Tag Archive for: Storm Damage

3 Great Reasons To Hire A Local Roofing Contractor

No matter where you are located, you always want to hire a local roofing contractor to help you with your roofing needs. It might sound like a simple idea, but there are many roofers who chase storms around the country in search of business. Selecting one of these contractors can be dangerous.

Here are three great reasons to stay local when trusting a roofing contractor with your property.

1. We can be verified by the community.

Stonewater Roofing is licensed in both Texas and Louisiana. We are members of several local organizations and active in local communities. “We’ve got a lot of references locally,” explained Kurtis Galyen, commercial sales executive with Stonewater Roofing. “We can definitely speak to the community and what jobs we’ve done in the community, how many jobs we’ve done in a certain area.”

Not only that, but we are also very proud of the charitable work that we have done within our communities, such as helping local teachers get necessary supplies for the classrooms, or helping local students achieve their dreams.

Traveling roofers might not be properly licensed and probably have no interest in seeing the community flourish. However, local roofing contractors can be trusted to be knowledgeable and invested in you and your neighborhood’s well-being. “Our credentials are easily validated,” Galyen added.

2. We respond quickly.

Stonewater Roofing operates brick-and-mortar offices in Tyler, Longview and the DFW area. When you choose Stonewater, you can be sure that help is always available, no matter when a powerful storm strikes. “We’ve been called out all times of the day, on the weekends, middle of the night,” said Galyen.

A traveling roofer might be hundreds of miles away when you need help.

Local roofing contractors are always nearby and ready to assist in the event of an emergency. “We can come out on site instantly with some tarps and some materials to minimize the damage that’s caused by a storm,” Galyen said. That is a peace of mind that you can only find when you pick local.

3. Your neighbors love us.

Stonewater Roofing humbly asks all customers to leave an honest review on Google (Tyler, Longview, Bedford), Facebook and the Better Business Bureau‘s website. We have earned more than 500 overwhelmingly positive reviews from customers, all local to the communities in which we serve.

These reviews prove that Stonewater Roofing is providing quality workmanship and outstanding customer service. It’s not just us saying this — our customers agree.

“You can go online and take a look at those,” Galyen stated. You might even find someone from your very own neighborhood. The traveling roofer likely isn’t collecting reviews from your neighbors, because they are not as committed to helping the community as we are.

Tornado Hits Dallas, Storm Then Brings Destruction To East Texas

Powerful storms blew through Northeast Texas on Sunday night and early Monday morning, leaving behind extensive damage to homes and businesses. There were reports of quarter-sized hail, tornadoes and straight-line winds that reached more than 100 mph in some areas.

The most severe weather struck the DFW Metroplex, and Dallas in particular.

Officials with the National Weather Service have confirmed that tornado touched down near Dallas Love Field on Sunday night before moving northeast through the city. There were no serious injuries reported, but nearly 140,000 people were left without electricity across Dallas, Richardson, Garland, Rowlett, Sachse and surrounding cities.

Power lines were torn down, trees were knocked over and many structures were damaged or destroyed.

A house owned by Dallas Stars player Tyler Seguin was among the buildings ripped apart by the tornado. The athlete explained on Twitter that this property was actually for sale, and that he had recently moved to another home. Seguin thanked those who reached out to him online and called the situation “an extremely sad sight to see.”

Many more homes, schools and shopping centers were left in shambles after the tornado. Tina Devlin of Dallas told KXAS-TV that her house was a “total loss,” and similar reports came from homeowners in the Preston Hollow neighborhood of Dallas, Garland and Sachse. “I heard all the snapping of the trees and the wind blowing, and so I climbed into this bedroom closet, and just as I got in there, the roof blew off,” Devlin said.

Shingles were reported missing from roofs in various cities from Keller, located north of Fort Worth, all the way to Carthage, to the southeast of Longview. That is a path of nearly 200 miles.

Dallas Fire-Rescue also responded to a structure collapse on Sunday night. Seven people escaped from the building, said to be an auto repair shop, just before it came down. Firefighters also received calls about broken glass and debris at multiple homes, and a 7-Eleven convenience store that collapsed. Again, everybody made it outside without injury.

Even a fire station was not safe from the overnight storm’s destruction. According to Jason Evans with Dallas Fire-Rescue, one of the department’s stations sustained significant damage — including a partial roof collapse — as a result of strong wind gusts and flying debris. No firefighters were hurt, but the building was left uninhabitable.

Radio station KNON-FM went off the air when the storm hit. Lew Morris of “Reckless Rock Radio” told The Associated Press that the Dallas building’s power went out just before the “distictive whistle” of a tornado. “We then heard the building shaking and could hear the glass windows shattering everywhere along with debris banging around. We waited until all the noise died down,” Morris recalled. The studio was destroyed, but staff members were not harmed.

Meanwhile, the Dallas Independent School District canceled classes at some schools on Monday, citing damage to campuses.

After the storm ravaged the DFW area, it marched toward East Texas with the same fury. The National Weather Service stated that a tornado also touched down near Fair Play on Sunday night, about nine miles west of Carthage. Power lines were ripped apart and trees were toppled in Henderson, Pine Hill and Alba. A hardware store in Troup was destroyed.

Crews with the National Weather Service will be surveying the storm damage in Rusk County and Panola County on Monday to determine if more tornadoes were responsible for some of this destruction.

Let the experts from Stonewater Roofing help you get your life back on track after this devastating storm. We have crews across East Texas available to assist with the cleanup efforts and inspect your property for damage. We are ready to help homeowners and businesses find peace of mind after this disaster. Stonewater Roofing is here for you.

What Do Severe Storms Do To Your Home?

After severe storms pass through Texas, particularly those with strong winds and hail, homeowners are warned about the many dangers of roof damage. But you shouldn’t just trust the word of a roofing company in Tyler, Texas. Knowledge is the key to understanding when and how to replace your roof.

That said, it is important to know what severe storms can actually do to your home.

Let’s start with the roof itself, which is fully exposed to the elements and acts as the first line of defense for your home. If the wind gusts are strong enough, a storm has the power to rip shingles from your roof, leaving that layer of protection with potentially harmful gaps. It is easy to spot missing or broken shingles because the pieces will likely be littering your yard.

A look at missing shingles on a roof.

Hail damage might be harder to detect, especially from the ground. Larger pieces of hail will leave bruises or holes on shingles. They appear as dark spots or dimples on the roof surface. It is difficult to say how big a hailstone must be in order to cause damage. That really depends on several factors — from the quality of your roofing materials to the slope of your roof. But, generally, anything above one inch is cause for concern.

A roof that has been damaged by hail or high winds leaves your home vulnerable, even to less severe storms. These damaged areas can turn into leaks. Every light rain that passes over your neighborhood could send water into your living area, ruining the ceiling and walls, or your family’s personal belongings down below.

Simply put, treating roof damage as soon as it occurs is the safest way to protect your home — and everything inside.

A look at hail damage on a roof.

Water leaks are easy to spot, since you can inspect the damage without even going outside. First, check your attic for dripping. You may be able to hear this during a storm. Wet insulation is a sign that there is likely a leak. Also, search for discoloring on your walls and ceilings, or areas where the paint is bubbling. This could be a sign that water is getting trapped within the drywall. You may also notice (or smell) mold or mildew, another sign of a potential water leak.

Along with shingles, other parts of your home’s exterior could be damaged during a severe storm. Look for dents or dings on metal vents or chimney covers. The same can be said about any aluminum siding, metal garage doors, gutters, downspouts and outdoor air conditioning or swimming pool equipment.

There are obvious signs of storm damage as well. Cracked or broken glass on your windows and doors will be easily noticed. As one should expect, skylights are especially susceptible to breaking during a hail storm, and that could lead to a myriad of problems in the room directly below. Outdoor lights may also be destroyed by large hail. Wood fencing could become splintered.

Any of these problems could indicate possible roofing issues which are challenging for the average homeowner to identify.

Let experts like the ones at Stonewater Roofing inspect your home for storm damage.

If you think that your home might have storm damage, what should you do?

First, be safe. Unless you are trained at spotting roof damage and have the proper equipment to do so, it is not smart to climb onto the roof of your home. Let an expert handle this dangerous task. Contact a reputable roofing company, like Stonewater Roofing, to visit your home and perform a FREE damage assessment.

Do not call your insurance company first. Let the professionals at Stonewater Roofing determine what parts of your home need to be fixed, document the true extent of the damage and create an accurate estimate for the repairs. We make the process hassle-free and are proud to be The Leader In Insurance Claim Approval.

Stonewater Roofing genuinely wants to protect you and your family. Call us to speak directly with one of our trained staff members if you have any questions or concerns.

Shady Roofers Reportedly Popping Up In DFW

This is a serious alert for homeowners in Frisco and surrounding areas. Unscrupulous roofing contractors are on the prowl, looking to take advantage of people following the latest round of hail storms to hit North Texas. The key to protecting yourself is knowing how to spot one of the bad guys. Let us at Stonewater Roofing help you out.

Things To Avoid

Calling Your Insurance First: When a damaging storm hits, it might seem natural to immediately file a claim with your insurance company. But they do not want to give you money for roof repairs, and often cannot properly determine what needs to be fixed. Always call a roofing company first to assess the damage. Only a highly skilled professional, like the ones at Stonewater Roofing, will be able to identify and document the true extent of damage to your home, and create an accurate estimate for repairs. The claim process becomes hassle-free when homeowners are already armed with this detailed information.

Absorbing Your Deductible: Many roofing companies will offer — even advertise — to absorb or waive your deductible. Simply put, this practice is illegal and could get you and the company in serious trouble. While it may save homeowners a few thousand dollars on their roof repairs, it is considered to be a form of insurance fraud. The law is rarely enforced, which is why companies can get away with publicly making such claims. The roofing company often accounts for the lost money by using cheaper materials, cutting corners on the project, or exaggerating the price of their services.

Not Doing Research On A Contractor: The roofing industry has a bad reputation thanks to scam artists who swoop in after a hail storm, provide subpar services, collect your money and vanish without a trace. But some roofing companies genuinely want to help. Your home is the biggest investment of your life, so do research before trusting someone to protect your property. Look at the reviews on Google and/or Facebook. Make sure that the company has a professional website and reliable contact information. See if they have a corporate office, and are not just a “guy in a truck.” Proper research will provide you with peace of mind.

Paying Cash To A Storm Chaser: Hail storms always bring out fly-by-night roofers, those who are not professionals and are simply trying to make some extra money on the side. They often use high-pressure tactics and demand payment upfront, many times in cash. This is not someone whom you should trust. Make sure that you hire a roofing company which provides proper documentation throughout the process. Do not pay for a completed roof until the work is actually finished. When you do pay, get a receipt or a copy of your check. Also, if a company offers financing options, they are more trustworthy and likely to be in business for the long haul.

Signs Of Fraud

Claiming Work That Wasn’t Done: A roofer should provide you and your insurance company with an estimate that includes several items to be replaced during the project. But, when construction begins, it is easy for unscrupulous workers to cut corners and claim that things were fixed when they were not. This is particularly true with parts of the roofing system which sit under the shingles, out of view from homeowners and inspectors. Then, in the future, when these parts are in even more serious need of repair, your insurance company may not pay for the work since it was included in your previous claim.

No Office Location Or Website: You have agreed to a contract with a roofing company and need to get in touch with them, either before the project begins or even many years later. A quick online search yields no results. What can you do? Not much, because many roofers are simply a “guy in a truck” with no business location or online presence. Before you choose a roofing company, make sure that they have a physical office, a professional website and social media pages on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and more. You should be able to contact the company without hassle and discuss any issues with a dedicated customer service representative.

No Company = No Warranty: A warranty is a great purchase when getting a new roof installed on your home. It provides decades of comfort, knowing that your investment is protected at all times. But what happens if you pay for a warranty with a company that goes out of business just a few years later? Then, that money is wasted and you are out of luck when more repairs are needed. Search for a roofing company that has been in business for many years and shows no signs of slowing down. Also, ask if the warranty is provided by the just the company itself or the material manufacturer as well.

A Company You Can Trust

Stonewater Roofing started from humble beginnings at a home in East Texas, and now we wish to ensure that your home, and your family, are safe from the elements. But we are more than just a home repair company. We are your neighbors in this community. When someone is in need, we are there to help them out. When a local musician hits the scene, we are there to bring them an audience. When the Texas Revolution score a touchdown at Stonewater Roofing Field in Frisco, we are there to cheer for the team. And when a storm strikes, Stonewater Roofing is there for our community… our neighbors… our family.

Project Managers & Warranties: A roofing system from Stonewater Roofing is both reliable and protected. We have a team of unbelievably skilled project managers who remain at the site of every roof installation, to ensure that your home receives only the highest quality of workmanship — from start to finish. We also offer warranty options that will help you sleep easier, knowing that your family and your property are safe from the harsh Texas weather. Our warranties are backed by GAF, the largest manufacturer of roofing products in North America, and can keep you covered for a lifetime.

Say Yes & We Do The Rest: There are absolutely no headaches or hassles when you work with Stonewater Roofing. We agree to assist you with every step of the way, including the tedious and often confusing insurance claim process. We make sure that you get the most value for your deductible. After all, we are The Leader In Insurance Claim Approval. We will not stop until you, the homeowner, are completely satisfied with your brand new roof system. And, if you ever have a question or concern, our customer service representatives are easy to reach, and eagerly waiting to help you out.

Still have questions or concerns? Explore our website and social media channels, or call us to speak directly with one of our trained staff members.

Residents Say Large DFW Hail ‘Looked Like Snowstorm’

“It looks like a snowstorm outside.” That is how one Twitter user described the massive amounts of hail that pounded parts of DFW on Sunday evening. The large chunks of ice accumulated on lawns and patios, and caused serious damage to cars and homes. Frisco, Allen, McKinney and other parts of Collin County saw the worst of the storms.

Photos shared on social media showed hailstones the size of quarters, golf balls and even baseballs.

Smaller pieces of hail were reported across the Metroplex in cities like Fort Worth, Keller, North Richland Hills, Flower Mound, Lewisville, Colleyville, Euless and Wylie. Severe Thunderstorm Warnings were issued in all four of DFW’s major counties — Dallas, Tarrant, Denton and Collin — and the damage was widespread.

A resident in McKinney said that the hail smashed the windows of both her car and her home. Similar damage was reported across much of North Texas. “At first, you hear a little hail, then it just got worse,” Ejae Dolor told KTVT-TV on Sunday night. “The hail was getting bigger and bigger.”

Cottonwood Creek Church in Allen saw substantial roof damage after hail attacked the building for more than 20 minutes. Executive pastor Scott Sanford told KXAS-TV that the church’s second floor was flooded, and that water was seeping into the first floor. “It is surprising that a hail storm did this,” he said. “This was just hail that was damaging the roof to such a degree that water came through.”

The storms began at about 6:30 p.m. on Sunday evening and lasted until the early hours of Monday. The rain and hail has since moved out of the DFW area, and residents can start looking over their homes, vehicles and businesses during a bright and sunny Monday and Tuesday. The cleanup efforts could be stressful, but they don’t have to be.

Let the experienced professionals at Stonewater Roofing help you out. We offer a free roof damage assessment and will walk you through the entire insurance claim process. Waiting for another hail storm to hit may only make the damage worse, so let us help you protect your property now.