Frame measurement note for DFW roof work
Our team uses this page as an inspection checklist, not a generic roofing article. When we inspect a DFW roof, our crew records the roof age in years, labels the 4 primary roof faces when present, checks at least 2 likely leak paths, and separates repair, replacement, tarping, and maintenance notes before any recommendation.
In our experience, the details homeowners actually use are visible-condition details: shingle edges, flashing, gutters, attic moisture, decking softness, ventilation, and owner photos from the last 12 months. We inspect those items because a clear written scope is more useful than a broad storm script.
DFW storm season brings legitimate roof damage and legitimate contractors. It also brings rushed pitches, vague scopes, deductible games, and pressure to sign before the roof has been documented. Homeowners do not need to panic-sign after hail. If your roof took a hit, start with our page on DFW hail and storm damage roof repair.
What the October 2026 Collin County Roofing Judgment Says
In May 2026, the Texas Attorney General sued Rubinsky Roofing LLC and its owner. On Oct 5, 2026, the 429th District Court of Collin County signed a no-answer default judgment, meaning the defendants were served but did not appear or answer. The Attorney General announced it on Oct 8.
- The court found 27 violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, five of them involving consumers 65 or older.
- It ordered $1.52 million in civil penalties and the deposit of $500,626.64 for consumer restitution.
- It permanently barred the company and its owner from the practices at issue in the lawsuit.
- The Attorney General said its Consumer Protection Division will contact affected consumers about restitution.
These are the court's findings and the Attorney General's statements, as of Oct 13, 2026. Read the Attorney General's release and the signed judgment (PDF); Dallas Express also covered it. The case has no connection to Frame Restoration.
How to Vet a DFW Roofer Before You Sign (Checklist)
- Know there's no state roofing license. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation doesn't license roofing contractors. The Roofing Contractors Association of Texas runs a voluntary licensing program with a searchable directory. It's an industry credential, not a state license (RCAT program details).
- Check for and report complaints through the Texas Attorney General's consumer protection page, which links to its complaint form.
- Read the BBB profile at bbb.org. Look at the complaints and how the company responded, not only the letter grade. (Here's ours.)
- Verify the business entity with the Texas Comptroller's entity search or the Secretary of State's SOSDirect.
- Ask who pulls the permit. Many DFW cities require a roofing permit; ask the contractor who pulls it and check with your city.
- Ask for a certificate of insurance sent directly from the insurer or agent, showing general liability (and workers' comp or the alternative they carry).
- Get a physical local address and verify it on a map. A P.O. box isn't enough.
- Get a written, itemized scope and dated photos before you sign.
- Never sign a deductible-waiver offer. It's illegal in Texas (Business & Commerce Code §27.02; see the Texas Department of Insurance summary and our Texas deductible law guide).
- Remember a roofer can't act as your adjuster. Texas Insurance Code §4102.163 bars a contractor doing the work from adjusting the claim (same TDI summary). Be wary of "we'll handle your claim."
- Don't pay large deposits up front. Tie payments to delivered materials or completed milestones, in writing.
This guide is not legal advice and not insurance advice. Frame Restoration documents observed roof conditions and prepares written construction scopes. Frame provides documentation only, does not promise claim outcomes, and does not represent you in the claim.
Red flag 1: deductible-waiver language
Any pitch that says your deductible can be avoided, hidden, absorbed, or made to disappear should slow the conversation down. Texas homeowners should understand the deductible rule before signing a storm-damage roof agreement.
Read the Texas deductible law guide before agreeing to any deductible-related promise.
Red flag 2: pressure before documentation
A contractor should be able to document observed conditions, explain what was inspected, and provide a written scope. Pressure to sign before photos, scope, materials, and boundaries are clear is a warning sign. So is a request for a large upfront deposit before any material is delivered.
Red flag 3: vague scope language
"We will handle everything" is not a construction scope. A storm-damage roof scope should say what work is included and what is not included.
- tear-off and disposal,
- underlayment, starter, drip edge, and flashing details,
- ridge cap, vents, pipe boots, and accessories,
- decking inspection and replacement assumptions,
- ventilation approach if roof replacement is involved,
- material line, color, and warranty terms,
- temporary water-control items if a leak is active.
Red flag 4: insurance-control promises
Be careful when a contractor talks like they control coverage. Your insurance carrier determines coverage. A roofer can document conditions and prepare construction scopes, but should not promise claim outcomes or step into the licensed adjusting role reserved for licensed professionals.
For safe claim-documentation boundaries, read the Texas hail damage claim guide.
Red flag 5: no local accountability
After a major hail event, out-of-area contractors may appear quickly. The question is not whether a contractor came from outside DFW. The question is whether the homeowner can verify accountability, contact information, warranty terms, workmanship support, and a real path for follow-up.
Ask who will manage the project, who answers after installation, where warranty documents go, and what happens if a leak concern appears later.
Red flag 6: no repair-versus-replacement explanation
Not every storm concern means full replacement. Not every repair is enough. The recommendation should explain why the observed conditions point to repair, replacement, or monitoring.
Use the DFW roof repair vs replacement guide when the recommendation is unclear.
Red flag 7: discouraging homeowner questions
A strong contractor should welcome practical questions. If the answer is always "do not worry about it," ask for the detail in writing.
- What roof conditions did you observe?
- What photos support the recommendation?
- What is included in the written scope?
- What is excluded?
- Who determines insurance coverage?
- What warranty terms apply?
- Who do I call after the work is complete?
What a clean storm-season process looks like
A clean process starts with inspection and documentation. Then the homeowner should receive a written scope that separates observed conditions, construction recommendations, materials, warranty, and any temporary work. If insurance is involved, the carrier determines coverage.
For storm prep and post-storm steps, use the DFW hail season roof guide, see how we approach DFW hail and storm damage roof repair, or read what a storm damage roof inspection in Dallas covers.
Frame's storm-season boundary
Frame documents the damage with photos and prepares a written roofing scope for your carrier to review. We can meet your carrier's adjuster on site when you request it. Coverage decisions stay between you and your insurer. We document; your carrier decides. Learn more on our insurance roof documentation page.
The goal is a clear roof decision based on documented conditions, not a pressure pitch built around the storm.
Frequently asked questions
Does Texas require roofers to be licensed?
No. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation doesn't license roofing contractors, so anyone can call themselves a roofer. The Roofing Contractors Association of Texas runs a voluntary licensing program. That makes your own checks (insurance, address, complaints, written scope) more important.
How do I check complaints against a Texas roofer?
Check the company's BBB profile and how it responded to complaints, look up the business entity with the Texas Comptroller or Secretary of State, and use the Texas Attorney General's consumer protection page to report problems. Ask for local references you can call.
What happened in the Collin County roofing judgment?
On Oct 5, 2026, the 429th District Court of Collin County signed a no-answer default judgment against Rubinsky Roofing LLC and its owner in a Texas Attorney General lawsuit. The court found 27 DTPA violations and ordered $1.52 million in civil penalties plus $500,626.64 for consumer restitution.
Is it legal for a roofer to waive my deductible in Texas?
No. Texas law prohibits a contractor from offering to waive, rebate, or absorb your insurance deductible, and insurers can ask for proof you paid it, according to the Texas Department of Insurance.
Can a roofer handle my insurance claim?
No. Under Texas Insurance Code §4102.163, a contractor doing the work can't act as an adjuster on your claim. A roofer can document damage and prepare a roofing scope; your carrier decides coverage.
Should I pay a big deposit before work starts?
Be cautious. Ask what the deposit covers, get it in a written contract, and tie payments to delivered materials or completed work. Pressure to pay a large amount on the spot is a red flag.
What should I get in writing before signing?
A written, itemized scope, dated inspection photos, the company's legal name and physical address, a certificate of insurance, warranty terms, and who pulls the permit.
What should I do if a roofer knocks after a hailstorm?
Take their card, don't sign or pay on the spot, and verify them with the checklist above. Report storm damage to your insurer yourself, and get a documented inspection before choosing anyone.
What is a storm chaser roofer?
A storm chaser roofer is commonly understood as a contractor who follows storm events and solicits homeowners after hail or wind. Not every out-of-area contractor is automatically unsafe, but storm-season pressure tactics, vague scopes, and deductible-waiver pitches are serious red flags.
What should a storm-damage roof scope include?
A storm-damage roof scope should identify observed conditions, roof areas affected, materials, accessories, flashing, ventilation, decking assumptions, exclusions, warranty terms, and what is temporary versus permanent if emergency work is involved.