Storm Damage & Insurance Claims
How do I know if my roof has hail damage?
Hail damage usually isn't visible from the ground. Check soft metal first — dented gutters, downspouts, and vents show impact before shingles do. On the roof itself, hail leaves dark bruises where granules have been knocked loose, and the mat underneath feels soft to the touch. Interior signs like ceiling stains typically mean the damage has been there a while. A ground-level look can't rule hail damage out.
Related: Hail damage vs. normal wear
Should I file an insurance claim for roof damage?
File when the damage is storm-related and the likely repair cost exceeds your deductible. Texas homeowner policies generally cover sudden hail and wind damage but exclude wear, age, and deferred maintenance. Getting a written inspection before you file tells you which category your roof falls into, so you aren't opening a claim that gets denied as maintenance.
How long do I have to file a hail damage claim in Texas?
Your policy sets the deadline. Most Texas homeowner policies require prompt written notice of loss, then set a separate contractual window for filing suit — commonly two years, though it varies by carrier. Look for the loss-reporting and suit-limitation provisions in your policy for the exact terms. Waiting also weakens the claim on its merits, because later storms and normal weathering make it harder to establish which event caused the damage.
What happens if my insurance claim is denied?
A denial isn't necessarily the end of it. The two most common reasons are that the adjuster classified the damage as wear rather than storm impact, or the submitted scope was incomplete. You can request the adjuster's report, obtain an independent inspection, and file a supplement with additional photo documentation. Most Texas policies also include an appraisal provision for resolving disputes over the amount of loss.
Related: Claim denied? What to do next
Hiring a Roofer in Texas
Do roofing contractors need a license in Texas?
No. Texas does not issue a statewide roofing license, and the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation does not regulate roofing contractors. Licensing through the Roofing Contractors Association of Texas is voluntary — S&B holds RCAT license #03-0515, which you can verify directly on rcat.net. Some cities, including Dallas, also require separate contractor registration to pull permits. Because there's no state requirement, verifying a roofer's license and insurance yourself matters more in Texas than in most states.
What should I ask a roofing contractor before hiring them?
Ask for a certificate of general liability insurance sent directly by their carrier rather than a forwarded copy. Ask whether they carry workers' compensation, which Texas does not require roofers to hold. Ask who pulls the permit, whether crews are employees or subcontractors, and what the workmanship warranty covers separately from the manufacturer warranty. Get the full scope in writing before signing.
How do I avoid storm-chaser roofing scams?
Be cautious with any contractor who shows up door-to-door after a hail event, pressures you to sign before an adjuster has inspected, or offers to cover or waive your deductible. Waiving a deductible is illegal in Texas and creates exposure for the homeowner as well as the contractor. Verify a permanent local address and confirm insurance directly with the carrier.
Related: Storm chaser warning
Materials & Specialty Roofing
Do you install metal, slate, and tile roofing?
Yes. S&B installs metal, slate, and tile roofing systems alongside standard asphalt shingle. These specialty systems are common on estate and custom homes throughout Southlake, Colleyville, Westlake, Trophy Club, and the Park Cities, and they require different installation methods, flashing details, and underlayment than shingle work. They are not a job for a crew that only installs asphalt.
Related: All services·Project portfolio
What roofing material holds up best in Texas heat?
Metal performs best against sustained heat, reflecting solar radiation rather than absorbing it, and it handles hail better than standard asphalt. Clay and concrete tile also tolerate heat well and carry long service lives. Asphalt shingle remains the most common choice on cost, and impact-resistant Class 4 shingle sits in the middle — it can also qualify for an insurance premium discount in Texas.
Related: Best roofing materials for Texas heat·Metal roofing pros and cons
How long does a roof last in DFW?
Shorter than the national average. DFW sits in a corridor that averages several hail events a year on top of extreme summer heat, so standard asphalt shingle commonly reaches 15 to 20 years here rather than the 25 to 30 a warranty term implies. Metal, slate, and tile last considerably longer, which is part of why they appear on higher-value homes.
Related: Repair or replace?
Commercial Roofing
Do you handle commercial roofing?
Yes. S&B operates a commercial division serving DFW property managers, investors, and building owners. Commercial roofing runs on a different process than residential — scheduling works around tenant operations and occupied buildings, and documentation is built for portfolio reporting rather than a single homeowner file.
Related: Commercial roof maintenance guide
Working With S&B
Do you offer free roof inspections?
Yes. S&B provides free on-site roof inspections across the DFW Metroplex with no obligation, including photo documentation of what the inspector finds. If there's nothing wrong worth acting on, that's what the report will say.
Related: Request an inspection
What areas do you serve?
S&B is headquartered in Keller and serves the DFW Metroplex, including Southlake, Colleyville, Westlake, Trophy Club, Grapevine, Flower Mound, Argyle, Fort Worth, Dallas, and the Park Cities.
Related: Dallas roof repair·Contact us
What's the difference between a manufacturer warranty and a workmanship warranty?
A manufacturer warranty covers defects in the roofing material and comes from the material maker. A workmanship warranty covers installation errors and comes from the contractor. Most roof failures trace back to installation rather than material defect, which makes the workmanship warranty the more important of the two — and the reason a contractor's staying power matters as much as the term length.
Related: What roof warranties actually cover·2026 warranty claims guide