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Spring is a time when severe thunderstorms that produce high winds and damaging hail are most likely to occur. After a potential devastating aftermath that may leave roofs in deplorable conditions, many Colleyville, TX homeowners tend to have a relatively similar experience. Countless flyers are taped to doors, yard sign ads spring up in the neighborhood, and phones begin ringing as roofing contractors make a familiar pitch claiming they can work with insurance carriers to ensure full coverage. Thousands of Bedford, TX homeowners sign up for this deal each year, but few know that it violates Texas law, making the deal illegal, void, and unenforceable.

Beginning in 2003, Texas has required individuals to be licensed as public adjusters if they intend to adjust claims on behalf of those insured. Additionally, public adjusters can negotiate a settlement of a claim under any insurance policy covering real or personal property. While licensed public adjusters are allowed to receive compensation for their services, Texas law statute states the following:

(a) A license holder may not:

(1) Participate directly or indirectly in the reconstruction, repair, or restoration of damaged property that is the subject of a claim adjusted by the license holder,

or,

(2) Engage in any other activities that may reasonably be construed as presenting a conflict of interest, including soliciting or accepting any remuneration from, or having a financial interest in, any salvage firm, repair firm, or other firm that obtains business in connection with any claim the license holder has a contract or agreement to adjust.

So for the purpose of this discussion, it is a violation of the Texas Insurance Code for a public adjuster to profit from both adjusting a claim as well as making the required repairs. Unfortunately, this provision has failed to stop some roofing contractors from engaging in similar conduct. Homeowners in Bedford, TX should ensure that their roofing contractor only performs services that involve replacing or repairing a roof. Quality professionals at Charles Martin and Son Roofing understand this process well has form contracts that are within the statute. If your home or business has been damaged by a recent storm, contact us to learn more about how we can help!

During yearly roof inspections, many professionals will also examine your Bedford, TX home’s ceilings for water seepage. Homeowners should know what to look for and take action as soon as possible. If a roof leak is detected and it has created moisture stains in your ceiling, there are a few tricks to make your home look like new again.

The size of the stain should be the deciding factor for what kind of action to take. If there is significant damage, that portion may require complete replacement. Generally speaking, smaller stains can be easily tackled. The top recommendation is to spray the spot with bleach and water solution, which will resolve the spot within a couple of days.

If the stain is relatively old, a mold and mildew remover is more appropriate. For cases of larger watermarks, use a pigmented stain blocker to cover the stain. Rollers can be used for smooth surface application while brushes are better suited for corner. Once the ceiling has dried for at least 24 hours, ceiling paint can be applied over the area.

Don’t try to fix a stain or any damaged drywall until you are sure that the moisture problem has been resolved. A professional at Charles Martin & Son Roofing can help with this project. If you are interested in learning more, contact us today for a free consultation!

Back in the day, exterior trim installation was relatively straightforward. Wood materials were used and methods that were handed down from previous generations provided years of trouble-free service. In today’s age, exterior trim installation requires significantly more carpentry skills and background knowledge of moisture movement along with thermal expansion. Below we will examine the crucial factors to consider when installing exterior trim.

Moisture Content: All wood contains moisture and once it has been built into a structure and protected from the elements, it will begin to dry out and shrink. If you are working on a home that is a few years out, movement from moisture isn’t as much of a consideration. If the house or addition is new, there will be shrinkage of the lumber. If not accounted for during installation, a noticeable gap will form in the eaves.

Trim Selection: Trim material comes in a lot more choices than in former years. This gives homeowners the liberty to match materials characteristics to job requirements, such as allowing plastic trim to come into contact with a driveway. It is essential to understand both the characteristics as well as limitations of your trim as they each require varying installation methods.

Moisture Absorption: Dimensional wood, engineered wood, and fiber cement are considered reservoir materials, meaning they have the ability to absorb moisture, leading to movement, paint failure, and rot. Poly-ash and PVC trim are unaffected by moisture and can be in direct contact with wet surfaces without any adverse effects.

Thermal Movement: Some trim materials expand and contract as the temperature warms and cools, such as PVC. This can further be affected by dark colored finishes, so paints with light reflective value of 55 or higher are recommended. Luckily, poly-ash, dimensional wood, engineered wood, and fiber-cement trim have minimal expansion and contraction movement.

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The best practice that you can follow is to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. The bottom line is that trim needs to stay where it belongs and hold the finish long after the initial installation. Professionals at Charles Martin & Son Roofing specialize in carpentry jobs around your home. Contact us for a free consultation and to learn more about what we can provide for you.