After every big North Texas hail storm, yard signs and door-knockers appear overnight. Most homeowners only hire a roofer once or twice, so it's hard to know who to trust. Here's what we'd want our own family to check.
What should I check before hiring a roofer in Fort Worth?
Check for a verifiable local roots, proof of insurance, a written warranty, real reviews and a BBB profile.
- Local roots: a verifiable local business with a long track record. We are based in Fort Worth, TX and have served North Texas since 2014.
- Insurance: ask for a certificate of liability insurance.
- Warranty in writing: both the manufacturer's material warranty and the contractor's workmanship warranty.
- Reviews: read recent Google reviews and our customer reviews, not just star ratings.
- BBB and chamber: Salter Exteriors is BBB A+ accredited and a Fort Worth Chamber member, and we've served North Texas since 2014.
The Texas Department of Insurance also suggests verifying a contractor's local address and phone number, checking references and getting more than one bid.
What are the red flags of a storm chaser?
Big red flags are pressure to sign on the spot, out-of-state plates with no local office, requests for large upfront payments, and any offer to cover or waive your deductible.
On April 28, 2021, a hailstorm across north Fort Worth and Keller led to about 32,000 insurance claims, according to the Insurance Council of Texas as reported by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Events like that bring crews from all over the country into north Fort Worth subdivisions. Some do fine work, but many are gone before warranty problems show up. Texas law requires you to pay your own deductible, and the Texas Department of Insurance warns that contractors may not waive it or help you avoid it. We never offer to. If someone offers to, that's a reason to keep looking.
Should my roofer meet the insurance adjuster?
Yes, it helps. A roofer on site can point out damage the adjuster might miss and share photos and measurements.
We can be on the roof when the adjuster inspects, show the damage we documented and share our estimate. Under TDI Bulletin B-0008-24, contractors can discuss estimates and technical details with an adjuster but may not act as your adjuster, so the claim decision stays between you and your insurer. If items were missed, like drip edge, ventilation or code-required parts, your contractor can document them so the insurer can review a supplement. The final coverage decision is always your insurer's.
Will a good contractor recommend repair instead of replacement?
Yes, when a repair will do the job. An honest contractor recommends essential roof repairs when the roof has life left.
We'd rather fix a pipe boot and earn your trust than sell you a roof you don't need. When we recommend replacement, we show you photos of why. Our repair vs. replacement timeline explains how we think about it.
How do I compare roofing bids?
Compare bids line by line: materials, tear-off, decking, flashing, ventilation, permits, cleanup and warranty, not just the project total.
A low bid often leaves things out, like replacing drip edge or pipe boots, or allowing only a few sheets of decking. Ask each contractor what happens if they find rotted wood. A detailed estimate for your property should answer those questions in writing.
What questions should I ask before I sign?
Ask who will do the work, how long it will take, what's included, how payment works and what the warranty covers.
- Will you pull the permit if decking is replaced? (In Fort Worth, it's required.)
- What shingle line and underlayment are you using?
- How do you protect landscaping and clean up nails?
- Who do I call if there's a problem after the job?
Do you do commercial roofing in Fort Worth?
Yes. We handle commercial roofing and commercial roof leak repair for businesses and property owners across Fort Worth. The same rules apply: clear documentation, honest recommendations and a detailed estimate before work starts.
Why does a local office matter after a storm?
A local office means someone is still here when you need warranty service years later.
Shingle warranties from manufacturers cover materials, but workmanship problems, like a flashing detail that leaks in year three, fall on the contractor. If the crew that did the work has moved on to the next storm in another state, that warranty may be worth very little. We've been at work in North Texas since 2014, and we are based in Fort Worth, TX. When a customer calls about a roof we installed years ago, we answer.
It also matters for knowing local rules. Fort Worth, Keller, Saginaw and Haltom City each run their own permit offices, and HOAs across north Fort Worth have their own color and material rules. A local contractor deals with them every week.
What should a written roofing contract include?
The scope of work, materials by brand and line, the project total, payment terms, what happens if hidden damage is found, warranty terms and an estimated schedule.
On insurance jobs, the contract should make clear that you are responsible for your deductible. Texas law requires certain notices in roofing contracts paid by insurance, including a notice that the homeowner is responsible for the deductible. Read the contract before signing and ask about anything unclear. A good contractor will walk you through it line by line.
How can I check a roofer's past work?
Ask for addresses of recent jobs nearby, read reviews that describe the whole project, and look at photos of finished work.
Reviews that mention how a contractor handled a problem, like a delayed delivery or an unexpected decking repair, tell you more than five-star reviews with no detail. You can read ours on our customer reviews page, and we're happy to share photos of jobs similar to yours.
Should I sign anything at the door after a storm?
No. Take a card, do your own research and sign only when you've compared bids and read the contract.
Some door-to-door crews ask homeowners to sign a form that looks like an inspection agreement but commits them to that contractor if the claim is approved. A trustworthy roofer will give you time to decide.
Which areas does Salter Exteriors serve?
We serve Fort Worth and nearby cities, including Saginaw, Keller and Haltom City, plus Fort Worth neighborhoods like Heritage. See our full Fort Worth service area. To get started, call or text 972-246-7448 or request a free inspection. Let's get your project scheduled.
Frequently asked questions
Is it legal for a roofer to waive my deductible in Texas?
No. Texas law requires homeowners to pay their deductible, and contractors may not waive it or offer rebates to offset it.
Can my roofer act as my insurance adjuster?
No. Texas contractors may discuss estimates and technical details with your adjuster but may not adjust the claim.
How many roofing bids should I get?
More than one is wise. Compare them line by line, including decking, flashing and warranty.
Is Salter Exteriors local?
Yes. We are based in Fort Worth, TX and have served North Texas since 2014.
Thanks for reading,
Aaron
Salter Exteriors, Fort Worth, TX, serving Tarrant County and North Texas · Call or text 972-246-7448
Related services and service areas
Need help with what this article covers? Salter Exteriors Roofing & Remodeling handles roof replacement, roof repair and roof cost calculator. See our local pages for Fort Worth roofing, Burleson roofing and Arlington roofing, plus the rest of our North Texas service areas. Text or call 972-246-7448 to request a free roof inspection.