paid your first insurance payment and deductible payment to Reign Roofing, then we will request the rest of the payment from the insurance called the recoverable depreciation. Once you receive this final payment, your final payment to Reign Roofing is due. It’s important to note that you are only responsible to pay the deductible out of pocket and the insurance will cover the rest.

Should I make an insurance claim on my roof?

This depends. If we inspect your roof and determine that you have storm damage (wind or hail) that happened in the last year or two, then it probably makes sense to make a claim with your insurance. Your Reign Roofing representative can help you make the best decision when they’re on site.

Should I repair or replace my roof?

If your roof is less than 10 years old then it probably makes sense to repair the roof if the damage is localized, like a few shingles blowing off or a tree branch falling on one part of the roof. If your roof is older than 10 years, the shingles will start to get brittle and it becomes more difficult to repair a small section of the roof without damaging the rest of it. At this point, it is probably best to replace the roof to protect your home.

What is roof depreciation on an insurance claim?

Depreciation is the difference between what your roof is worth today (actual cash value) and how much it costs to replace your roof with a new roof (replacement cost value). Most insurance policies from a reputable insurance company are Replacement Cost policies and allow the homeowner to recover that depreciation once the roof has been replaced.

Will the insurance company pay me for my roof?

If there is confirmed storm damage on your home then yes, your insurance company will cover the cost of replacing your roof minus the amount of your deductible, which is your responsibility.

Will my home insurance rate go up if I file a roof claim?

Roof damage that qualifies for replacement is generally considered to be an “act of God” and your insurance cannot raise your rate due to an act of God.

How do I know if I have hail damage?

Your roof will need to be inspected by a trained roofing professional to determine if you have hail damage. We will look at the roof itself for damage we can see and feel. We will also check the rest of your home for collateral damage that helps to make a case for hail damage.

Should I get the roof inspected before I buy a home?

Absolutely! You will most likely have the home inspected by a home inspector, but they are not trained roofing professionals so it is always best to have the roof inspected by a roofing expert.

How long does it take to replace a roof?

Usually one to two days

Should I file an insurance claim if my roof is leaking?

If you have water pouring into your home that is damaging the ceiling, walls, and flooring, then you should call your insurance company and get the water removal started as soon as possible. If you only have a small leak, It is best to have a Reign Roofing representative inspect your roof before filing a claim.

Will insurance cover a 10-year-old roof?

Some companies will, some will not. Many companies will not write a new policy on a roof older than 10 years.

Why do insurance agents ask how old the roof is?

Your roof is the primary protection for your home against water damage. It is large and expensive to replace, so insurance companies would rather not write a new policy on an old roof because the likelihood is high that they will have to replace that roof in the near future.

When should I get my roof replaced?

Most roofs last 16 to 18 years (even though they are called 30-year roofs) assuming there is no storm. High winds, harsh direct sunlight, hail, and driving rain can all shorten the life of a roof. If you plan to pay out of pocket for a roof replacement then you should replace your roof when it is between 16 to 18 years old. If you are hoping to have your roof replaced with an insurance claim it is best to do that when the roof is 10 to 15 years old.

How much value does a new roof add to the value of my house?

A new roof will help your home maintain its value whereas an old or damaged roof can make your home lose value. When it’s time to sell your home, buyers will often ask for the seller to replace the roof before the sale is complete.

Which time of year is best to get a new roof in Texas?

Due to our moderate winters in Texas, we can install your new roof any time of the year.

How do I find out if my roofer is insured and licensed?

The state of Texas does not have a licensing process for contractors. However, contractor insurance is required for anyone working as a construction contractor. You can request a current copy of your roofer’s proof of insurance form.

How long are roof warranties?

Most quality shingles and roofing materials come with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects as long as you use at least three components from the same manufacturer. For example: shingles, underlayment and ice & water shield. Reign Roofing offers a 10-year warranty on labor and workmanship.

What's the best color for a roof?

Usually, your homeowner's association will have a list of approved colors for the roof. You will need to choose one of these approved colors for your roof. If you do not have an HOA, then you can choose a color that complements the color and design of your home. Your Reign Roofing representative can help with this decision.

Does my HOA require a certain roof color?

Yes, homeowners associations do require specific colors of roofing in order to maintain a uniform appearance in the neighborhood. Usually, these colors include weathered wood, brown, gray, and black. You can check with the design committee for your HOA to get the specific colors for your neighborhood.

Do I need to pay my deductible for a roof claim?

Texas law requires homeowners to pay their deductible on every insurance claim. The deductible is paid to the contractor and the insurance usually requests proof of payment.

My neighbor's tree is hanging over my house. Can I trim the tree?

Any tree branches hanging over your roof need to be trimmed as they pose a serious danger to your home. However, if the tree is not yours then you need to discuss the issue with your neighbor. If the neighbor is unwilling to trim the tree then the next best step would be to consult your homeowner's association.

Should I file a claim if there's a bullet in my roof?

It’s surprising how often we find bullets in roofs that we inspect. While it can be scary to find a bullet in your roof, it probably isn’t enough damage to warrant an insurance claim. In order for an insurance claim to make sense the cost of the repair needs to exceed your deductible. Most homeowners’ deductibles are about 1–2% of the value of their home so usually between $3,000–$10,000. To repair a bullet we just need to replace the damaged shingles in the area.

How can I protect my roof during a hurricane?

The best way to protect your roof during a hurricane is to prepare before hurricane season by having your roof inspected annually by a qualified roofer to be sure that any loose shingles or damaged areas are repaired before damaging winds and rain hit your area. If your home is hit by a hurricane and you do sustain damage to your home, be sure to contact your insurance first and then contact Reign Roofing for our free emergency tarping service to stop any leaks from storm damage.

Does hot weather hurt my roof?

Heat can certainly shorten the life of a roof from its optimal lifespan. The best way to prevent heat damage is to make sure your roof is probably ventilated (unless your home has spray foam insulation under the roof deck). Proper ventilation will keep your attic cooler and save you money by keeping your home cooler. The best type of ventilation takes advantage of the convection caused by heat rising. This is most commonly in the form of soffit vents and ridge vents or other passive roof vents. This allows the attic to suck in cool air from the soffit vents and expel hot air throughout the ridge vents there for cooling your attic.

Do I need to protect my landscaping before roofers come?

We will protect your home and your plants with a tarping system before we remove your old roof. If you have any plants that are especially delicate it is probably a good idea to bring them inside or protect them. Our crews are careful and will do everything they can to protect your home and your plants.

Can I make monthly payments on my roof?

We do have financing options through a third-party finance company. You can also choose to get a home improvement loan or a home equity line of credit to finance your roof as well. The rates on all of these will depend on your credit and income.

What roof color goes well with red brick?

Many roofing colors go with red brick, including black, gray, and weathered wood. Most homeowners associations have regulations about what roof colors are allowed in the neighborhood, so it’s best to check with them first.

How do I know when my roof was replaced?

If you bought your home from a previous owner and not from the builder you should be able to see the roof age in the seller’s disclosure. You can ask your Realtor to help you find this if you need it. If you don’t know the age of your roof, contact us for an inspection and the inspector should be able to determine the age of the roof within a few years as well as estimate the lifespan of the roof.

Why is my roof stained? What are the dark stains on my roof?

Roof staining can happen for several different reasons and usually is completely harmless. The most common cause of roof stain is a black algae that forms on your roof, usually on the north side of the roof or any part of the roof that doesn’t dry quickly. Newer roof shingles have copper in the granules which prevent these algae from growing and staining your roof. Leaves can also stain your roof if they are left on the roof for a long time. Some roofs that are never exposed to the sun can start to grow moss.

Why is my roof wavy?

The shingles on the roof follow the contour of the roof decking that they are attached to. So if your roof looks wavy it most likely means the roof decking is wavy. This can sometimes indicate a structural problem, but most likely it does not. Wavy roof decking is usually the result of roof rafters (2x6 framing) being spaced at 24” apart and the plywood or OSB decking sags a little in between the rafters.

Why is my roof sagging?

A significant sag in your roof beyond some slight waviness can indicate a serious structural issue in the roof. Reign Roofing can inspect the roof from the attic and recommend a qualified structural engineer to inspect the roof as well. If a structural issue is found, it will need to be repaired by a qualified framing contractor.

How much does a roof inspection cost?

Generally, roof inspections are done at no cost. If you need a written report on the state of your roof for insurance or real estate sales purposes, there can sometimes be a minimal charge for this report.

Why are my roof shingles bent up?

If you notice your roof shingles are bending upward, it is most likely the result of wind damage and you should call Reign Roofing for an inspection right away. Bent shingles have usually become unstuck or unsealed and can allow wind-blown rain to leak into your home and can cause significant damage. If the wind damage is severe enough, we recommend that you file an insurance claim for a replacement of your roof.

Will my roofer remove my old roof?

If you are having your roof replaced then your roofer (Reign Roofing) will remove the old roof all the way down to the decking and dispose of it for you.

Does hail go through the roof?

It is possible for very large hail to penetrate through the roof, but this is unlikely. Most roofing shingles used in this area are capable of withstanding 1.75” hail and some can withstand as large as 2” hail (Class 4 impact shingles). Usually, the hail we get in the southern part of Texas is between .5” and 1.5”. It is still capable of causing damage but it will not penetrate a roof unless the roof is very old and in disrepair.

How do I know if I have wind or hail insurance?

All homeowners insurance policies cover wind and hail to some extent. It is possible to have a higher or different deductible for windstorms, named storms, or hail events, especially if you are using price as your primary decision-making factor. It is best to talk to your insurance agent and make sure you have the best policy to fit your needs and protect your home.

How much is my roof deductible?

You will have to check the declarations page on your insurance policy to determine your insurance deductible. Most deductibles are between 1–2% of the insured value of the home. This can vary and it’s possible you have a higher deductible for wind, hail, or named storms like a hurricane. Contact your insurance agent for more information.

Why are shingles falling off my roof?

Shingles can fall off your home for several reasons. The most likely reason is wind damage to an older roof. Shingles can also fall off because they were installed poorly. Contact Reign Roofing to schedule an inspection by one of our qualified roofing professionals.

Should I hire an attorney if my roof insurance was denied?

There are several steps you can take to dispute a denied roof claim. Usually, we will ask for a reinspection of the roof as the first course of action and from there we will decide which route to take depending on the disposition of the roofing company and the adjuster. We have over 10 years of experience in the insurance business so we have several tricks up our sleeves to help get your claim approved if you have legitimate storm damage.

What do insurance adjusters look for on roofs?

For hail and wind claims, insurance adjusters are looking for damage consistent with damage from those types of storms. For hail, this is small indentations with splatter that you can feel and see. For wind, this is lifted shingles or shingles that have been blown off completely. Adjusters also look for damage to other parts of the home called collateral damage to prove the type of damage that occurred. This is usually damage to soft metals like gutters or roof accessories. It could also be damage to the garage door or window screens.

Does home insurance cover wind damage to a roof?

Wind damage should be covered by any reputable insurance company. However, not all insurance adjusters are willing to acknowledge that damage to your roof was caused by wind. They work for the insurance company and their job is to protect the company’s interests and save them money. We will work as an advocate to help get your roof replacement approved so it’s best to have us meet the insurance adjuster at your home when they are there to inspect.

Does home insurance cover hail damage to the roof?

Hail damage should be covered by any reputable insurance company. However, not all insurance adjusters are willing to acknowledge that damage to your roof was caused by hail. They work for the insurance company and their job is to protect the company’s interests and save them money. We will work as an advocate to help get your roof replacement approved so it’s best to have us meet the insurance adjuster at your home when they are there to inspect.

Does home insurance cover old roofs?

Insurance companies are very sensitive to the age of your roof. It is most likely they will not cover damage to a roof over 16–18 years of age. Often they will not even insure a home with a roof over 10 years of age. It is important when buying your new home to have the roof inspected by a qualified roofing professional like Reign Roofing to be sure your roof is in great condition and will give you a good long life.

How do I get the seller to replace the roof before closing?

Your real estate agent will have the most impact on your ability to get the seller to replace the roof before closing. Contact Reign Roofing for an inspection and condition report to make sure you have all the information you need to get the most at closing. Also, be sure to check with your insurance company to be sure they will insure your roof on your new home.

Do I have 3-tab shingles or architectural shingles?

The easiest way to determine the type of shingles you have is to look at yours to see if you see rectangles covering the roof that are about 5”x12” and uniform across the roof, or if you have varying shapes across the roof. The rectangles are 3 tab shingles and the varying shapes are architectural shingles. 3 tab shingles have a shorter lifespan than architectural shingles and are more susceptible to wind and hail damage.

What roofing company is best in Houston?

Reign Roofing is your choice for the best customer service and a high-quality roof in the Houston area. We have over 30 years of experience in roofing and construction and we have over 10 years of experience in insurance. There is no one better qualified to meet your roofing needs.

How do I get the insurance company to pay for my roof?

It’s not possible to prove 100% that your roof has storm damage. However, we will work with your insurance adjuster to find the best evidence of storm damage, including the damage to your roof and surrounding areas. We also use high-tech weather services to determine when hail or damaging winds hit your home. We are prepared to fight for you to make sure you have the best shot at getting your roof claim approved.

What wind speed will cause damage to my roof?

Wind damage can occur with wind speeds as low as 30 to 40 mph depending on the angle of the wind and the age and condition of your roof. If you experience high winds at your home, it is best to have us inspect your roof to determine if you have damage so that your home is protected against water intrusion.