The following was submitted by VOWS resident Michael Harrison:

In light of the recent hail storm I would like to offer some important information to my neighbors regarding the recent hail storm. Although I am not a roofer I have 15 years of experience within the steep slope roofing industry. I work as a Senior Territory Manager for a large roofing manufacturing company and have worked hail storm affected neighborhoods dozens of times. My responsibilities cover all of Texas north of Temple and also the entire state of Oklahoma. In 2006 I served as vice president of the NTRCA – North Texas Roofing Contractors Association – www.NTRCA.com. As I speak our homeowners are being inundated by roofers requesting to do roof inspections in the hopes of earning a roof replacement job. There is no doubt in my mind that this work is needed as my personal roof has been destroyed as well. However, I do recommend some discretion on behalf of our homeowners.

Some points to keep in mind:

 · Regardless of anything else, every homeowner should call their insurance company to confirm any roof inspections and damages

· The State of Texas has no barrier to becoming a roofer (licensing, etc). Therefore there a literally thousands of ‘roofers’ working in the DFW area. You just don’t know that the day before the hailstorm hit they were car salesmen, plumbers, landscapers, etc. Nothing against other trades, but my roof will be installed by a professional thank you.

· Be aware of those that promise to ‘save you money’ or ‘eat your deductible’. I cannot tell you the countless roofing disasters I have witnessed that were a result of the ‘lowest bid’ or the cheap guy. Your insurance company (they do this everyday) knows exactly what like, kind, and quality replacement will cost. Insurance companies are not fond of paying for acts of God and rarely will make an overpayment.

· Understand that now is your opportunity to choose a better roof!! All of us in VOWS have 1 of 2 styles of shingles on our roof – either a ’20 year strip’ shingle or what is known as a ’30 year laminate’ shingle. You can trust that our builders bought the most inexpensive products available to comply with the building codes. Consider the underlayments, pipe jacks, ventilation, flashing, etc. when contracting your new roof – INSIST on something better than what you had before on all roof components – not just the shingles. Besides, the insurance companies are paying to replace, so this could turn out to be a great deal for alot of us.

· Most of you will not want to do this again – consider upgrading to an ‘Impact Resistant’ shingle! These products actually stand up to most hail. For all I know we could get another hail storm next spring. There are actually neighborhoods in Tarrant county where some poor homeowners have had 3 major hailstorms in the last year!! Besides, the BONUS here is that most insurance companies will give up to a 27% discount off of your insurance policy if you have an Impact Resistant roof installed! Be sure to call your insurance company and discuss this little known fact. If a roofer does not offer an Impact Resistant shingle as an option, he/she is not worth their salt.

· It is my professional opinion that only 10% of all ‘roofing’ companies are in reality, tried and true roofing companies. What I mean is that these are people who:

a) Have made roofing their profession

b) They actually have an office that they work out of everyday

c) They have a reputation to uphold (and in doing so will provide an honest, fair, and good quality roof)

d) Are locally owned and operated (not a ‘stormer’ – and many stormers are in route to our fair community now)

e) Have been in the industry for 5 or more years

f) Have references – be sure to check these!

g) Will not ask for any payments up front!

h) Will guarantee their workmanship – this is important because if their home base is Tim-Buk-To who will be able to provide any service/follow-up/maintenance etc?

I) Will work directly with your insurance company on your behalf to insure that the replacement roof complies with what your insurance company has specified – Yes, you will need to share your claim paperwork with your roofer.

So where do we find a good roofer? (some or all of the following may apply)

· They will be members of local and state roofing/trade organizations

· They are members of a Credentialed Program blessed by one of the major shingle manufacturers – they will be listed on the manufacturers websites. Believe it or not, to become Credentialed, a contractor must show that they are aware of, and utilize correct and proven roofing practices.

· Word of mouth – a neighbor/friend of yours may know of or have had a great experience with a roofing company in the past

· Yellow Pages (although you should be cautious as anyone can buy an ad). Look at an old edition to see who has been advertising in our area for some time.

· Your insurance agent may be able to refer you to a good roofer/roofing company