The 86thTexas Legislature Regular Session came to an end yesterday, May 27, 2019, and with this, two very important bills were passed that will surely affect roofing practices in Texas. These two bills include HB2102 (Prohibition Against Waiving of Deductibles) and HB2103 (Prohibition Against UPPA). 
 
Prohibition Against Waiving of Deductibles
This bill is especially important for the future of the roofing industry in Texas. Steve Badger, a partner at the law firm of Zelle LLP explains the importance of this bill and the affects that it can make in his recent article. Below is an excerpt from his article that explains the significances of the bill:
 
“The waiving of deductibles has been improper in Texas since 1989. Unfortunately, due to a poorly worded statute, many contractors ignored the prohibition and the waiving of deductibles has become common in Texas. Reputable contractors who refused to break the law could not compete with the “deductible eaters”. Homeowners were lured to sign contracts with shady contractors with promises of “A Free Roof!” And homeowners were duped into committing insurance fraud when they failed to advise the insurance company in submitting a request for replacement cost holdback that the deductible portion of the claim had not been incurred.  HB2102 fixes all of these problems by making it crystal clear that deductibles must be paid. Plain and simple. A contractor commits a violation of the new law if it pays, waives, absorbs, rebates, credits, or otherwise declines to charge or collect a deductible. Contracts must also contain a disclosure statement that insurance deductibles must be paid.  Finally, an insurance company may request “reasonable proof” that the deductible has been paid before making a replacement cost holdback payment. This important legislation will both protect Texas consumers from illegal fraud schemes and ensure that reputable contractors who collect deductibles are on a level playing field in competing for business.”
 
Badger’s explains that this is not only to make the competition within the roofing industry fair, but the importance of protecting homeowners from the possibility of getting in legal trouble due to the misinformation that is fed to them by fraudulent contractors. If you would like to read the bill for yourself, it is available here. 
 
Prohibition Against UPPA 
This bill also is important to ensure that ethical practices are used not only in the roofing industry, but in all industries that public adjusting is associated with. Steve Badger once again explains the significance of this bill, as he states 
 
“Section 4102.163 of the Texas Insurance Code enacted in 2013 prohibited the unauthorized practice of public adjusting by “roofing contractors”. Since that time, we have seen the UPPA problem spread to other types of contractors as well, particularly in water damage claims and with some so-called “general contractors”. HB2103 simply deletes the word “roofing” from the existing statute to broaden the scope of the UPPA prohibition to all contractors. Also, new language is added to the statute clarifying that a contractor cannot use an assignment of benefits or power of attorney form to avoid this prohibition. This will ensure that Texas never experiences the assignment of benefits crisis that Florida has been dealing with for many years (until passing new legislation this month).”
 
To read the bill in its entirety, click here. 
 
We would like to thank RCAT (Roofing Contractors of Texas), NTRCA (North Texas Roofing Contractors Association, and TAPIA (Texas Association of Public Insurance Adjusters) for their work to get these bills passed and to improve our industry. These groups are effecting change and leading by example. We encourage all homeowners to continue to uphold their standards and to choose reputable contractors within the roofing industry and all other construction industries. Participating in ethical practices betters all those involved and results in high quality professionals and work. 
 
If you have any questions contact us at contact@millcreekroofingtx.com or leave a comment below!

The Greater Houston Area was recently hit by a wide-spread hail storm. The hail size from this particular storm reach 3 inches in certain areas. We highly recommend that if you believe you received hail or are located within the highlighted areas above to get a professional to look at your roof. Roofing specialists will be able to identify hail damage that may qualify for replacement via your homeowner’s insurance. 

We offer free, professional roof inspections to homeowners with no obligation. We at Mill Creek Roofing strive to provide a reliable professional opinion among the confusions that comes with an inundation of less than reputable storm chasers. We are a local company who want to help homeowners protect their home and families. 
​
Call us today to schedule your free, no obligation roof inspection at 832-840-1400!

CertainTeed is a wonderful company that gives back to the community in a number of ways. This year they are offering a $250 Cabela's gift card after the installation of a CertainTeed Integrity Roof System for members of the military. We are a proud SELECT ShingleMaster roofing company and can fulfill the requirements of installing your roof and registering your SureStart warranty! This is a great opportunity to not only get a quality roof replacement for your home, but also a gift for yourself! 

Please follow the steps below to receive your gift card:
1. Have a CertainTeed Credentialed Contractor install an Integrity Roof SystemTM with SureStartTM PLUS warranty coverage on your house between January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2019.
2. Confirm that the contractor registered your SureStart PLUS warranty with CertainTeed.3. Fill out this form completely and provide the information required in the box below.
4. Attach a copy of the contractor’s invoice for your Integrity Roof System.
5. Attach a copy of your Active Military I.D. or another form of Military identification.
6. Mail everything to: CertainTeed Roofing, 272 Brodhead Rd. - Suite 100, Bethlehem, PA 18017Attn: RWB by January 31, 2020. Allow 3 to 6 weeks for processing of your gift card.

All rules and instructions can be found here!

​

Replacing a roof is no small task. You need to hire a contractor, select products and choose colors. It can be an overwhelming process, but the right contractor can make this process short and easy. Mill Creek Roofing’s project managers are here to do just that- make it easy. Before you even make the choice to call us, you might have questions on shingle warranties. This is understandable, not all warranties are created equal and close attention is needed to choose the product that is covered by the best warranty. There are many misconceptions about shingle warranties and what they cover, we want to clear everything up and give you a comprehensive understanding of how warranties work so you can make informed decisions and have greater confidence in your choice in products. 
 
I’m looking into buying a new roof and want to understand what a Manufacturer’s warranty means?
In a nutshell, manufacturer’s warranties cover you if there is a problem with your shingles due to an issue that occurred during the manufacturing process. This problem is often referred to as a manufacturing defect. These warranties are manufacturers standing behind their product for a specified amount of time. 
 
What do you mean by a manufacturing defect?
A manufacturing defect means that the shingle was not manufactured to product specifications or does not meet the manufacturer’s standards. Many manufacturers utilize state-of-the-art technology and quality control measures to ensure that their shingles are made to their specifications so that the occurrence of manufacturing defects are avoided. 
 
What should I do if I think my shingles have a manufacturing defect?
If you suspect that you have a manufacturing issue, please contact Mill Creek roofing at 832-840-1400 or at contact@millcreekroofingtx.com. We will be happy to inspect your roof. If the issue is in fact a manufacturing issue we can contact your manufacturer on your behalf and begin the process to a resolution. 
 
If it is determined that my issue is a manufacturing defect, what exactly am I covered for?
This is where it helps to understand the warranty coverage that comes with your shingles. Each manufacturer specifies different coverage details. Within each manufacturer there might also be different warranty options for each product. The most common shingle warranty might be worded as a “limited, lifetime warranty”. Most often this means coverage for as long as you, as an individual homeowner, own your home – NOT for the life of the home. This also does not mean the shingles will last a lifetime. The shingles’ life span can be diminished due to the impact and severity of weather conditions, freeze/thaw cycles, UV rays, etc. so it is very important to ask for the specifications of the warranty provided with the shingles you have chosen because the wide variance. 
 
How do shingle warranties differ between companies?
Each manufacturer has different specifications that must be met before they determine that they will replace the shingles. Some companies will only cover the shingles if the defect affects the shingle’s performance or has resulted in a leak. Others will cover the shingles if your roof is leaking or not through the entire warranty coverage period. 
 
What happens if there is a manufacturing defect with my shingles after the coverage period?
After the coverage period many manufacturers offer a “prorated coverage”. This means that you will only be covered for the shingles. You will receive a portion of the original purchase price of the shingles- a number that gradually decreases each month as the roof gets older. You would be responsible for the tear off of the roof, disposal of the old materials, and installation of the new shingles. 
 
If I sell my home is the warranty coverage transferable?
This depends on the warranty coverage that came with your shingles. Many warranties are transferable, but not all. Pay close attention to this when choosing your roofing products. 
 
Do all warranties come with a lifetime warranty?
No, warranties vary by manufacturer and product. Most shingles carry the similar type of warranty coverage but some have less 
 
Are extended warranties offered?
Yes, most manufacturers offer extended warranty options. These options can be discussed with your project manager. 
 
These are a the most frequently asked questions and we hope that this clears up some of the confusion about manufacturer warranties. If you still have questions or concerns, feel free to contact us at 832-840-1400 or contact@millcreekroofingtx.com. 

​It is important to protect you, your family, and your home and unfortunately this means watching out for scam roofers. In Texas, since there is no need for a license to perform roof projects there is often an influx of people who take advantage of homeowners need for repairs and replacements after a large storm. To avoid these scams there are a few questions you can ask before working with a contractor. 
 
Do You Have Proper Insurance?
Insurance should always be present regardless of what home improvement project is in progress. Coverage descriptions often differ, but it should always include liability insurance. Liability insurance covers accidental property damage that protects you from being held liable. We are happy to provide our proof of insurance at any time. 
 
Do You Have References?
Sampling a contractor’s past work, is the best way to ensure that the contractor performs quality work. Reputable contractors should have no problem providing a few references from recent customers. We recommend that if you have any concerns you ask us for a reference list and then personally look at their roofs. 
 
Do You Have a Physical Location?
Online interactions have become so common that it’s easy to forget the importance of a physical location. Contractors with a physical location provide the security that in the case of a warranty claim, the contractor is less likely to run out on you. 
 
Do You Offer Workmanship Warranties?
The ideal roofing warranty should cover workmanship and materials. Workmanship warranties are especially important because many companies do not offer this. We not only offer manufacturer’s warranty on material, we also include a workmanship warranty through Mill Creek Roofing with every roof replacement. 
 
Have any questions or need more information? Call us today at 832-840-1400. 

As a trusted local roofer, Mill Creek Roofing can provide fast and wide-ranging emergency repairs. When mother nature strikes, don’t let your roof sustain any more damage than necessary. We are answering some of the frequently asked questions that homeowners just like you have. 
 
What qualifies as an “Emergency Repair”?
Any event where your entire roofing system is compromised qualifies for emergency roof repair. The most common instance is when inclement weather like a hurricane that could include high wind, heavy rain, or hail that causes secondary water damage. 
 
In cases like this, we can install an emergency tarp or temporary covering on your roof and wait until the bad weather ends. Once the weather has passed we will recommend appropriate repairs or a replacement to fix your roof. 
 
What Should I Do When My Roof Gets Damaged?
Don’t panic if your roof gets damaged. The damage has been done and it’s just a matter of documenting it for your insurance claims. We recommend that you call us before your insurance provider. We can provide an in-depth assessment of your roof and then advocate on your behalf to your insurance adjuster. 
 
When Is a Roof Leak Repair Necessary?
Any time that the roof is compromised and is vulnerable to water intrusion requires a roof repair. The roof can be compromised by not only heavy downpours but also high winds that often occur during the seasonal hurricane. These winds can lift the shingles or tear them off completely. The high winds can also cause branches to fall from trees and scratch and penetrate the shingles. These damages can also result in costly repairs in the interior of your home as well. 
 
If you have any questions or need a quote for damages call us at 832-840-1400.

​When searching for a roofing contractor exercising due diligence is required to find the right contractor for your roofing project. A huge part of that is reading online reviews from previous customers. According to a few 2017 surveys and research projects, more than 90% of consumers turn to online reviews to check out local businesses. Among those around 90% of consumers trust the reviews as much as a personal recommendation. These reviews are helpful in a number of ways including the ones discussed below.
 
Verifying Claims 
Believing every roofer is honest can cause a lot of problems. If you want to know about a prospective roofing company’s integrity, find out what others have to say about it. \A bad roofer might promise anything just to get your business. 
 
Checking out online reviews first is an effective way to know whether the claims your prospective roofers are making are true or not. If there is a disconnect between their words an those of their former clients, that’s a red flag. 
 
Avoiding Bad Deals 
As in any industry, there are less than trustworthy contractors. Avoid falling prey to dishonest roofing companies by reading online reviews and familiarizing yourself with them. Use the experiences of others to protect yourself from being led that isn’t true. 
 
Reading About Dispute Resolution Policy 
Even the best roofing companies make mistakes, but only reliable one will address them. The Better Business Bureau is perhaps the most authoritative source of the dispute-resolution history. An A/A+ rating doesn’t necessarily mean that the company is perfect, but rather indicates that customer satisfaction is reached even after a shortcoming. 
 
At Mill Creek Roofing, we are only as good as our past customers believe we are. We do everything in our power to ensure that customers are happy with the finished product. We strive to maintain customer satisfaction and our A rating on BBB. Call us at 832-840-1400 today to schedule a free inspection or for any other questions.  

Homeowners usually undergo home improvement projects with the expectation of upgrading their current space into something they have always wanted. Although homeowners sometimes expect that this upgrade will significantly add value to their home, most home improvement projects won’t add that much to the bottom line if you go to sell your home. With that said, there are home improvement projects that combine aesthetic upgrades with upgrades to your home’s value and a new roof is one of them! 

R.O.I Of A New Roof
Replacing a roof is a very expensive project that most homeowners avoid. Even though the cost can be an issue for homeowners, if a roof is damaged or needs to be replaced it can affect more than just a home’s overall value. It can cause increased energy bills, reduce curb appeal and may impact your homeowner’s insurance rates.

According to the Qualified Remodeler report, homeowners who replace or upgrade their roof see 109% return on their investment when they go to sell their home. That’s great news for homeowners! 

What makes the ROI of a new roof so high? To start, the roof of a home accounts for about 40% of the overall curb appeal. An old, damaged or ugly roof can negatively impact a home’s list price and the length of time it stays on the market. In fact, according to the Qualified Remodeler report, however, 32% of real estate agents claim that a recently replaced roof helped close the deal. 

In addition to curb appeal, a new roof often improves a home’s energy efficiency and can reduce overall insurance rates. Roofing materials today are far more advanced than they were even 10 years ago and offer superior  protection against leaks and potential damage. All of these benefits give homeowners peace of mind and that’s why homes with a new roof are sought after by home buyers.

Have questions or need more information? Contact us today at 832-840-1400 or email us at contact@millcreekroofingtx.com. 

For many, Labor Day signifies the end of what feels like summer. While fall doesn't officially start until September 22nd, the feeling of summer starts to disappear after the holiday. Get a jump start on home maintenance tasks for fall by finishing these improvement projects while the weather is still good. 

1. Request A Roof Inspection
Summer can be hard on your home, but scorching temperatures can be especially harmful to your roof. In addition, the spring and summer months are typically when more severe weather occurs. If you have not had a professional roof inspection yet this year – now is the time! Trust us, you don't want to wait until it is freezing outside to find out you have a roof leak or that your roof needs to be replaced!

2. Weatherproof Your Home
As the cold approaches, it is important to make sure no warm air will be escaping this winter. Keep the heat in by caulking around doors.

3. Trim Trees And Bushes
Every homeowner knows that raking leaves during the fall is a pain – but trees too close to your home can cause serious damage. Trim trees back to prevent debris build up on your roof as trees lose their leaves this fall.

4. Add Insulation
Whether it's hot or cold, proper insulation will lower your energy bills and ensure a comfortable indoor temperature. If you have noticed that your energy bills are slowly increasing it means that it is time to replace your insulation.

5. Check Your Gutters!
As with many other aspects of your home, it is important to properly and routinely inspect and maintain your gutters to ensure that they remain in complete working order. Without proper maintenance, they can become overwhelmed with ice formation that is made even worse as the heavy spring rains come in. Routine gutter inspection and maintenance can go a long way in preventing this from becoming a problem. Summer days are limited so get these home improvement projects started now. Fall brings its own list of seasonal projects, and you’ll be thankful that you didn’t let your summer to-dos pile up into the fall.

Have questions or need more information? Contact us today in the comments below, at 832-840-1400 or visit us on Facebook.

Like all major home improvement projects, homeowners should look at a new roof as an investment. Your roof protects you and your family from inclement weather, so it is very important to have a sound roof. A new roof, which cost an average of over $10,000, is one of the more expensive home improvement tasks, but there are several ways that your new roof could put cash in your pocket.

1.A New Roof Increases Protection
In the past decade shingles have seen a significant increase in wind rating. During the 90s shingles topped out being rated for 65-mph winds. Today, shingles easily rate for 120-mph winds and can often be found rating for up to 130-mph winds. For homeowners, this means that a new roof offers better protection against the elements and can help save on minor repairs.

2. A New Roof Increases Energy Efficiency
So many different types of shingles exist today, it can make choosing a new roof a difficult task. Choosing an energy efficient shingle can help lower utility costs and keep your home comfortable all year long. Start by choosing the right shingle color. Different colored shingles reflect different levels of light and heat. This means that these shingles are highly reflective and can lower your electricity bill by reducing the amount of heat that penetrates your roof.

3. A New Roof May Offer Insurance Savings
Insurance companies will charge premiums for customers whose roofing is out of code. A new roof can bring your home up to current code and greatly reduce your insurance rates. Not to mention that it is much safer to live under a roof that follows these codes!

4. A New Roof Offers Superior Moisture Protection
There is a layer underneath shingles that adds extra protection. This layer is called underlayment. Today’s underlayment is excellent at protecting the wood underneath your shingles. This extra level of protection can save you money on your homeowner’s insurance.

5. A New Roof Gives You Peace Of Mind
The roof on your home protects your family, belongings and more. By replacing or upgrading your current roof to one that is more energy efficient and up to code, you can have peace of mind that what matters most to you is fully protected.

Have questions or need more information? Contact us today in the comments below or at 832-840-1400.