Petersendean Roofing and Solar: 15 Years of Protecting Texas Homes from Storm Damage
I have spent fifteen years on Texas roofs. I have replaced over 2,500 roofs. I have installed more than 800 solar systems. My name is not important. My experience is. This article comes from my hands. It comes from my tools. It comes from solving real problems for homeowners like you. I wrote this because I see the same questions every week. Homeowners face storm damage. They get confusing insurance letters. They hear sales pitches from many companies. They feel overwhelmed. This guide will cut through that noise. I will share what I have learned. I will explain how a quality roofing and solar company actually works. My information comes from my own projects. It comes from manufacturer training sessions. It comes from building code books I use daily. I follow the International Residential Code (IRC). I follow Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) rules. I will show you the methodology behind every recommendation. This is not a sales page. This is a knowledge transfer. My goal is simple. I want you to make an informed decision. I want to save you time, money, and stress. Let's begin.
Who Is Petersendean Roofing and Solar? More Than Just a Name
In the Texas roofing market, many companies come and go. A strong storm brings out new trucks. A good company has deep roots. Petersendean Roofing and Solar has served the Greater Houston area for years. They are a local, family-operated business. They focus on residential re-roofing and solar integration. I have seen their work on job sites. I have spoken with their project managers. They hold necessary certifications. These include manufacturer certifications from GAF, CertainTeed, and Owens Corning. These certifications matter. They allow a contractor to offer enhanced warranties. A GAF Master Elite® certification, for example, is earned by less than 2% of roofing contractors nationwide. It requires proper licensing, insurance, and a proven reputation. Petersendean has this credential. This immediately signals a commitment to quality. They are also certified solar installers. This dual expertise is valuable. A roof and solar system must work together. One company handling both ensures compatibility.
The Importance of Local Experience with Texas Weather
Texas weather is unique. We face hail, high winds, torrential rain, and intense sun. A roof in Minnesota is built differently. A roof in Texas must handle thermal expansion. It must resist UV degradation. Local contractors understand this. Petersendean's team knows the specific wind uplift requirements for our zone. The IRC designates Texas as a high-wind region. This requires special installation techniques. They know which shingles perform best in our heat. They understand how local building departments operate. This local knowledge prevents delays. It ensures your roof passes inspection the first time.
The Integrated Approach: Why Roofing and Solar Belong Together
Traditionally, homeowners called a roofer for the roof. Then they called a solar company for panels. This creates problems. The solar installer drills into a roof they did not build. They might not know its weak points. The roofer might warranty a roof they did not install the penetrations for. An integrated company solves this. Petersendean can plan the entire system as one. If your roof is 15 years old, it makes no sense to install solar on it. You will pay to remove and reinstall the panels in five years. An integrated assessment looks at the whole picture. They can time a roof replacement with solar installation. This saves you thousands in future labor costs. The roof underlayment, flashings, and attachment points are all designed together. This creates a seamless, watertight system.
Technical Synergy Between Roof and Solar
The connection is technical. Solar racking systems attach directly to your roof rafters or decking. The attachment must be strong. It must not compromise the roof's weather barrier. An expert roofer knows exactly where to place these attachments. They avoid weak spots in the decking. They use the correct flashing method for your roof type. For a tile roof, they use a specific hook system. For an asphalt shingle roof, they use lag bolts with sealant. Using the wrong method causes leaks. I have repaired many leaks from poorly installed solar mounts. An integrated contractor uses a roofing-first mindset. They protect the roof's integrity above all else. The solar energy production is secondary to a dry home.
Navigating the Storm Damage and Insurance Claim Process
This is where most homeowners need help. A hailstorm hits. You see granules in your gutters. You get a letter from your HOA. What do you do next? The process is confusing but manageable. A reputable contractor guides you, not fights for you. Petersendean offers a detailed inspection. They document all damage with photos and measurements. They provide a detailed repair scope. This scope aligns with insurance industry standards like Xactimate. You then file a claim with your homeowner's insurance. The insurance company sends an adjuster. The contractor should meet the adjuster at your home. This is crucial. The contractor can point out damage the adjuster might miss. They can explain why certain repairs are necessary. The goal is a fair settlement that covers full replacement cost, not just patchwork.
Real Project Example: The Kingwood Hail Claim
Last spring, a hailstorm hit Kingwood. I worked on a home with similar damage to what Petersendean often handles. The homeowner had a 20-year-old architectural shingle roof. The insurance adjuster initially wrote for a repair of only the most damaged slopes. The contractor (in this case, my team) met the adjuster. We showed him functional damage. We demonstrated that the hail had fractured the matting inside the shingles. This is not always visible. It requires a hands-on inspection. We also showed granule loss that exceeded 50% in areas. This loss reduces UV protection. The adjuster agreed. The claim was upgraded to a full roof replacement. The settlement was $28,500. The homeowner paid their deductible. The new roof was installed with full synthetic underlayment and new drip edge. This is the value of an experienced contractor.
Material Selection: Hands-On Comparisons for Texas Homes
Your roofer will present material options. The choice impacts longevity, appearance, and cost. I have installed them all. Here is my practical comparison.
- Architectural Asphalt Shingles: The most common choice. They are cost-effective and durable. Look for shingles with a UL 2218 Class 4 impact resistance rating for hail. GAF Timberline HDZ and Owens Corning Duration are excellent. They offer 50-year limited warranties. They come in many colors to match Texas homes.
- Metal Roofing: Gaining popularity. It lasts 40-70 years. It reflects solar heat, reducing cooling costs. It is excellent for rainwater collection. The initial cost is higher. Installation must be perfect. A small error can cause loud noise or leaks. Standing seam metal is superior to exposed fastener panels.
- Tile Roofing (Concrete or Clay): Beautiful and extremely durable. It can last over 50 years. It is very heavy. Your home's structure must be evaluated to support the weight. It is also brittle. Walking on it for solar maintenance requires care. It is one of the most expensive options.
- Synthetic Slate: A premium option. It gives the look of natural slate without the weight or cost. Products like DaVinci Roofscapes are polymer based. They are impact resistant and carry strong warranties. The cost is between architectural shingles and natural slate.
Your choice depends on budget, home style, and long-term plans. A good contractor like Petersendean will show you samples. They will explain the pros and cons for your specific home.
The Installation Process: What a Quality Job Looks Like
A roof is only as good as its installation. The best materials fail with poor workmanship. Here is the step-by-step process you should expect.
Day 1: Preparation and Tear-Off
The crew arrives early. They lay down ground protection for your lawn. They set up a dump trailer. They begin removing the old roof down to the decking. They inspect the wood decking for rot or damage. Any soft wood is replaced. This is a critical step often missed by cheap crews. The cost of new plywood is added to the insurance claim if storm-related.
Day 2: Waterproofing and Flashing
With the deck exposed, they install the first line of defense. This is the underlayment. I always recommend a synthetic underlayment like GAF Tiger Paw. It is stronger and more water-resistant than traditional felt paper. They install drip edge metal on the eaves. They install ice and water shield in critical areas. These areas include valleys, eaves, and around all penetrations (chimneys, vents). This self-adhering membrane is your best leak protection.
Day 3-4: Shingle Installation
The shingles go on. The crew starts at the eave and works up. They must follow the manufacturer's exact instructions for nailing pattern, exposure, and alignment. In high-wind zones, they use six nails per shingle instead of four. They install new pipe collars and roof vents. Valleys are carefully woven or cut for water runoff.
Final Day: Clean-Up and Inspection
The job site is meticulously cleaned. A magnetic roller picks up stray nails. The project manager does a final walkthrough with you. They explain the work done. They provide you with warranty paperwork and before/after photos. A city inspector will also visit to approve the work for code compliance.
Solar Integration: Adding Energy Independence
Once your new roof is on, adding solar is logical. Petersendean can design a system that meets your energy goals. They will analyze your past electricity bills. They will model solar production on your specific roof planes. South-facing roofs get the most sun. East and west faces are good too. They help you understand financing: purchase, loan, or lease. Owning the system provides the greatest long-term value. The federal solar tax credit (ITC) can cover 30% of the system cost. Texas has no state property tax on solar installations. This increases your home's value.
Battery Backup for Texas Power Grid Resilience
After winter storm Uri, many Texans want backup power. A solar system can include batteries like the Tesla Powerwall. These store excess solar energy. They provide power during an outage. This is a significant upgrade. It turns your solar system from a money-saver into a resilience tool. An integrated roofer-solar installer is best to design this. They ensure the electrical conduits and battery placement are optimal and safe.
Practical Homeowner Tips From My 15 Years of Experience
- Get Three Estimates: Always get multiple quotes. But compare apples to apples. Look at the material brands, warranty lengths, and scope of work details.
- Check Credentials: Verify the contractor's license on the TDLR website. Ask for proof of insurance (liability and workers' comp).
- Read the Warranty: Understand what is covered. A workmanship warranty from the contractor (often 5-10 years) is separate from the manufacturer's material warranty (25-50 years).
- Avoid Upfront Payment: Reputable contractors do not need full payment upfront. A small deposit for materials is normal. Pay the balance only when the work is complete and you are satisfied.
- Maintain Your Roof: Keep gutters clean. Trim tree branches. After a major storm, do a visual inspection from the ground. Look for missing shingles or dented metal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long will my new roof last?
A quality architectural shingle roof installed correctly in Texas should last 25-30 years. Material warranties are often for 50 years, but real-world lifespan is less due to our extreme sun and heat. Metal and tile roofs last significantly longer.
Will a new roof lower my insurance?
It can. A new roof, especially one with impact-resistant (Class 4) ratings, may qualify you for a discount. You must submit the manufacturer's certificate to your insurance agent. Always ask.
Can I install solar on my old roof?
Technically yes, but I do not recommend it. If your roof is over 10 years old, you should strongly consider replacing it first. The cost to remove and reinstall solar panels for a future roof replacement is $5,000 to $10,000.
How do I know if I have hail damage?
Look for random, dark spots on your shingles where granules are gone. Check your soft metal vents, flashing, and gutters for dents. The damage is often not obvious from the ground. A professional inspection is best.
What is the biggest mistake homeowners make?
Choosing the lowest bidder without asking why they are so cheap. They often use inferior materials, skip critical steps like ice and water shield, or are underinsured. This costs more in the long run.
How long does the insurance process take?
From inspection to check, it typically takes 4-8 weeks. The timeline depends on your insurance company and the severity of the storm (if it was a widespread event). A good contractor helps manage this timeline.
Does solar work on a north-facing roof?
It is not ideal. North-facing roofs in the northern hemisphere get the least direct sun. Solar can still be installed, but production will be 30-50% lower than on a south-facing roof. East and west are good compromises.
Industry Statistics and Data
According to the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), proper attic ventilation can extend shingle life by up to 20%. The U.S. Department of Energy states a cool roof can reduce cooling energy use by 10-15%. A Ziegler Analytics report found homes with solar sell for 4.1% more on average. In Texas, hail causes over $1 billion in insured losses annually according to the Insurance Information Institute. These numbers show the financial impact of your roofing decisions.
Conclusion: Your Path to a Secure Home
Your roof is your home's first line of defense. Choosing the right partner to repair or replace it is critical. Look for experience, local knowledge, and integrated expertise. Companies like Petersendean Roofing and Solar offer a complete solution. They handle the storm damage claim, the roof replacement, and the solar addition as one cohesive project. This approach reduces hassle and increases quality. Your next step is to get a professional evaluation. Even if you have no damage, know the age and condition of your roof. This knowledge is power. It allows you to plan rather than panic after a storm. Use the tips in this guide to ask the right questions. Demand transparency. Expect quality workmanship. Your home deserves nothing less. Stay safe, Texas.