Actual Cash Value vs. Replacement Cost | Pick the Best Coverage for Your Roof!

 

Whether disaster strikes and a storm ravages your roof or you simply notice more leaks this rainy season than last, you rely on your roof insurance policy to help you finance roof repairs or replacement. Depending on your policy, you might be insured for the actual cash value of your roof or the replacement cost of your roof. Those are very different things!

You need to understand actual cash value vs. replacement cost roof coverage so you know how much you can expect to pay for your roof repairs. Read on to learn more.

Actual Cash Value Coverage

Actual cash value, or ACV, coverage is exactly what it sounds like: insurance coverage for the present-day cash value of the covered property. In other words, the insurance company will pay you for the value of your roof as it is currently calculated.

That means your claim settlement factors in depreciation, which is calculated by a claims adjuster. When you file a claim for your roof’s actual cash value, the claims adjuster inspects your roof to figure out its replacement cost and determine its current condition.

Say that you have a brand-new roof worth $20,000. It has a lifespan of 20 years with an estimated depreciation rate of 5% per year. If the roof is 10 years old when it needs to be replaced, it’s only worth $10,000 since it has depreciated by about 50%.

In addition, actual cash value insurance policies don’t allow you to use your funds to upgrade your roof. For instance, if your roof is a little worn down and starting to leak, you can’t file an ACV claim to upgrade the roof to a newer, better model with superior materials.

The upside? ACV coverage has a lower deductible requirement before you receive money from your insurance company.

Actual cash value insurance policies:

  • Have low deductibles
  • Take roof depreciation into account
  • May not pay you enough money to fully cover the cost of rebuilding or replacing your roof

Replacement Cost Value Coverage

Replacement cost value, or RCV, coverage is the opposite. In a nutshell, if you have a roof or homeowners insurance policy that includes replacement cost coverage, the insurance company will pay however much it costs to replace your roof with a comparable one.

For example, say that you have a $20,000 roof like in the example above. Once you pay your deductible, the insurance company will pay whatever is left to fund a new roof up to its value of $20,000. Note that replacement cost insurance policies still rely on claims adjusters, who research roofing materials and determine a settlement amount if the exact same type of roof is no longer available.

In exchange, RCV coverage imposes a higher deductible on policy claimants. Furthermore, just like actual cost coverage, replacement cost coverage does not cover the costs of replacing your roof with an upgraded model or better materials. So, if the only available new roof costs you more than the value of your current roof, you’ll have to make up the difference out of your own pocket.

Replacement cost value insurance policies:

  • Have higher deductibles for policyholders
  • Compensate you for the replacement value of the covered loss, like a damaged/destroyed roof
  • Do not cover the cost of roof upgrades/replacing your roof with a better one

The Difference Between Actual Cash Value vs. Replacement Cost

To recap, both actual cash value and replacement cost value coverage help you fund roof repairs or a replacement after disaster strikes. However, actual cash value coverage has lower deductibles, while replacement cost value coverage has higher deductibles.

With an ACV policy, you’ll only receive money for the current, depreciated value of your roof. With an RCV policy, you’ll receive enough money to fund the repair or replacement of a comparable roof to your current one.

A brick home that has had a roof replacement

Here’s an Example of Actual Cash Value Vs. Replacement Cost Value

Let’s look at an example to highlight the core difference between ACV vs. RCV insurance for your roof.

Imagine that you have a roof worth $30,000 that’s expected to last 10 years. It’s seven years old with a 5% depreciation rate, meaning depreciation is now 35%. The roof, if appraised by a claims adjuster, will only be worth $19,500 due to depreciation.

If a tree falls on your roof, necessitating a roof replacement, your insurance policy kicks in. If you have an ACV policy, you’ll only have to pay a $2,000 deductible. But the insurance company will only pay you $17,500. As a result, if you want to replace your roof with a comparable one worth about the same amount of money, you’ll need to pay over $10,000 more to fund that project.

If you have an RCV policy, you may have to pay a $4,000 deductible. But once that’s done, the insurance company will fund the rest of the roof replacement, paying you $26,000 to cover the cost of installing an identical or similar roof.

Which Should You Choose: Actual Cash Value or Replacement Cost Value Roof Insurance?

While RCV insurance policies may seem unattractive at first glance, they can be advantageous. If you can stomach the higher deductible, that deductible might be the only out-of-pocket expense you have to pay to replace your roof after a storm or some other disaster. That’s because RCV coverage pays you enough money to replace your roof with a comparable or similar roof, not just what your roof is currently worth.

In contrast, ACV coverage is more affordable initially. Since ACV coverage imposes a lower deductible requirement before paying out, you may very well see savings through an ACV policy.

But your insurance payout may also not be enough to fund repairing or replacing your roof in full. That means you’ll have to pay more out-of-pocket expenses after your deductible if you want a new roof over your head! In this situation, RCV coverage would yield more overall savings to your bank account.

A Stonewater Roofing sign in front of a home with a roof replacement

Contact Stonewater Roofing Today

Understanding the full value of your roof — and what you’ll likely pay out-of-pocket if it’s ever damaged — is an important part of being a responsible homeowner. With Stonewater Roofing, you can get your roof appraised and examined by licensed, fully trained roofing professionals throughout Texas. We’ll work with your insurance company and your desires as a homeowner to ensure your roof repairs go smoothly no matter what. Contact us today!

 

Replace Your Roof with GAF Solar Shingles from Stonewater Roofing

If you’re like most Texas homeowners, you’ve probably considered installing solar panels at one time or another. Solar panels can lead to major savings on your electric bill, plus energy independence and electrical security in a crisis – if coupled with a backup battery or generator. Although Stonewater also offers rack-mounted solar solutions, some consumers worry that large panels might reduce their home’s curb appeal.

Fortunately, there’s another way to pursue energy independence and keep your roof’s durability and aesthetic appeal intact.

GAF Solar Shingles – An Innovative and Efficient Roof Upgrade

GAF Energy’s new Timberline Solar™ shingles look and protect your house just like regular shingles, but they work like solar panels. These innovative and efficient roof upgrades might be just what you’re looking for as a forward-thinking homeowner.

What Are GAF Timberline Solar Shingles?

Most solar shingles are made of heavy tiles or solar panels disguised to look like traditional shingles. GAF’s Timberline Solar product is different – and better!

A New Kind of GAF Solar Energy Shingle

Simply put, GAF’s Timberline Solar solution uses a combination of EXTREMELY low-profile photovoltaic cells and high-quality asphalt shingles that give you the most affordable and functional solar shingle on the market today.

GAF’s newest design makes their shingles easier to install compared to alternatives and ensures an attractive, low-profile look for your roof. When you install GAF Timberline Solar shingles, they’ll look comparatively more discrete than standard panels. The entire system is installed with nails – no racks and no mounts.

The result? Improved curb appeal and energy savings each month. Plus, GAF solar shingles are protected by an industry-leading warranty to cover you for up to 25 years of use at no extra charge.

GAF Solar Shingle Specs

GAF Timberline Solar Energy Shingles are high-quality, high-capacity home improvements that might be just what you need to upgrade your home’s roof the right way. They’re water-shedding, designed for durability, and are warrantied to withstand winds of up to 130 mph: ideal for withstanding the effects of major Texas storms!

These GAF solar shingles can be nailed into the roof just like regular shingles, protecting your roof’s integrity and minimizing the chance of structural issues later down the road. Roofing installation experts won’t need to drill lots of holes into your roof’s membrane, potentially leading to leaks or other damage.

Each Timberline Solar shingle is sleek, small, and merges with existing shingle patterns. Every shingle:

  • Weighs 10.1 pounds
  • Measures 64 1/4” x 17 1/8” x 1”
  • Can withstand temperatures of up to 122°F

Furthermore, GAF Timberline Solar shingles are more compact, so they fit in a variety of areas where traditional 5’ x 3’ solar panels may not. GAF Energy offers new options and solar energy solutions depending on the shape and orientation of your home’s roof. With GAF Timberline Solar roof shingles, you can capture more solar energy and enjoy even greater electricity benefits!

A brick home with solar shingles installed on the roof.

The Benefits of Solar Shingles for Your Roof

Solar shingles are innovative and energy-efficient home improvements that can upgrade any modern residential roof, especially in sunny states like Texas. All solar shingles use photovoltaic, or PV, sheets to capture sunlight and convert it into electrical power. In this way, they are similar to traditional rooftop solar panels.

But modern solar shingles have an extra advantage: aesthetics. Solar shingles look close to regular asphalt shingles and provide many of the same protective benefits as standard shingles.

More importantly, solar shingles don’t appear as bulky or awkward as conventional solar panels. They’re slim, sleek, and perfect for blending with the rest of a roof. Some homeowners prefer solar shingles since they add practical value to their homes without downgrading curb appeal. Other benefits include:

  • Less maintenance is required. Due to their low profiles, solar energy shingles don’t trap as much debris beneath them.
  • Reduced energy bills for homeowners. Just like regular solar panels, solar shingles give your home power directly from the sun, enabling energy independence and major cost savings.
  • Less guesswork regarding installation. Rather than hoping every mount is in-line with a rafter, all components are simply nailed to the roof deck. This gives the homeowner and the installer greater peace of mind.

While installing any brand of solar shingles can be advantageous for your home and your energy bill, you should choose your brand wisely. Oftentimes, competitors don’t even give you an accurate proposal regarding energy generation. GAF will build you a custom design with real projections based on historical sunlight and shading reports.

With GAF Timberline Solar from providers like Stonewater Roofing, you’re in charge of:

  • How much you want to pay
  • Where you want your solar shingles
  • Financing/Terms

In addition, GAF Energy solar shingles are rated for durability, energy efficiency, and longevity. In short, they’re the ideal choice in this new and competitive market in more ways than one.

Where Can I Buy GAF Solar Shingles?

Getting the best solar energy shingles means buying from GAF. But GAF doesn’t partner with just anyone – they only trust experts to install their prime products the right way.

Stonewater Roofing is now partnered with GAF to offer Timberline Solar shingle installation. As exclusive providers of Timberline Solar in East Texas, you can rely on us to upgrade your home’s roof and free you from energy dependence.

Two roofing contractors installing GAF Solar Shingles on the roof of a house.

Stonewater Roofing – Experts in Solar Shingle Installation

With many years of experience servicing Texas customers, Stonewater Roofing is the perfect company to call when you want to install Timberline Solar shingles. Whether you’re in Texarkana or Tyler, we’re the East Texas roofing specialists you want to call. Our fully licensed and trusted contractors will:

  • Install your chosen solar roofing system with the best workmanship, materials, and techniques
  • Provide you with unparalleled service and attention to detail, as well as answer any questions you may have
  • Ensure safety for your home during and after solar shingle installation

Plus, our contractors will make sure you fully understand your Timberline Solar warranty coverage and requirements. If you’ve already installed GAF roofing products, rest assured the exact same wind and water-shedding warranty coverage you’ve enjoyed before applies to your new solar shingles.

With Timberline Solar, you can enjoy energy independence for years to come and retain your home’s curb appeal. Contact Stonewater Roofing and ask about GAF Solar Shingle installation today!

Stay Energy Independent with Rooftop Solar Panels for Your Home

Energy independence & other benefits can be yours with the right rooftop solar panels

Power grid failures and high electricity prices are things practical Texans just won’t settle for. You already take great pains to make sure your home is your castle and that you have total control over your house, its appliances, and everything you pay for, right down to gas and groceries. Why not the same with electricity? 

In fact, Texans, more than many others, could benefit from installing rooftop solar panels for their homes. With the right solar panel set up, you can beat the heat and see other advantages, including partial or total energy independence. 

The problem with grid dependence 

All Texans should fully grasp the inherent risks of tying one’s home too much to the statewide energy grid. In February 2021, the Lone Star State experienced a major power crisis. 

As severe winter storms gripped Texas, over 4.5 million homes and businesses lost energy due to energy grid collapse. Freezing temperatures led to health hazards for thousands, and many had to grapple with surviving really cold weather – all because the grid wasn’t prepared for winter hazards. 

Even worse, this pattern recently repeated itself. In May 2022, six power plants crashed because they weren’t prepared for the heat waves that rocked the state. These two events proved that you can’t rely on too many people to provide power for you and your family when you need it most. 

Fortunately, with rooftop solar panels, there’s a way for you to get the power that you need.  

Rooftop solar panels – the surefire path to energy independence

Residential solar panels might once have been a pipe dream, but now they’re more affordable than ever. Even better, licensed contractors, like Stonewater Roofing, can install efficient and powerful solar panel systems on average residential rooftops. 

Let’s be frank: Texas gets a lot of sunshine, especially in the spring and summer months! All that free power is just waiting to be harnessed by the right set of solar panels. 

Solar panels are more than just fancy home upgrades you can use to impress the neighbors. They’re also the best means to ensure your home is as energy independent as possible the next time a crisis rolls around. 

When you install a solar panel system on your rooftop:

  • The solar panels work all day long, gathering and storing electricity to be used by your home’s appliances, cooling system, heater, and any other electrical devices. 
  • The solar panels also funnel excess electricity you can’t store back into the energy grid. Depending on your electricity provider, that could result in major savings later down the road! 

Sure, eco-friendliness is all well and good. But the real advantage is freedom from the rigidity of the state power grid. With solar panels, you’re in control of your electricity and can ensure you’re ready the next time a major storm or heatwave hits. 

 

A man screwing in solar panels on top of a rooftop

How much do solar panels cost?

Rooftop solar panels, while excellent investments in many cases, cost more than just a few bucks. On average, solar panels cost anywhere from $10,000-$20,000 for a full set on your house’s roof. Solar installation costs can vary based on: 

  • How many panels you wish to install 
  • The types of panels you install 
  • The type of system you use to run the whole set 

That said, Texans can currently take advantage of certain federal tax incentives, area-specific rebates, and other possible discounts. With these bonuses, you could cut the cost of a full set down by several hundred dollars or more, making for even more affordable solar panels. 

While solar panels cost some money initially, they can also pay for themselves in the long run. When you finance your solar panel installation, you’ll make monthly payments toward owning your panels over time. Simultaneously, you’ll no longer pay as much (or any) money for your electric bill. 

For many Texas homeowners, the savings from generating power more than make up for the monthly payment toward solar panels. It doesn’t just cancel out the cost of solar panels – it saves you more cash in the long run since you don’t rent electricity from the power company! 

 

A construction man holding a drill and smiling while crouching on a rooftop with solar panels

Benefits of installing solar panels for your home sooner than later

There are many big reasons why most Texans can benefit from installing solar panels on their rooftops at the earliest opportunity. 

Energy independence & grid shutdown defense

By far, the most important benefit of installing solar panels on your rooftop is energy independence. 

Not every home can hold enough panels to cover all of the energy it requires, of course. In addition, you might not be fully energy independent during certain times of the year, like the winter or if there’s a week with a lot of cloudy skies. But you’ll find that solar panels free you from energy dependence on the grid more often than not. 

When you install solar panels on your rooftop, you don’t have to worry about a statewide grid failure causing your family to sweat in the summer or shiver in the winter. You’re only responsible for making sure your panels are up and running and safe from weather hazards.  

Is it extra responsibility? Sure! But being in control is always a good thing, especially for something as important as your home!  

Tax rebates

Currently, the federal government still offers significant tax incentives to those who install solar panels. The most common solar federal tax credit lets you claim up to 30% of your installation costs until 2032.  

Certain energy companies might offer their own benefits, like paying you for donating excess electricity to the grid. In any case, you’ll benefit from these tax rebates and alternative discounts if you make the decision to install solar panels today! 

Electric bill savings

Don’t discount the cash you can save with a lower energy bill each month. The average residential solar panel on the market produces about 250 to 400 W of electricity per day. A full solar panel system’s power output can be anywhere between 750 and 850 kWh each year. 

Given that a normal-sized American house needs about 10,000 kWh each year, you could theoretically see your electricity bill vanish almost entirely with a set of 20 to 30 panels. Even if you can’t cut your electric bill 100%, think of the extra cash in your pocket after you put the sun to work for your home! 

You can use online estimation tools to determine how much power a solar panel system could generate for your home. 

 

Added home value

Solar panels can add one more benefit to your home: pure resale value. Say you eventually want to move and sell your house. With a full set of functioning solar panels installed, your home will be worth much more money – giving you extra cash to purchase a new home or fund your retirement adventures.  

Start your journey to energy independence today

Independence is an all-American value that we should all hold dear. Now more than ever, energy independence is within your grasp. The right solar panel setup can set you and your family free from the constraints of shared grid electricity and protect you in the event of another statewide failure. Taking all of these solar panel benefits into account, why wait? 

Solar energy solutions are available from providers like Stonewater Roofing. We have many years of roofing experience and the local expertise needed to install Texas solar panels efficiently and cost-effectively. With our help, you can make your own electricity, save on taxes, and add value to your property. Contact us today! 

Stonewater Helps 12 Teachers Get Classroom School Supplies

Stonewater Roofing continued its late summer tradition this year by hand-delivering overloaded boxes of school supplies to East Texas teachers as part of the company’s #ClearTheList campaign. This marks the fourth year that the roofing company has given back to area educators by buying up items on their classroom wish lists.

This was Stonewater Roofing’s biggest school supply drop yet with a total of 12 teachers receiving stacks of books, games, paints, and other learning tools. More than 450 items were delivered to campuses, elementary to high school, from the Longview area to the DFW area.

In order to be considered for the contest, applicants were asked to submit a short video explaining why they — or the teacher who they were nominating — deserved to have their classroom wish list cleared. The following list of winners were selected from those video submissions.

  • Deedra Evans, Cheney Hills Elementary School in Richland Hills
  • Yessenia Hernandez, East Side Elementary School in Jacksonville
  • Michelle Hill, Pine Tree Primary School in Longview
  • Sara Loredo, Three Lakes Middle School in Tyler
  • Katie Martin, Jacksonville Middle School in Jacksonville
  • Jenelle McClure, E.J. Moss Intermediate School in Lindale
  • Lauren Moore, Hallsville East Elementary School in Hallsville
  • Stephen Niedrauer, Tyler High School in Tyler
  • Ashley Poeschl, Stanton-Smith Elementary School in Whitehouse
  • Tracee Pouliasis, Truman W. Smith Children’s Care Center in Gladewater
  • Shannon Stewart, Boles Junior High School in Arlington

Each teacher had a special story to share with the Stonewater Roofing team. For instance, Hill is a first-year kindergarten teacher after changing careers following a battle with cancer. McClure feels teaching’s financial burden twice as hard each year, because her husband is also an educator in Lindale. Pouliasis works at the only facility in Texas that teams with a public school district to provide in-house education to children suffering from congenital disorders or debilitating injuries.

In addition to those lucky educators, Stonewater Roofing also helped out a member of its own family. Megan Henley is a fourth grade teacher at Bullard Elementary School in Bullard, and the wife of Stonewater Roofing safety manager Rick Henley. “While the contest was being held, we found out about Meg’s own classroom needs,” said COO and co-owner Jacob Law. “It only made sense to help her out as well, and we did so with funds separate from the contest to make sure that it didn’t take away from any of our applicants.”

The #ClearTheList movement began as a social media effort to help educators get necessary school supplies. School districts are unable to keep up with this demand, which forces teachers to purchase materials for their students using money from their own pockets. Many teachers started relying on the kindness of online strangers, posting their Amazon wish lists on social media with the #ClearTheList hashtag. The campaign quickly went viral.

Stonewater Roofing employees delivered all of the school supplies to the winners in the first few weeks of August, just in time for the start of the 2022-2023 school year.

Longview Voters Choose Stonewater As “Best Of East Texas”

The votes are in, and Longview News-Journal readers selected Stonewater Roofing as Best Roofing Company in the newspaper’s annual “Best of East Texas” competition. This marks the 30th year for the honor and the first time that Stonewater has taken the top prize.

The “Best of East Texas” competition recognizes local businesses across all industries including retail, dining, and home services. In order to even be considered for the contest, companies had to first be recommended by their customers during a month-long nomination phase. Then, the top three companies in each industry were put into another month-long vote. Winners were chosen for each category by the newspaper’s readers.

Best Of East Texas 2022

“It was an honor just to be nominated, and everyone at Stonewater is extremely grateful to now win,” stated COO and co-owner Jacob Law. “We certainly owe this award to our customers, both past and present, who cared enough to make their voices heard. It speaks to the quality of our work and the relationships that we build, that people actually want to spread the word.”

“We do things the right way,” continued Law. “We’re honest. We’re reliable. Our customers really want to recommend us to their friends and strangers alike.” In fact, Stonewater Roofing has more than 600 positive reviews across their locations in Longview, Tyler, and Bedford.

So, if you need someone to help with your roof, it makes sense to choose the one that your neighbors love — the only one that has been voted “Best of East Texas.” We’ve got offices in Austin, Nacogdoches, Texarkana, Longview, Tyler, and Bedford! Contact the local experts at Stonewater Roofing for a free damage assessment, or request a free energy assessment to find out how you can save money by switching to solar.

How To Tell If Your Roof Has Hail Damage & What To Do Next

They say everything’s bigger in Texas. Unfortunately, that includes hail! Damaging storms aren’t just a problem during storm season — you never know when an unexpected hail barrage may strike. All Texas homeowners need to be on the lookout for hail damage to their roofs. No two storms are alike: wind speed, hail quantity, and hail size can all affect how much damage your roof sustains during a given storm.

Even if a storm doesn’t look too bad from the living room window, you should always take a walk around the yard and check for signs of hail damage. The sooner you notice problems with your shingles or catch growing leaks, the faster you can get them fixed by expert contractors.

A roof that has been inspected for hail damage with triangles around the spots of damage.

What Does Hail Damage Look Like On A Roof & How To Fix It Fast

There’s just one problem: how can you tell if your roof has hail damage if you’ve never seen it before? Let’s answer that question and more so you know when to call contractors for fast fixes.

Signs Of Hail Damage To Your Roof

You can often tell when your roof has been harmed by looking for signs of hail damage on the ground or on other aspects of your house. By checking for hail damage, you can give an accurate report to a roofing contractor or your insurance company, plus have a better idea of what to expect from an official inspection. Check for signs like:

  • Dings or dents on your garage door or downspouts above five feet — that’s damage that can only come from flying hail!
  • Paint damage or dents in your home’s siding.
  • Broken window panes or screens.
  • Damage to yard furniture or mailboxes.
  • Loose shingles on the ground — they had to come from somewhere!

Don’t forget to check your gutters, too. If your gutters around your roof have dents or holes on the bottom from hail, odds are the recent storm was tough enough to do a number on the roof itself.

Of course, you might also notice some interior signs of hail damage to your roof, such as leaks. If your roof is dripping water into your living room, you can bet it’s time to call a qualified roofing contractor!

Calling A Contractor For A Free Assessment

If you’re not sure whether your roof has hail damage — or if the damage is severe enough for repairs — don’t break out the ladder yourself and climb up top. That can be dangerous, even in the best circumstances.

Instead, contact licensed roof repair specialists to take a look for you. Stonewater Roofing offers a free damage assessment without charging you a dime. Our team can check out your roof from above and give you an official breakdown of the damage and the best next steps to take, including roof repairs or replacement.

If you have asphalt or composition shingles, your contractor might report seeing:

  • Black marks or “bruises” on your shingles.
  • Asphalt granules in the gutters.
  • Bare patches on individual shingles.
  • Shattered or cracked shingles.

If you have wood shingles, your contractor might notice signs of hail damage such as:

  • Split or shattered shingles.
  • Hail impact marks along the splits through wood shingles.

Hail damage signs also include dents, cracks, or holes. Typically, hail pieces larger than one inch in diameter are enough to cause major dents and cracks on shingles.

A contractor replacing roofing shingles.

Importance Of Repairing A Roof Damaged By Hail As Soon As Possible

If you notice any damage to your roof after a hailstorm, you should get it looked at by a pro, even if it doesn’t seem to be so bad now. Even minor damage can become worse if you fail to repair it quickly.

Picture a single shingle broken off your roof after the season’s first hailstorm. It’s not a big deal… at first. But when the next hailstorm comes, that exposed patch of roof will be much more vulnerable to major cracks, leaks, and other problems.

Taking care of damage from hail early will save you money — and a big headache — in the long run. It’s much cheaper to replace a few broken shingles or perform basic roof repairs than it is to replace your roof wholesale after a heavy downpour of hail.

Roofing contractors repairing a roof damaged from hail.

When Is Roof Replacement Necessary?

Sometimes, though, you get so unlucky, and your roof sustains enough hail damage that a roof replacement is necessary. The trick is determining when that’s the case.

Generally, your roof should be replaced after hail damage:

  • If multiple major leaks are affecting your home.
  • If a large portion of the shingles are damaged or destroyed.
  • If it would cost roughly the same to repair your existing roof as it would be to replace it completely.

It can be tough to tell whether your roof is damaged enough to warrant a replacement without the right expertise.

Licensed roofing contractors like Stonewater Roofing can take a look at your roof when you’re not sure. With more than a decade of experience in this area, we know what to look for and how to judge whether a roof should be replaced rather than repaired for long-term safety and cost-effectiveness.

Is Hail Damage Covered By Homeowners Insurance?

Typically, yes. Most homeowners insurance policies cover hail damage, alongside other roof damage caused by weather events like major storms, tornadoes, fallen tree branches, and more.

However, to get the cost of a roof repair job or replacement covered by your insurer, you’ll need to have the damage evaluated. Licensed contractors at Stonewater Roofing can do that for you, plus offer knowledgeable repair or replacement recommendations.  

How Much Does It Cost To Repair Hail Damage Or Replace A Roof?

Insurance coverage comes as a major relief to many Texas homeowners in hail season. Average storm damage roof repairs cost about $700, according to HomeAdvisor. However, costs could be higher if you don’t repair hail damage as soon as you see it. If you’re properly insured, you’ll only ever pay up to your deductible for hail repairs or roof replacements.

Still, it is important to get your roof checked after a hailstorm clears. The earlier the roof damage is caught, the sooner you can get it fixed.

Stonewater Roofing: Roof Repair Specialists You Can Count On

As licensed roofing contractors for Texas homeowners like you, Stonewater Roofing is the go-to choice for roof repair work. When a hailstorm bombards your home, we’ll stop by to do an assessment and help you get started on any necessary repairs.

More importantly, we’ll tackle small issues before they become too big for comfort. And if you need a roof replacement, you can bet Stonewater Roofing will handle the job professionally and efficiently.

Don’t leave signs of hail damage unattended. Contact the experts at Stonewater Roofing today for a free damage assessment.

Stonewater Receives GAF President’s Club Honor For 4th Year

Stonewater Roofing is proud to have won the GAF President’s Club honor for the fourth straight year. This is the highest award that a GAF contractor can receive and is reserved for only the best roofing companies in the industry. In fact, just 2 percent of all roofing contractors in the country are able to qualify.

GAF is the largest manufacturer of residential and commercial roofing materials in North America.

The road to the President’s Club begins with the GAF Master Elite program. To earn this distinction, companies must be licensed and insured, must have at least seven years of experience in the roofing industry, must remain committed to continuous training, and must have an exemplary customer satisfaction rating.

Upon reaching GAF Master Elite status, the President’s Club looks for contractors who have a history of offering their customers the very best service, reliability, and performance within the roofing industry. These are areas where Stonewater Roofing excels. Based on reviews, our customers agree.

“We know that we’re among the best of the best when it comes to providing roofing services,” said Stonewater Roofing founder and CEO Roland Browne. “We love it when our customers leave reviews online that tell us that, but we love it just as much when industry experts like GAF say it as well.”

Recognitions like GAF President’s Club are important for home and business owners who may find themselves overwhelmed by the prospect of getting a new roofing system, Browne added. “There are a lot of roofing companies out there. We know that,” he said. “But when you have someone like GAF helping identify which ones are trustworthy, which ones are reliable, which ones will do the best job, it really helps to simplify the process and put the property owner’s mind at ease.”

“When you work with a GAF President’s Club member like Stonewater Roofing,” Browne concluded, “you can feel confident that everything’s going to turn out great.”

Start your roofing project today with a free damage assessment. Contact the experts at Stonewater Roofing to schedule your first appointment and rest assured that a verified, honest company has got your back throughout the entire process.

2022 Stonewater Scholarship Winners Announced

Stonewater Roofing is proud to announce the winners of the second annual Stonewater Scholarship. A total of five $2,500 prizes will be awarded to graduating seniors in five Texas cities. Students will receive their scholarships at the award ceremonies being held by their respective high schools next month.

Stonewater Scholarship Winner Emily Davidson

Emily Davidson: Emily is a senior at Tyler Legacy High School. Her parents both work for nonprofits and, since elementary school, inspired her to donate time toward helping others. Her dedication to the community is unmatched, and we cannot wait to see what she accomplishes as a psychology major and mental health advocate at Hendrix College.

Stonewater Scholarship Winner Emma Bosworth

Emma Bosworth: Emma plays soccer at Lindale High School, but a torn ACL has sidelined her since August. She did not let that stop her from pursuing her dream to play at the collegiate level. She will be attending Southern Maine in the fall and will be back on the pitch once again. Emma has shown courage by never giving up despite her uphill battle.

Stonewater Scholarship Winner Garrett Cook

Garrett Cook: Garrett is a senior at White Oak High School and will attend TCU as a journalism and political science major in the fall. Coming from a family of journalists, he has always known that this was his passion. Guided by a strong sense of integrity, he hopes to someday improve upon our nation’s political climate and news media industry.

Stonewater Scholarship Winner Jocelyn Soeun

Jocelyn Soeun: Jocelyn is a senior at Kennedale High School, where her creativity sets her apart. Proud of her Cambodian and Mexican heritage, she wants to celebrate diversity and inspire others to “be the representation.” She will be attending Texas A&M in the fall and majoring in public health, with a particular interest in optometry.

Stonewater Scholarship Winner Olivia DeVault

Olivia DeVault: Olivia is a senior at Central High School in Keller and wants to be a clinical pharmacist, a path she chose after battling her own health issues. She is on track to become a certified pharmacy technician before graduating high school. Having already accomplished so much, Olivia shows reliability through her many achievements.

Seniors were asked to submit short videos outlining their plans after graduation, the inspiration for choosing that path, and what the scholarship would mean to them and their family. Stonewater Roofing received nearly twice as many applicants as last year’s inaugural contest, with submissions stretching from DFW to Longview.

“Originally, we were only going to be able to award four scholarships,” explained Stonewater Roofing CEO Roland Browne, “but then, some of our partners heard we were doing it again and stepped in to help us give one more kid a scholarship. GAF, ABC Supply, and M. Roberts Digital chipped in to help us help out one more kid. We couldn’t be happier.”

Stonewater Roofing is very active in the communities that we call home, and encouraging students and educators is particularly special for our team. In addition the annual Stonewater Scholarship, the company also holds a #ClearTheList contest each year, helping teachers get the supplies that they need for their classrooms.

“These kids are our future,” Browne continued. “What better way to invest in the communities we serve than to invest in the kids who will one day be running the place?”

Stonewater Roofing is thankful to the partners who helped make this year’s scholarship possible, the high schools that shared the scholarship information with their senior class, and the students who took the time to submit videos. It was a pleasure to meet so many talented and inspiring individuals.

Are Solar Panels Worth It In Texas? 4 Big Benefits To Consider

Summer is right around the corner, so there’s no better time to harness the power of the sun for your home. Texas gets lots of sunshine each year! For example, Dallas residents enjoy an average of more than 200 clear days a year. If you live in the Lone Star State, you’d be wise to slot a few solar panels on the roof and reap the rewards.

Why Solar Panels Are Worthwhile Investments For Long-Term Savings

But what are those rewards? Aside from helping the environment, there are even better reasons to install solar panels on your roof as soon as possible. Don’t believe us? Here’s a breakdown of four major benefits to consider when installing solar panels in Texas.

How much can you save with solar panels in Texas?

According to energy.gov, solar power is competitive with electricity sold by local utility companies in several major cities around the country. In many cases, you can lower electricity bills by more than 60 percent, depending on how many panels you install and where you live.

When you take advantage of solar power, you’ll generate electricity for your home’s many appliances and systems, including the refrigerator, A/C system, lights, and more. That extra electricity is even more valuable during the year’s hottest months like July and August.

If your energy bill is well over $100 each month, solar panels may save you thousands of dollars within a year or two. If you ask us, this benefit alone makes solar panels from Stonewater Roofing well worth the time it takes to install them. Solar panels are a home improvement that pays for itself, especially since you can get your panels financed!

Does Texas have a solar tax credit?

More than one, in fact. That’s another great reason to go solar: you can pay fewer taxes. Depending on where you live and when you install solar panels, you can take advantage of both a federal tax credit and possibly one or more state-specific tax credits.

A roofing contractor installing solar panels

Federal Tax Credit

The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) has been in effect since 2006. It was recently renewed, so it’ll still be around until the end of 2023 (and beyond, if Congress extends it again).

If you install a solar photovoltaic (PV) system before the end of 2022, you can claim up to 26 percent of the cost of your PV solar panel installation as a tax credit. This includes the costs for assembly and installation, permits, inspection fees, and sales taxes. With this tax credit, you can deduct that amount from your taxable income for the year.

However, you have to take advantage of the solar ITC soon. If you install your solar power system in 2023, you’ll only be able to claim 22 percent of your solar panel installation cost. In 2024, the tax credit could be gone, so you may not see any tax benefit if you try to install solar panels that year.

Solar panel installation can cost several thousand dollars no matter where you live. But the solar ITC can cover a big chunk of that cost by reducing how much you owe in taxes at year’s end.

Texas-Specific Tax Credits & Programs

On top of the federal solar ITC, you can also look into Texas-specific tax credits and breaks. For example, there’s the Solar Energy System Property Tax Exemption, which exempts your house’s added home value when you install solar panels in Texas.

Plus, your local utility company may offer its own solar rebates or special deals. These rebates can reduce the upfront cost of installing solar panels, lower the cost of labor, or provide other financial benefits after installation. Here are some examples of solar-related deals and credits you may qualify for:

  • The TXU Energy Renewable Buyback Plan: If you’re enrolled in an energy plan from TXU, you’ll get bill credits for the extra energy your solar panels produce. If you help the statewide grid by donating those extra kilowatts, you’ll be rewarded with free credits to use against your energy bill each month!
  • CPS Energy: Customers can earn up to $1.20 per watt for any extra energy generated by their solar panels and donated to the grid.

Regardless of who supplies your power or where you live in Texas, a residential solar system can save you money one way or another.

Become an independent Texas homeowner.

Solar panels are worth more than lower utility bills and federal solar tax credits. In some cases, they’re vital for safety.

February 2021 saw Texas’s power grid devastated by record low freezing temperatures and a winter storm that left many people without power. If you were affected by that winter storm, you already know the benefits of energy independence.

What better way to exemplify the independent spirit of a Texan than to supply and store your own electricity with an optional battery system? With solar panels and a battery, you’ll be better secured against energy interruptions if another winter storm rolls around this year or the next.

While your solar energy might not supply as much power as the overall energy grid, some electricity is far better than none. You can think of solar panels as insurance against future catastrophes. It’s always better to be prepared for the worst than be caught off-guard!

Roofing contractors installing solar panel tracks on a home.

Do solar panels add value to a house in Texas?

But what if you don’t plan to live in your current home for too much longer? In that case, solar roofing is still a beneficial investment. When you install solar panels, you increase the resale value of your house for future buyers, often by up to 6 percent!

That means a bigger profit you can put toward a larger house or homestead. As solar power becomes more popular around the country, odds are the value of solar roofs will become higher too. Whether you sell your house in the next year or in the next 10 years, those panels will put extra dollars in your pocket.

So, Are Solar Panels Worth It In Texas?

We think the answer is a resounding yes!

Simply put, solar panels save you money, make you money, and guarantee greater energy independence than any other home improvement project you can pursue. With so many upsides, there’s no reason not to see whether your home is a good fit for solar.

Luckily, you can get solar panels installed easily and as soon as possible with Stonewater Roofing. As experienced, family-owned and operated roofing professionals, we offer the best solar solutions for commercial buildings and residential properties just like yours.

Not only do we offer solar panel installation, but we’re also ready to provide energy assessments, site surveys, and anything else you may need — including a solar battery for storing excess electricity or charging stations for electric vehicles! You’ll get service honed by 11 years of dedication to our clients when you contact us.

Why wait? Put the sun to work for you and save a bundle of green with solar energy solutions from Stonewater Roofing.

Top Commercial Roofing Industry Trends You’ll See In 2022

The commercial roofing industry is like any other. From time to time, certain trends crop up and are adopted by commercial building owners across the nation, especially when those trends provide tangible benefits to businesses. Though 2022 has just begun, several key trends in the areas of energy efficiency and aesthetics have emerged.

2022’s Most Important Commercial Roofing Industry Trends

Your business could benefit from commercial roofing industry trends depending on your needs, roof quality and size, and other factors. Let’s take a closer look at some of these trends in detail.

Green Commercial Roofs

Green rooftops for commercial buildings aren’t just eco-friendly, they’re literally green! Green roofs may be installed on commercial buildings with flat rooftops. Think of them as ultra-efficient gardens that provide several major benefits, including:

  • They’re aesthetically pleasing. What looks better than a green garden growing atop your company HQ or restaurant?
  • They may contribute to energy efficiency for your commercial building by keeping temperatures cool in the hot summer sun, so your HVAC system doesn’t have to run so hard.
  • They’re eco-friendly by definition and may reduce stormwater runoff.

Because of these benefits, green roofs are rapidly becoming more popular in urban areas, including many cities in the East Texas area. All in all, installing a green roof could be one of the best ways to make use of the empty space atop your commercial building.

However, because of their complexity, green roofs should only be installed by experienced commercial roofing experts. Green roofs must be installed while carefully accounting for drainage, aeration, and proper support based on a building’s structural limitations. Furthermore, many green roofs require ongoing preventative maintenance.

A commercial building roof with solar panels installed

Solar Paneled Commercial Roofs

Naturally, solar panel roofs are also becoming more common. Texas gets plenty of sunshine, and you can use that to your advantage by retrofitting your commercial building with solar panels. Solar panels:

  • May help you save money by providing electricity you can use for building operations (or, in some cases, help you make money by “selling” the excess electricity back to the grid).
  • May provide your business with tax breaks in some cases.
  • Will protect you against a power grid disaster. They may be one of the best ways to insulate your commercial building(s) against a repeat of 2021’s big Texas freeze.

Solar power isn’t going away. It’s the way of the future for both commercial and residential roofs alike.

As with green roofs, it’s best to hire experienced contractors, like Stonewater Roofing, to install solar panels on your commercial building’s roof. The right contracting team can make sure that your solar equipment is installed properly and safely for your roof and overall building structure.

The commercial roof of a Wendy’s restaurant located in the Longview, Texas area

“Cool” Commercial Roofing Designs

It’s always wise to make sure that your commercial buildings are kept cool against the sweltering Texas sun. That’s why many commercial building owners are looking to redo their roofs with “cool” improvements.

Cool roofs have reflective coatings layered over their base roofing materials and are useful in Texas and many other hot places in the U.S. Luckily, cool roof coatings come in a variety of light colors like white or blue. That way, you can coordinate the look of your cool roof with your commercial building’s existing style or aesthetic.

Light colors are much cooler than dark colors like black, which can reach temperatures of up to 150 degrees or even higher in the summer since they reflect more sunlight than darker colors.

When cool roof coatings are implemented, your rooftop will reflect more daytime heat. This can, in turn, reduce your commercial building’s energy bills and help your air conditioning units last longer.

Commercial Roofs With High-Performance Insulation

Energy efficiency is king for many commercial building owners. Who doesn’t want to save extra money and benefit from special tax credits? High-performance and high-density insulation for your roof lets you achieve that energy efficiency by conserving power and cool air inside your building(s).

When combined with cool roofing coatings or other adjustments, insulation helps ensure that your commercial building is more energy-efficient and comfortable for its occupants. Like many other commercial roofing trends, the right insulation will also last for years to come, so you can make a single modification over a few weeks or months and reap the benefits long term.

Use Of Recycled Materials

Lastly, commercial building owners and roofing contractor companies may opt to use recycled materials for new rooftops or roof repairs. For example, many roof material manufacturers now offer synthetic shingles made from plastic and rubber. To suit a business’ unique requirements, the shingles can be designed in a variety of colors, shapes, and aesthetic styles.

In addition to aesthetic flexibility, many synthetic roofing materials are more affordable relative to traditional material options.

Should You Follow Trends For Your Commercial Roofing Project?

Every commercial building is different, and every business has distinct needs. While trends can be important to notice — especially when you’re considering replacing or repairing your commercial roof — it’s also important to remember that not every trend is ideal for you.

For example, you may have difficulty determining whether you should install solar panels on your roof or choose another roofing modification instead. As the go-to roofing and solar panel installation experts for East Texas, Dallas-Fort Worth, Tyler, and other areas, Stonewater Roofing can help you decide:

  • What roofing trends are right for your commercial building?
  • Which roof replacement or modification might yield the best benefits?
  • What roof modifications are within your budget?

Business owners just like you have trusted Stonewater Roofing for 11 years based on the quality of our workmanship, our years of experience, and our customer service. We offer free damage assessments and quality roofing services no matter your needs. Let us help you decide what commercial roofing trends you should follow by contacting us today!