The Hidden Price Tag of Putting Off Roof Action

For many Texas homeowners, the real financial shock doesn’t come from the storm itself—it comes when the insurance payout falls short. Whether from denied claims, policy exclusions, or depreciation, waiting too long to address roof issues can turn a manageable repair into a major out-of-pocket expense.

Real-World Examples of Underpaid Claims

• Denied Cosmetic Claim: A homeowner with a metal roof filed for hail damage. Because the dents were deemed “cosmetic,” the claim was denied. The homeowner paid $14,000 out of pocket to restore the roof’s integrity before selling the home.
  
• Depreciated Payout: Another homeowner with an Actual Cash Value (ACV) policy received just $7,800 for a roof replacement that cost $18,500. Half the cost landed directly on the homeowner.
  
• Missed Deadlines: In some cases, insurers require roof repairs within 60–90 days of a claim. Failure to comply can result not only in a denied payout but also in non-renewal or outright cancellation of the policy.
  

Breaking Down the Costs

1. Deductibles: Most Texas homeowners face deductibles of 1–2% of their home’s insured value. On a $350,000 home, that’s $3,500–$7,000 out of pocket before insurance even kicks in.
   
2. Depreciation: Under ACV policies, a 15-year-old shingle roof could lose 60% or more of its value in the insurer’s eyes. That can shrink a $20,000 claim down to just $8,000 or less.
   
3. Exclusions: Cosmetic damage, poor maintenance, or pre-existing issues often leave homeowners footing the entire bill.

When combined, these factors can turn a storm-damaged roof into a $10,000–$15,000 personal expense, even for a covered claim.

Why Acting Quickly Matters

Insurance carriers increasingly tie coverage to compliance. If a roof inspection reveals damage, you may be required to:

• Complete repairs within 60–90 days.
  
• Provide proof of professional work and documentation.
  
• Replace the roof entirely if it doesn’t meet underwriting standards.

Ignoring these requirements can lead to higher premiums, claim denials, or even non-renewal of your policy.

Action Item for Homeowners

Don’t wait until the next storm exposes gaps in your coverage. Proactive steps can save thousands:

• Get a Replacement Quote: Know the real cost of a new roof before damage forces your hand.
  
• Ask About Storm-Proof Upgrades: Impact-resistant shingles, upgraded underlayment, and proper ventilation not only extend roof life but can qualify you for insurance discounts.
  
• Schedule an Inspection: A documented inspection helps you spot issues early and maintain good standing with your carrier.

At Tri Tex Roof Systems, we help Texas homeowners plan ahead. Whether you need a quote, an inspection, or advice on storm-proof upgrades, our team is here to protect your home and your wallet. Call us today at 512-583-0500 to get started.

Is Your Roof a Liability or an Asset? How to Document and Protect It Before It’s Too Late

If you own a home in Texas, your roof is one of your most valuable assets and one of the most closely scrutinized parts of your homeowners insurance policy. Conducting a roof audit before storm season is one of the smartest steps you can take to protect your coverage and minimize out-of-pocket costs if damage occurs.

Why a Roof Audit Matters

Insurance companies are paying closer attention than ever to roof age, condition, and maintenance history when deciding whether to approve claims. Even minor signs of neglect can be grounds for a denial.

A well-documented roof audit proves that you have maintained your roof responsibly and addressed issues promptly. This kind of recordkeeping can be the deciding factor if your claim is ever questioned.

What Insurers Look At

• Roof Age: A newer roof generally qualifies for better coverage terms and higher payouts. Older roofs are more likely to be depreciated under an Actual Cash Value (ACV) policy.
  
• Materials: Premium materials such as impact-resistant shingles or metal roofing can extend lifespan and may even qualify for insurance discounts.
  
• Installation Quality: Even the best materials can fail prematurely if installed incorrectly. Insurers may deny claims if damage is traced back to poor workmanship.
  

Maintenance as Your Best Defense

Ongoing maintenance protects both your roof and your coverage. Insurers often inspect for signs of neglect such as clogged gutters, moss buildup, or unrepaired minor damage before approving claims.

Routine upkeep like clearing gutters, replacing loose shingles, sealing flashing, and trimming back trees shows that you have taken reasonable steps to prevent damage. Documenting this work with receipts and photos provides solid evidence that you have upheld your responsibilities as a homeowner.

Four Steps to a Strong Roof Audit

Step 1: Record the Roof’s Age and History
Locate records of when your roof was last replaced or repaired. Save invoices, warranty documents, and contractor correspondence. If you recently purchased your home, request this information from the seller or check municipal permit records. Insurers often use roof age as a key benchmark for coverage.

Step 2: Inspect and Photograph
Do a visual inspection from the ground or hire a qualified roofing contractor. Watch for missing shingles, damaged flashing, sagging, granule loss, or leaks in the attic. Take clear, date-stamped photos of every side of the roof. Repeat at least once a year and after major storms.

Step 3: Address Repairs Immediately
Small issues like loose shingles or cracked sealant can quickly escalate and give insurers a reason to deny claims. Document every repair with before-and-after photos and receipts, no matter how minor. This documentation can be invaluable in a dispute.

Step 4: Organize and Store Records
Keep inspection reports, receipts, photos, and correspondence in a dedicated folder or digital file. Consider cloud storage for secure backup. Having a complete “roof dossier” ready ensures you can provide evidence quickly if you ever need to file a claim.

Partner With Professionals

At Tri Tex Roof Systems, we offer complimentary roof inspections and can help homeowners build a complete roof audit package. By pairing professional documentation with preventative maintenance, you will strengthen your position with your insurance company and gain peace of mind knowing your home is protected.

👉 Don’t wait until after the next storm. Contact Tri Tex Roof Systems today at 512-583-0500 to schedule your complimentary roof inspection and start your roof audit.

A roof doesn’t have to be 20+ years old to show signs of aging. UV damage, poor ventilation, extreme storms, and improper repairs can all speed up wear. Look for curling shingles, dark streaks, missing granules, or sagging areas. If something feels off — or if your roof is past the 10-year mark — it may be time for a professional check-up.

RCV vs ACV vs Roof Schedules: What Your Insurance Policy Really Covers (And What It Doesn’t)

When it comes to storm damage, your roof coverage can mean the difference between a full replacement or paying thousands out of pocket. Many Texas homeowners are surprised to learn that their policy doesn’t always guarantee full coverage.

Insurance companies have shifted away from the more generous Replacement Cost Value (RCV) toward Actual Cash Value (ACV) or roof payment schedules. Each type of policy works differently—and impacts your claim in a big way.

Replacement Cost Value (RCV):

RCV is the most homeowner-friendly option. It covers the full cost to replace your roof with materials of similar quality, minus your deductible.

For example, if a 12-year-old roof is damaged by hail, the insurance company would still pay for a full replacement (after your deductible). This coverage offers the most protection, but it’s becoming less common and usually comes with higher premiums.

Actual Cash Value (ACV):

ACV takes depreciation into account. That means the older your roof, the less money you’ll get.

For instance, if your roof has a 20-year lifespan and is already 10 years old, the insurer sees it as halfway used up. A $20,000 replacement might only result in a $10,000 payout. After your deductible, the check could be even smaller.

This is why many homeowners face higher out-of-pocket costs, even when their claim is approved.

Roof Payment Schedules:

A roof payment schedule sets a fixed percentage payout based on your roof’s age.

• Under 5 years old: often covered at 100%
• Around 10 years old: coverage may drop to 40% or less
  

This approach is becoming more common in storm-prone states like Texas and often leaves homeowners with a big gap to cover themselves.

Policy Exclusions to Watch For:

Even with the best policy type, certain exclusions can prevent you from getting a payout. Cosmetic damage, such as dents in metal roofing that don’t affect performance, is often excluded.

Other common exclusions include:

• Normal wear and tear
• Gradual deterioration
• Pre-existing damage
• Issues from poor installation or lack of maintenance

These exclusions are among the top reasons claims get denied. Knowing them ahead of time helps homeowners maintain their roofs, keep good records, and avoid unpleasant surprises when filing a claim.

How to Protect Yourself:

The first step is to understand your current policy and know exactly how your roof is covered. 

• CURRENT COVERAGE: Review your policy terms to determine whether your roof is covered under RCV or ACV, and whether there’s a payment schedule that limits payouts based on roof age. Look for a list of exclusions so you know what’s not covered.
• CLEAR UP CONFUSION: Ask your agent for a written explanation for any language that is unclear.
• KEEP RECORDS: Keep detailed records of your roof’s condition, including inspection reports and repair receipts. This will help support your case in the event of a claim.
• EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS: If your coverage is limited, you may want to explore upgrading your policy or investing in preventative roof improvements.

We’re excited to introduce Trade Tank — an extension of Tri-Tex’s current services focused on supporting specialized trades. Our first official trade? Welding and fabrication, led by Jessie. From custom gates and metal components to one-off repairs, Jessie’s work helps keep projects moving efficiently. Whether it’s roofing-related or not, he builds solutions that last. Trade Tank was created to give skilled trades the tools, structure, and visibility they need to grow — and Jessie’s shop is where it all begins.