Texas changed how roof claims and roofing sales work. These updates affect homeowners, insurance payouts, and the way a roofing contractor runs a project. If you live in Rockwall, Heath, Fate, or along the shores of Lake Ray Hubbard, you have likely heard about “the new roof law.” People use that phrase to mean a few separate laws passed over the last several years. The goal is to reduce fraud, stop door-to-door pressure tactics after storms, and make insurance claims fairer and clearer.
This article breaks down what matters for homeowners in Rockwall County: deductible requirements, the ban on deductible waivers, anti-solicitation rules after disasters, and how insurers now handle roof claims. You will see how these rules shape your choices before you sign a contract or file a claim. You will also see why working with a licensed, local roofing contractor in Rockwall TX protects you from headaches and helps your claim move faster.
What People Mean by “The New Roof Law”
Three state laws come up most:
- HB 2102 (effective September 1, 2019): Requires homeowners to pay their insurance deductible and bans contractors from waiving, absorbing, or rebating deductibles. It also sets criminal penalties for fake invoices or rebate schemes. HB 2439 (2019): Limits local governments from restricting certain building materials that meet state and national codes. This matters when you choose shingles or impact-resistant products. HB 3293 (2021): Adds the “right-to-cancel” requirement for contracts signed during emergencies and strengthens disaster-related solicitation rules.
There are also insurance code updates and commissioner bulletins that changed the way insurers handle roof claims, depreciation, and roof surfacing payment schedules. Together, these rules shape what a legitimate proposal looks like, what an insurance company will ask for, and which sales tactics are off-limits after hail or windstorms.
If you prefer one simple summary: you must pay your deductible, your roofer cannot “eat” it, post-storm door-to-door demands for immediate signatures are risky and often illegal, and insurance carriers now scrutinize roof age, condition, and material more closely.
Deductible Law: No Waivers, No Games
The deductible rule changed daily roofing conversations across Texas. Under HB 2102, a contractor cannot advertise or provide a rebate, allowance, gift card, upgrade, or “free” service to offset your deductible. A contractor also cannot produce a fake or altered invoice to hide a deductible from the insurer. This includes “coupon” vouchers, “marketing credits,” and “referral bonuses” designed to net out to your deductible. If it feels like a workaround, it likely violates the law.
For a Rockwall homeowner, this means you need to plan for your deductible early. Most policies carry a 1% or 2% wind/hail deductible. On a $400,000 Coverage A limit, that means $4,000 to $8,000 out-of-pocket. A reputable roofing contractor in Rockwall TX will discuss the deductible on day one, show how recoverable depreciation works when applicable, and give you a payment schedule that aligns with your carrier’s checks. No gimmicks, no rebate tricks, and no “we’ll handle the deductible” pitches.
The penalty side matters too. Submitting or preparing a false invoice to help avoid a deductible can be a Class B misdemeanor. In practice, carriers flag invoices that do not match scope, line items, or local pricing. Adjusters in Rockwall see thousands of roofs per year. They spot inflated ridge cap counts, mystery layers, or fake upgrade lines. A clean, detailed invoice matches the approved scope and makes funding smooth.
Contracts That Meet Texas Requirements
Your roofing contract in Texas must state you are responsible for paying your deductible. The contract should be in writing, easy to read, and signed by both parties. If you contracted during a disaster declaration, you may have a right to cancel within a set time frame. The contract should include:
- The scope of work with specific line items and materials. The total price, separated by insurance payments and deductible if relevant. The contractor’s business information, including registration or license numbers where applicable. Payment schedule tied to milestones, not just “due at signing.”
This standardization cuts down miscommunication and keeps your project aligned with claim funding. Insurers now ask for clear documentation before releasing depreciation. A strong contract, clear change orders, and photo documentation help you get paid faster and keep your project on schedule.
Anti-Solicitation Rules After Storms
Texas strengthened laws that target storm-chasing sales tactics. You may have noticed fewer door hangers and fewer door-to-door pitches that demand a signature “today.” You still have the right to hire whomever you choose, yet contractors must follow rules around advertising, disclosures, and timing. For instance:
- If a disaster declaration is in place, specific disclosures and a cancellation window may apply. High-pressure sign-now pitches tied to “free” services are a red flag. Contractors cannot act as your public adjuster or represent you in claim negotiation unless they hold the proper license for that role.
In Rockwall, storms can cross I-30 in minutes. After a hail cell, trucks appear by dusk. Some crews are legitimate. Others vanish in a week. The law tries to limit that chaos. Local presence, a permanent office address, and references in Lakeside Village, Chandler’s Landing, and The Preserve at Rockwall give you a practical filter. Ask for proof of insurance, a W-9, and a certificate naming you as additional insured for the project. Real companies comply within a business day.
Insurance Claim Changes: What Carriers Look For Now
Beyond deductibles, carriers shifted how they evaluate roofs. Common changes include:
- Roof age tiers. Older roofs may have schedule-of-allowance limits or non-recoverable depreciation. If your roof is 15 to 20 years old, expect closer scrutiny. Some policies now pay actual cash value on older surfaces rather than full replacement cost. Material-based requirements. Insurers may require matching or code upgrades only if mandated by the local jurisdiction and your policy includes ordinance or law coverage. Rockwall typically follows the International Residential Code with local amendments. Your contractor should cite the exact code section if an upgrade is necessary. Cosmetic vs. functional damage. Many policies exclude cosmetic marring on metal systems. A dented metal ridge that does not leak might be excluded. Functional damage, like cracked matting on a shingle or punctures on a membrane, is more straightforward.
The takeaway: set expectations early. Ask your adjuster which parts are covered, which are recoverable, and what documentation they need. A local roofing contractor in Rockwall TX can provide test square photos, shingle mat fractures, and measurements that align with carrier guidelines.
Why “Free Roof” Offers Are Gone
Before HB 2102, some contractors “waived” deductibles. They padded the invoice to the carrier, then returned the difference to the homeowner. This practice fed fraud, damaged trust, and inflated premiums. Now, carriers compare invoices against standardized pricing and scope. They request photos and material receipts. They check permit records. This transparency protects honest homeowners who pay deductibles and prevents inflated payouts that raise rates for everyone in Rockwall County.
A real example from our files: after the April hail event, a homeowner in the Shores neighborhood received an offer that promised a full-coverage “marketing credit” equal to the deductible if they signed that day. We explained the law, showed the state guidance, and laid out a compliant budget. The homeowner reported the offer to their carrier. The claim went through smoothly with proper documentation, and the roof was completed in 14 days from approval, with no legal risk hanging over the job.
What This Means for Rockwall Homeowners Right Now
The law pushes everyone to act cleanly: real scopes, proper contracts, and honest billing. For you, that means a smoother process if you choose a local, compliant contractor who knows how Rockwall Development Services issues permits, what the inspectors look for, and which code upgrades are triggered when decking needs replacement or when drip edge is missing.
It also means budgeting for that deductible. Some homeowners use their HSA-like savings, others use a 0% short-term financing plan through their contractor. What you should not do is chase a discount that sounds too good to be true. The state put serious teeth behind the deductible rule. Paying it now is cheaper than dealing with a bad-faith claim investigation later.
Permits, Inspections, and Materials: Local, Not Generic
Rockwall requires permits for roof replacement. Inspectors look for deck nailing patterns, underlayment type, starter courses, and properly installed drip edge. Separate requirements can apply in planned communities with HOA rules. Material selection matters too:
- Architectural asphalt shingles are common across Caruth Lakes, Lake Rockwall Estates, and Stone Creek. Class 3 and Class 4 impact-rated shingles may earn insurance discounts. Confirm with your carrier, and get the discount in writing before you upgrade. Metal roofs are rising in popularity, especially near the lake where wind exposure is higher. Check policy language for cosmetic damage exclusions on metal. Low-slope sections over porches and patios often require modified bitumen or TPO. Many hail claims get delayed because these areas were skipped in the first inspection. Your roofer should ladder every plane and photo-document all transitions, especially where shingles tie into flat membranes.
A contractor who works in Rockwall weekly can flag HOA color rules in Chandlers Landing or The Shores and coordinate with management companies. That speeds up approvals and keeps your start date predictable.
How Adjusters and Contractors Should Work Together
A strong claim has three parts: accurate assessment, aligned scope, and clean paperwork. On assessment, the contractor should chalk out test squares, note wind creases separate from hail strikes, check all penetrations, and look at gutters and soft metals. On alignment, the contractor discusses the scope with the adjuster at the property, not over text, so everyone sees the same evidence. On paperwork, the contractor’s estimate should match the carrier’s line items or explain variances with code citations or manufacturer requirements.
Insurers value contractors who speak the same language: pitch, exposure, nailing zones, starter and hip/ridge SKUs, ventilation formulas, and manufacturer warranty requirements. That makes it easier to approve legitimate items like ice and water shield in valleys, drip edge, and step flashing at sidewalls. It also keeps non-covered upgrades off the claim so you can choose them knowingly as out-of-pocket options.
Common Pitfalls Under the New Rules
We see preventable problems repeat after big storms:
- Signing a contingency agreement on the porch without reading the cancellation clause. Make sure you can exit if the carrier denies the claim or the scope changes materially. Letting a contractor “talk to your carrier” as if they are your adjuster. Contractors can share facts and documentation. They cannot negotiate coverage or act as a public adjuster unless licensed for that role. Starting work before the first check arrives and the mortgage company endorses it. Many Rockwall homeowners have a lender on the policy. Expect an endorsement process that can add a few days. Plan the start date accordingly. Skipping supplements that are actually required. If the code requires drip edge and it was missing before, ordinance coverage may pay for it. Your contractor should submit the code section, photos, and a permit copy if needed.
Those issues waste time and money. The new laws make compliance the fastest path.
What Your Invoice Must Show for Carrier Release
When a job wraps, the final invoice should match the approved scope with itemized materials and labor. Carriers may ask for:
- Photos of completed work, including attic ventilation upgrades or replaced decking. Permit and passed inspection documentation from Rockwall. Material receipts for specialty items like Class 4 shingles, ridge vents, or metal flashings when upgraded.
These documents trigger the release of recoverable depreciation under replacement cost policies. If the numbers do not add up, or the invoice is light on detail, the carrier can hold funds. A clean, transparent closeout gets you your depreciation check faster.
Impact-Resistant Shingles and Insurance Discounts
Many Rockwall homeowners look at Class 4 shingles after hail. Under the current market, some insurers offer meaningful discounts if you install approved Class 4 products, but exclusions and conditions vary. You may need:
- A specific brand and model on the insurer’s approved list. Proof of installation and an impact-resistant certificate from the contractor. Confirmation that cosmetic damage remains excluded on certain materials.
We advise calling your agent before you upgrade. Ask for the discount percentage and the endorsement language in writing. If you plan to sell your home within a few years, we can walk through the resale value difference and whether the discount offsets the price jump compared to a standard architectural shingle.
Real-World Timeline for a Compliant Roof Project in Rockwall
Here is what a clean, law-compliant job usually looks like for our clients in Rockwall, Heath, and Fate:
- Day 1 to 3: Inspection, photos, written scope, and a contract that states you pay your deductible. If you are filing a claim, we suggest a joint meeting with the adjuster at your property. Day 4 to 10: Carrier evaluation. If approved, you receive the first check minus deductible and depreciation. If your mortgage company is listed, we help you route the check for endorsement. Day 7 to 14: Materials selection and HOA color approvals where required. Permit submitted to the City of Rockwall. Day 10 to 20: Tear-off and install, typically one to two days for most single-family homes. Larger or complex roofs may take three to five days. Day 20 to 30: Final inspection, cleanup, closeout package to carrier, and release of depreciation. You pay your deductible per the contract.
This timeline shifts with storm volume, inspections, and mortgage endorsements, but it is realistic for most neighborhoods across Rockwall ISD.
Choosing a Roofing Contractor in Rockwall TX Under the New Rules
The best safeguard is a local team that works under Texas law every sites.google.com commercial roof repair Rockwall day and documents everything cleanly. Look for:
- A physical office address and a Texas business registration you can verify. General liability and workers’ compensation certificates naming you as additional insured for your project. A contract that includes the deductible statement, payment schedule, and exact materials by brand, model, and color. Photos of prior projects in Rockwall and nearby areas like Heath Golf & Yacht Club and Buffalo Creek.
We welcome calls from homeowners who want a second opinion on an estimate or a carrier scope. It costs nothing to check whether a line item is covered, whether a code upgrade is valid, or whether a “free upgrade” offer is crossing legal lines.
How We Handle Deductibles, Step by Step
To make the deductible law easy, our office uses a simple workflow:
- We show your policy deductible line on the proposal so you can see how it fits into the total. We send you an invoice that reflects the insurer payment plus your deductible and any chosen upgrades. We never add “marketing credits,” “coupons,” or “rebates” that offset the deductible. Instead, if you need short-term help, we offer compliant financing plans that spread payments without hiding the deductible.
That method keeps your file clean if the insurer audits the claim later. It also protects your home sale down the road since real estate transactions sometimes trigger insurance record requests.
What If Your Claim Is Denied?
A denial does not end the conversation. You can request a reinspection, provide additional documentation, or hire a licensed public adjuster. As your contractor, we can supply photos, test square details, and code references, but we do not speak for you on coverage decisions. If the roof truly lacks functional damage, we will say so. If the adjuster missed creased shingles on the north slope, we will document that and request a site meeting. Straight talk saves time. We work on roofs year-round and have no interest in chasing claims that will not hold up.
Material Quality, Warranties, and What They Actually Cover
Warranty language varies by manufacturer. A “lifetime” shingle often refers to manufacturer defects, not hail or wind beyond the stated limits. Many wind warranties require six nails per shingle and specific starter strips. If your installer skips those details, you can void coverage. We follow manufacturer install guides to preserve your warranty. We also register enhanced warranties when they make financial sense for your situation. On Class 4 shingles, ask for the exact model and the manufacturer’s impact rating documentation. Keep those records with your insurance file.
Roof Ventilation and Code: The Hidden Claim Item
Ventilation affects shingle life and attic moisture. Rockwall inspectors watch this closely. Carriers may pay for ventilation adjustments when the scope includes full replacement and when the local code or manufacturer spec requires it. Balanced intake and exhaust target 1:150 or 1:300 ratios depending on conditions. Ridge vent, box vents, or turbines must be sized and placed correctly. We measure attic square footage and soffit openings to propose a system that meets code. Done right, your attic runs cooler in summer and reduces ice dam risk during rare freeze events.
Gutters, Flashing, and Other Details That Matter
Hail claims are not just shingles. Gutters, downspouts, fascia metal, window beading, and soft metals tell the story of a storm. We photograph dents under consistent light angles so adjusters can see strike patterns. Flashings at chimneys and sidewalls are common leak points. If they are rusted or improperly layered, replacement belongs in the scope. We do not reuse compromised step flashings. It saves a little money now and costs a lot later. The new legal environment rewards clear documentation of these details. It also weeds out estimates that skip them to look cheaper.
Neighborhood-Specific Considerations Across Rockwall
Homes off Ridge Road with lake wind exposure see different wear than homes tucked behind tree lines in Caruth Lakes. Buffalo Creek homes often have steeper pitches and more complex flashings. Downtown Rockwall historic properties sometimes have decking variations that change underlayment choices. We adjust our scope and install plan based on these factors. That site-specific approach lines up with adjuster expectations and keeps your file clean under the new claim standards.
Your Next Step: Get a Legal, Clear Plan for Your Roof
If your roof was hit by wind or hail, or your policy changed and you want a pre-storm inspection, reach out. We’ll:
- Inspect every slope and document functional damage with photos. Review your policy deductible and explain how your carrier usually handles depreciation in Rockwall. Provide a clean contract that complies with Texas law and a schedule that matches permit timing and HOA approvals. Stand with you during the adjuster meeting to align the scope with what is on your roof.
You can call, text, or schedule online. We serve Rockwall, Heath, Fate, Rowlett, and surrounding neighborhoods, and we are happy to provide addresses of recent installs so you can see our work in person. If you want a quote from a roofing contractor in Rockwall TX that follows the law to the letter, start with a free inspection and a straight, local answer to every question.
SCR, Inc. General Contractors provides roofing services in Rockwall, TX, and throughout Rockwall County. Our team handles roof installations, repairs, and insurance recovery work for wind, hail, smoke, fire, and flood damage. With former insurance professionals holding all-line adjuster licenses, we understand coverage details and homeowner rights. Since 1998, we have served thousands of customers across the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. We are fully licensed and insured, and as members of The Good Contractors List, we back our work with a $10,000 quality guarantee. For dependable roofing service in Rockwall, contact SCR, Inc. General Contractors today.