ROofing frequently asked questions

Residential Roofing FAQs

How long will a new roof last?

The lifespan of a roof depends on the roofing material, installation quality, ventilation, maintenance, and exposure to severe weather. A properly installed asphalt shingle roof can commonly last 20–30 years or longer, while premium shingles, tile, and metal roofing systems may have considerably longer service lives. In North Texas, hail, high winds, and extreme summer temperatures can affect how long any roofing system lasts. When ARMOR ROOFING | EXTERIORS replaces your roof, we’ll explain the different roofing materials, manufacturer warranties, impact ratings, and expected service life so you can choose the right roofing system for your property.

My roof is leaking. Do I need a complete roof replacement?

Not necessarily. A roof leak can result from damaged shingles, flashing, pipe boots, roof penetrations, ventilation components, exposed fasteners, or other localized problems, and many of these issues can be repaired without replacing the entire roof. If the roofing system is older, has widespread deterioration, has recurring leaks, or has sustained significant storm damage, replacement may make more sense. The best way to know is to have the roof inspected so we can identify the likely source of the leak and explain whether repair or replacement is the better option.

What are the signs that my roof may need to be replaced?

Common signs that a roof may need replacement include missing or damaged shingles, significant granule loss, cracked or deteriorated shingles, recurring roof leaks, damaged flashing, soft or deteriorated roof decking, widespread storm damage, an aging roofing system, or previous repairs that continue to fail. Age alone doesn’t necessarily mean a roof needs to be replaced because its actual condition, installation, maintenance history, and exposure to weather should also be considered when determining whether repair or replacement is appropriate.

Can you repair just one section of my roof?

In many situations, yes. Localized roof damage may be repairable without replacing the entire roofing system, but the feasibility of the repair depends on the location and extent of the damage, condition of the surrounding roof, availability of compatible roofing materials, and overall age of the existing system. ARMOR ROOFING | EXTERIORS will inspect the affected area and determine whether a targeted repair is practical or whether a larger repair or replacement should be considered.

Should I repair my roof myself?

We recommend having roof repairs performed by a qualified roofing contractor because a proper repair often involves more than simply replacing a damaged shingle. Flashing, underlayment, decking, pipe penetrations, ventilation, and proper water-shedding techniques can all affect whether a repair remains watertight. Working on a roof also creates a significant safety risk, especially on steep, high, or damaged roofing systems. ARMOR ROOFING | EXTERIORS can inspect the problem, identify the likely cause, and determine the proper repair before additional damage occurs.

How long does it take to replace a residential roof?

Most standard residential asphalt shingle roof replacements can be completed in approximately one to two days, although larger homes, steep or complex roofs, specialty materials, multiple existing roofing layers, decking replacement, or additional repairs can extend the project. Before your project begins, ARMOR ROOFING | EXTERIORS will explain the expected schedule and what you can expect throughout the installation process.

What happens if you find damaged roof decking during replacement?

Roofing materials require a solid, properly prepared, and nailable surface beneath them. After the existing roofing materials are removed, areas of deteriorated, rotted, damaged, or otherwise unsuitable roof decking may become visible that could not be identified before tear-off. When decking replacement is necessary, ARMOR ROOFING | EXTERIORS will address those areas before installing the new roofing system so the roofing materials have a suitable surface for proper installation.

Do you replace flashing when installing a new roof?

Flashing is an important part of the roofing system because it helps direct water away from vulnerable areas such as walls, chimneys, valleys, and roof penetrations. During a roof replacement, ARMOR ROOFING | EXTERIORS inspects the existing flashing and determines what should be replaced, repaired, or properly incorporated into the new roofing system. The exact requirements depend on the roof design, existing conditions, manufacturer installation specifications, and applicable building requirements.

Why is roof ventilation important?

Proper attic ventilation helps control heat and moisture within the attic space and typically uses a balanced combination of intake and exhaust ventilation to promote airflow. Poor ventilation can contribute to excessive attic temperatures, moisture problems, and premature deterioration of roofing components. When replacing a roof, ARMOR ROOFING | EXTERIORS evaluates the existing ventilation system and determines whether modifications are needed to meet applicable requirements and provide a properly designed roofing and attic ventilation system.

What is an impact-resistant shingle?

Impact-resistant shingles are designed and tested to provide greater resistance to impacts than standard asphalt shingles, and many products carry a Class 3 or Class 4 impact rating depending on the product and testing standard. These shingles can be a good roofing option for North Texas homeowners because hailstorms are common throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area. ARMOR ROOFING | EXTERIORS offers qualifying customers a FREE upgrade to an impact-resistant shingle when replacing eligible 3-tab or standard laminate shingle roofing systems.

Are Class 4 shingles hail-proof?

No roofing shingle should be considered hail-proof. Class 4 represents a high impact-resistance classification, but severe hail can still damage an impact-resistant roofing system. The primary benefit is increased resistance compared with many conventional roofing products, which can make Class 4 shingles worth considering for homes and properties in hail-prone areas such as North Texas.

Can an impact-resistant roof lower my homeowners insurance premium?

Possibly. Some insurance companies offer premium discounts for qualifying impact-resistant roofing products, but the amount of the discount and eligibility requirements vary by insurance company and policy. Before selecting a roofing product specifically for an insurance discount, contact your insurance company and ask which products, manufacturers, or impact classifications qualify under your individual policy.

Do you install metal and tile roofing?

Yes. ARMOR ROOFING | EXTERIORS works with asphalt shingles, specialty roofing products, tile roofing, and metal roofing systems, including standing seam metal. The right roofing material depends on your home’s design, roof structure, budget, desired appearance, performance expectations, and long-term goals, and our team can help you compare the available options before making a decision.

What roofing material is best for a North Texas home?

There isn’t one roofing material that is best for every North Texas home. Architectural and impact-resistant asphalt shingles are popular because of their cost, appearance, availability, and performance, while standing seam metal and tile can provide longer-term alternatives for homeowners looking for different performance and design characteristics. For North Texas properties, we recommend considering hail resistance, wind performance, ventilation, manufacturer warranty, installation requirements, and the entire roofing system rather than selecting a roof based solely on appearance.

How much does a new roof cost?

Roof replacement costs vary considerably from property to property because pricing depends on roof size, pitch and complexity, roofing material, number of existing roofing layers, decking condition, flashing requirements, ventilation, accessibility, specialty components, labor requirements, and current material costs. The best way to determine the cost of your roof replacement is to have the property measured and evaluated so ARMOR ROOFING | EXTERIORS can prepare an estimate based on your specific roofing system and property.

Multifamily Roofing FAQs

Do you handle multifamily roofing projects?

Yes. ARMOR ROOFING | EXTERIORS provides roofing services for property owners, investors, property managers, HOAs, apartment communities, townhomes, condominiums, and other multifamily properties throughout Dallas-Fort Worth and North Texas. We provide multifamily roof inspections, repairs, complete roof replacements, storm restoration, and ongoing roofing solutions based on the needs of each property.

What makes a multifamily roofing project different from a residential roof?

Multifamily roofing projects require additional planning and coordination because work may involve multiple buildings, occupied units, common areas, parking lots, landscaping, pedestrian traffic, material staging, and resident access. ARMOR ROOFING | EXTERIORS develops a project plan that addresses scheduling, resident communication, property protection, material delivery, access, cleanup, and coordination across the property to reduce disruption while the roofing work is completed.

Can you handle storm-damaged apartment, HOA, and multifamily properties?

Yes. ARMOR ROOFING | EXTERIORS can inspect multifamily properties following hail, wind, and other severe weather events and document visible storm-related conditions across multiple buildings and roofing systems. When insurance is involved, we can prepare detailed estimates and supporting documentation for the roofing and exterior work included in our scope and communicate with the insurance carrier regarding the construction requirements when appropriate.

Do you work with property managers, HOAs, and investors?

Yes. ARMOR ROOFING | EXTERIORS works directly with property owners, investors, asset managers, property managers, HOA boards, and other decision-makers responsible for multifamily properties. We can evaluate individual buildings or entire properties and develop repair, replacement, maintenance, or storm restoration plans based on the property’s roofing systems, condition, budget, and project requirements.

Commercial Roofing FAQs

Do you work on commercial roofs?

Yes. ARMOR ROOFING | EXTERIORS provides commercial roof inspections, repairs, replacements, maintenance, and storm restoration services throughout Dallas-Fort Worth and North Texas. We work with multiple commercial roofing applications, including TPO, modified bitumen, standing seam metal, low-slope roofing systems, and commercial shingle roofing.

What types of commercial roofing systems do you work with?

ARMOR ROOFING | EXTERIORS works with a range of commercial roofing systems, including TPO single-ply roofing, modified bitumen, standing seam metal, low-slope roofing systems, commercial asphalt shingles, and other specialty roofing applications. The appropriate roofing system depends on the building design, existing roof assembly, drainage, rooftop equipment, building use, budget, and long-term objectives of the property owner.

Do you provide commercial roof repairs?

Yes. ARMOR ROOFING | EXTERIORS provides commercial roof repair services for leaks, flashing failures, membrane damage, penetrations, drainage-related problems, storm damage, and other roofing issues. We inspect the affected area to determine the likely source of the problem and develop a repair scope based on the existing roofing system and conditions.

Can you handle commercial storm restoration and insurance projects?

Yes. ARMOR ROOFING | EXTERIORS works on commercial storm restoration projects involving hail, wind, and other covered events. We can document visible damage, prepare detailed estimates, identify roofing and exterior components involved in the project, and provide supporting documentation to the insurance carrier when appropriate. Coverage decisions remain with the insurance company under the terms and conditions of the property owner’s policy.

Storm Damage & Insurance FAQs

How do I know if my roof has hail damage?

Hail damage isn’t always visible from the ground, and a hail-damaged roof may not immediately begin leaking. Depending on the roofing material and severity of the storm, hail can damage shingles, ridge caps, vents, flashing, gutters, downspouts, metal components, and other exterior materials. If your property has experienced a significant hailstorm, a professional roof inspection can help determine whether visible storm damage is present and whether repairs or additional evaluation should be considered.

Should I have my roof inspected after a hailstorm?

If your property was affected by a significant hail or windstorm, having the roof inspected is a good idea even if you don’t see an active leak. Storm damage can sometimes affect the roofing system without allowing water into the building immediately, and some types of damage are difficult to identify from the ground. ARMOR ROOFING | EXTERIORS can inspect the roof and exterior components and document visible conditions so you can better understand whether repairs or further action may be necessary.

Does hail damage mean I need a new roof?

No. The presence of hail doesn’t automatically mean your roof needs to be replaced because the extent of damage depends on factors such as hail size, wind speed, roofing material, roof age, installation quality, and the direction of the storm. Some roofs may experience little or no functional damage while others may sustain significant damage during the same storm. A professional roof inspection is the best starting point for determining the actual condition of your roofing system.

Should I call my insurance company or a roofing contractor first?

If you suspect storm damage but aren’t sure whether your roof has actually been damaged, having the property inspected first can provide useful information about its condition before you decide whether to contact your insurance company. A professional inspection can identify visible storm damage, existing wear, maintenance issues, and other conditions that may affect your roof. If you have an active leak or significant damage requiring immediate attention, take reasonable steps to protect the property from further damage and contact the appropriate professionals as soon as possible.

Can ARMOR ROOFING | EXTERIORS help with my insurance claim?

Yes. ARMOR ROOFING | EXTERIORS can inspect your property, document visible storm damage, prepare detailed estimates for our construction work, provide supporting documentation, and communicate with your insurance company regarding the roofing and exterior construction scope when appropriate. Your insurance carrier determines coverage and the amount payable under your policy. Our responsibility is to accurately document the work necessary to complete the project and provide information related to our construction scope.

Will my insurance company automatically replace my roof after a hailstorm?

No. Insurance coverage depends on your individual policy, the cause and extent of damage, applicable deductibles, exclusions, depreciation, endorsements, roof payment schedules, and the insurance company’s evaluation of the claim. A hailstorm occurring in your area does not automatically mean your roof qualifies for replacement.

What is recoverable depreciation?

Some replacement-cost insurance policies initially withhold a portion of the estimated replacement cost as recoverable depreciation. Depending on the policy and claim, some or all of that depreciation may become payable after covered work is completed and the required documentation is submitted to the insurance company. Your insurance company’s estimate and policy documents should explain how depreciation applies to your specific claim and what documentation is required before those funds are released.

Do I have to pay my insurance deductible?

Yes. If your insurance claim is subject to a deductible, the property owner is responsible for paying that deductible as part of the cost of the covered repairs. Texas law prohibits contractors from paying, waiving, absorbing, rebating, crediting, or otherwise assisting a property owner in avoiding payment of an insurance deductible. Texas House Bill 2102 strengthened Texas requirements regarding insurance deductibles for property insurance claims. ARMOR ROOFING | EXTERIORS does not waive or absorb insurance deductibles, and customers using insurance proceeds for their roofing project are responsible for paying the deductible required under their policy.

Can a roofing contractor waive or pay my deductible?

No. A roofing contractor cannot legally offer to waive, pay, rebate, credit, or absorb your insurance deductible as an incentive to perform the work. Texas law requires property owners to pay the deductible applicable to their insurance claim. ARMOR ROOFING | EXTERIORS does not structure contracts, discounts, rebates, advertising allowances, or other credits for the purpose of avoiding a customer’s required insurance deductible.

Building Code Compliance & Xactimate FAQs

Does my new roof have to meet current building codes?

Roofing work must comply with applicable building codes and requirements adopted by the local jurisdiction when those requirements apply to the project. Depending on the property and municipality, this can involve requirements for roof decking and nailable surfaces, underlayment, drip edge, valleys, flashing, ventilation, roof-to-wall conditions, fasteners, and other roofing components. ARMOR ROOFING | EXTERIORS evaluates these conditions as part of the roofing project and works to complete our installations according to applicable code requirements, manufacturer specifications, and requirements of the local authority having jurisdiction.

What happens when an insurance estimate is missing required roofing items?

An insurance company’s initial estimate may not always include every roofing component or construction item necessary to complete the project. Once the roof and insurance estimate are evaluated, ARMOR ROOFING | EXTERIORS can identify items within our scope that may be required by applicable building codes, manufacturer installation requirements, or actual field conditions but were not included in the carrier’s original estimate. When appropriate, we prepare supporting documentation and submit supplemental items to the insurance carrier for review. The insurance company ultimately determines whether an item is covered and payable under the policy.

Does ARMOR ROOFING | EXTERIORS use Xactimate for insurance estimates?

Yes. ARMOR ROOFING | EXTERIORS uses Xactimate estimating software when preparing and reviewing many insurance-related roofing and storm restoration estimates. Xactimate is widely used throughout the property insurance and restoration industries and allows us to prepare detailed estimates using specific construction line items, measurements, quantities, labor operations, and materials associated with the work being performed.

How does Xactimate help with building code items on an insurance claim?

When reviewing an insurance estimate, ARMOR ROOFING | EXTERIORS can use Xactimate to identify and estimate construction items within our scope that may be necessary to complete the roofing project in accordance with applicable building codes and installation requirements. Depending on the property, this can include required roof decking, underlayment, drip edge, valley protection, flashing, ventilation, starter materials, fasteners, and other roofing components. When a required item is missing from the carrier’s estimate, we can prepare the appropriate Xactimate line items along with supporting documentation and submit them to the insurance carrier for consideration as a supplement. Coverage for building code upgrades or ordinance and law requirements depends on the specific insurance policy and the carrier’s coverage determination.

What is an insurance supplement?

A supplement is a request for the insurance carrier to review additional construction costs or scope items that were not included, were incorrectly quantified, or could not be identified in the original insurance estimate. Roofing supplements may involve additional roofing layers discovered during tear-off, damaged decking, flashing requirements, ventilation modifications, code-required components, material differences, labor operations, or other documented conditions. ARMOR ROOFING | EXTERIORS prepares supporting estimates and documentation for legitimate construction items within our scope and submits them to the insurance carrier for review when appropriate.

Why are building code requirements important on an insurance roof replacement?

Building codes establish minimum construction requirements intended to help ensure roofing systems are installed properly. A carrier’s initial estimate does not determine how a roof should be installed. The completed roofing work must still meet applicable construction requirements regardless of whether every necessary component appeared on the first insurance estimate. ARMOR ROOFING | EXTERIORS evaluates applicable roofing requirements and documents legitimate code-related items when they need to be addressed as part of the project.

Roofing Warranties, Inspections & Scheduling

Do you provide roof inspections?

Yes. ARMOR ROOFING | EXTERIORS provides roof inspections for homeowners, property owners, investors, property managers, HOAs, multifamily properties, and commercial property owners concerned about leaks, storm damage, aging roofing materials, or other roofing problems. After inspecting the property, we’ll explain what we found, document relevant conditions when appropriate, and discuss available repair or replacement options.

Do you offer a workmanship warranty?

Yes. ARMOR ROOFING | EXTERIORS provides a 10-year workmanship warranty on qualifying complete roof replacement projects. Manufacturer material warranties may also apply depending on the roofing system, manufacturer, and products selected. Before installation, we’ll explain the applicable workmanship and manufacturer warranty coverage associated with your project so you understand what is covered.

How do I schedule a roof inspection or estimate?

Contact ARMOR ROOFING | EXTERIORS by phone or through our website to request a roof inspection, repair evaluation, or replacement estimate. We provide residential, multifamily, commercial, specialty roofing, roof repair, and storm restoration services throughout Dallas-Fort Worth and North Texas. Our team can evaluate your property and explain the available options based on its specific roofing needs.