FAQ’s

Q: What are the best roofing material choices for my house based on weather conditions in my area of the country?

A: Texas has two of the most severe weather conditions a roofing system can face: high winds and hail. Choose products that have been tested to ASTM D 3161 and have a 110 mph wind resistance or higher (some go as high as 130 mph resistance while others as low as 60 mph) and ask for UL 2218 Class 4 impact-resistant products.

Q: What are my siding options?

A: There are tons of house siding options to choose from with benefits that range from siding cost to curb appeal. Popular options include vinyl siding, wood siding, brick siding, fiber cement siding, and stone veneer. All of these options break down into the three following categories:

• Natural wood siding. Natural wood siding will be your most expensive option and also require the most maintenance over time. However, it has the benefit of improving your home’s curb appeal and value. Natural wood grain looks great and brings a lot of texture to your home’s exterior.

• Cement-based composite siding. Cementitious siding is your middle-of-the-road cost option. This category includes products like the James Hardie hardieplank lap siding, which Webfoot recommends. Cement-based sidings are very heavy and slower to work with. However, they hold paint well over time without chipping or peeling and are very low maintenance. Their heaviness also improves their durability! They are fire resistant and great at protecting your home for a good, long time.

• Wood-based composite siding. This includes engineered wood siding like the new generation LP SmartSide siding, which has 20+ years of success! Wood-based composite siding holds paints well, and has the look of wood at a lower cost point than natural wood siding. This type of siding will cost you the least out of the three categories.

Q:What action does my insurance policy require after a loss?

A: In addition to notifying your insurance carrier, most policies require that you take reasonable action to protect your property from further damage. If you fail to do so, your insurance may not cover any additional loss caused by your failure to provide such protection.

Q: Must I hire a restoration company recommended by my insurance company?

A: Your insurance policy does not state that you must retain a restoration company that is referred or approved by the insurance company. You are entitled to employ the services of a reputable, fully licensed and insured repair firm. If you do not employ such a firm, you may be responsible for the consequences and liability for injury, damage or other actions. This is true whether or not your insurance company recommended the firm.

Q: What requires a building permit in Texas?

A: A building permit is required for new construction, additions, alteration, change of occupancy, renovations, relocations, and repairs or rehabilitation of a building or structure. Electrical, Plumbing and A/C, and Heating may also be required.