About the Expert
About the ExpertNicholas Catanese graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University with a degree in professional golf management, spending several years as a Class “A” PGA golf professional. Before working for New View Roofing, Catanese spent five years in the construction material industry as a director of sales for the contractor division.
Q&A
What are the signs of a failing roof, and does the whole roof need to be replaced?
Missing shingles are a common, tell-tale sign of a failing roof. Other signs are holes in the shingles caused by hail damage, roof granular that looks like sand coming out of your gutters or on your patio/driveway, and visible wear. Note your roof’s age — if it’s 10-12 years old or older, get it inspected. Some insurance companies will not insure roofs over 15 years old.
What is the best type of roofing material?
A common and practical material is a 30-year architectural shingle. The traditional shingle material, asphalt, is not only affordable but durable. IIt can hold up against dime – quarter size hail and high winds. If you are looking for solid materials, metal, tile, and slate are your best options, as these can withstand most storms. It is important to note that hail bigger than two inches or the size of a ping-pong ball can damage roofs made with these materials.
Does my homeowners insurance cover my roof? How does this work with the new deductible law?
Homeowner insurance policies cover wind and hail damage. Typically, the deductible is 1% of the home’s value, so if your home is worth $400,000, your deductible will be $4,000. A roof’s average lifespan is around 10-12 years due to damage caused by storms, hail, or winds. As a result of the new deductible law, insurance carriers now ask for proof of deductible payment and a work-completion certificate to release depreciation payment. Depreciation is the percentage of claim funds withheld until the work is completed.
How can I tell if a roofing contractor is legitimate?
I always tell people to do their research. When doing a Google search, do not look at companies with a less than a four-star rating. Make a list of 5-6 companies that stand out to you and what other services they offer. For example, consider whether you need gutters, fence, and other work done.
Ask friends and family for references and go onto your neighborhood Facebook group to inquire about other information. When a contractor comes to your home, please take note of their appearance and demeanor. Are they on time and dressed professionally? Have the contractor as part of the adjustment process, so things go smoothly and quickly.
Questions to ask the contractor:
- What is your workmanship warranty?
- How long have you been in business?
- Can I see proof of the damage?
- Have you worked with previous clients and insurance companies on claims?
How long does a roof installation take, and how much does it cost?
The average North Dallas suburb home is 2,700 – 4,000 square feet, with roofs being 35-45 squares (measuring 10×10). Factors that affect the timeline include if it is a one-story or two-story home, is the roof walkable or steep pitch, and is there other work to be done. We typically complete roofs in 1-2 days. The cost of your new roof includes quality of the company, material type, roof difficulty/steepness, etc. but the average cost for an asphalt shingle roof is $350-$500 per square.
