1. Hire the crew directly
Work with crews whose insurance has been reviewed by a licensed insurance agent. You sign with the crew, not a middleman.
Storm restoration
After the storm, start here.
Roof, exterior, garage door, HVAC, solar, interior and cleanup trades in one place, from independent providers you hire directly.
Skip the retail markup
Hire the crew directly. Keep the markup in your project.
Many retail contractors sell the job, then subcontract the actual work to independent crews and add their margin on top.
RPS Trades is built to connect property owners closer to the working crews, reducing unnecessary sales layers where possible, so more of your budget can go into the work itself, or into upgrades that better protect your home.
2. Be your own project manager
We show you how: a written scope, permits, material delivery, inspections at each stage, and lien waivers with every payment.
3. Or get help along the way
Prefer support? Optional project support, such as checkpoint photos, delivery checks, final inspection and warranty registration, is planned. We’ll explain the services, prices and payment terms before you agree to any paid service.
Acting as your own project manager means you’re responsible for permits, scheduling and payments; our guidance is general information, not legal advice. If insurance is paying for the work, how any difference is handled depends on your policy, and Texas law requires you to pay your deductible.
Done right from the deck up
What shortcuts cost you
Ventilation that works as a system
Texas summers are hard on roofs, and the attic is where that heat builds up. Most homes have vents. The problem is how the system is laid out.
- Mixing exhaust types. A ridge vent combined with turbines or box vents on the same roof can work against each other and pull air from the wrong places.
- Poor placement. Vents in the wrong spots leave hot pockets in the attic that never clear out.
- Unbalanced intake and exhaust. Too little intake at the soffits, or soffits blocked by insulation, keeps air from moving through the attic.
Trapped heat and moisture bake shingles from below, which can lead to blistering, curling and granule loss years early. Shingle manufacturers set ventilation requirements, and improper ventilation can affect warranty coverage.
Tear-off to the deck, not over it
One of the most common shortcuts is laying new underlayment right over the old underlayment. It saves the crew time, but nobody ever sees the wood decking underneath.
Soft, rotted or water-damaged decking stays hidden under a brand-new roof. The new shingles may not hold properly, and the damage keeps spreading where you can’t see it.
Our standard for roof replacements: the old roof comes off down to the deck, the decking is inspected and photographed, damaged boards are replaced, and new underlayment goes down to the manufacturer’s requirements.
That’s why we look at the whole roof before a new one goes on.
- HAAG Certified Inspectors are trained to tell storm damage apart from other wear, including heat-related damage like blistering that can point to a ventilation problem.
- Manufacturer-credentialed installers are trained on each manufacturer’s installation and ventilation requirements, so the new roof is installed the way the warranty expects.
- Every stage is photographed, including the bare deck, so you can see what’s under your roof before it’s covered up.
Our roofing standard
The credentials we look for
For roofing, we seek out crews that hold shingle manufacturer installation credentials, and inspectors who are HAAG Certified. Here’s what each one means, straight from the source.
Manufacturer certified installer
Shingle manufacturers train and certify roofing contractors and individual installers on their own installation and ventilation requirements. We count a certification from any manufacturer equally. It is a plus, never the deciding factor on its own.
How we weigh credentialsHighest state license
Where a trade is licensed, we look for the top license level and a clean record with no disciplinary actions.
Our partner standardsHAAG Certified Inspector
HAAG certifies individual inspectors in identifying and documenting roof damage, with yearly renewal.
About HAAG certificationManufacturer installation training includes each manufacturer’s attic ventilation requirements, which their warranties depend on. RPS Trades does not favor any manufacturer and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any manufacturer or certifying organization.
Checklist
After-the-storm checklist
- Make sure everyone is safe and stay off damaged roofs.
- Take dated photos of all damage.
- Prevent further damage if you safely can, and keep receipts.
- Report the loss to your insurer.
- Get quotes if you want, but don't sign anything until you talk to us.
- Remember that you must pay your deductible.
Why talk to us before you sign? Every RPS Trades crew's insurance is reviewed by a licensed insurance agent, and RPS Trades is built to connect property owners closer to the working crews, reducing unnecessary sales layers where possible. That difference can go toward upgrades that better protect your home. Insurance claim questions are outside our scope. Send us a request and we'll refer you to an independent licensed public adjuster, appraiser, or attorney, who will contact you directly. RPS does not charge you for the referral, and no one pays us for it. You can also join a homeowner workshop.
Solar
Solar panel detach and reset
Replacing a roof under solar panels means removing the panels and reinstalling them afterward. We connect you with providers who use licensed electricians, coordinate with your roofer on mounts and flashing, and follow panel manufacturers’ warranty requirements.
Stay with the network after the storm.
When the repairs are done, use the same network for lawn care, garage doors, HVAC tune-ups, cleanup and more.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Will filing a storm claim raise my rates?
Under Texas law, a claim for a loss caused by natural causes, like hail or wind, can’t be counted toward a claims-based surcharge or non-renewal (Texas Insurance Code §551.107). Rates can still change for everyone in an area when insurers file new rates. If your home has storm damage, talk with your insurer or a licensed public adjuster about your options.
I can’t afford my deductible. What are my options?
Texas law requires you to pay your deductible, and no contractor may waive or cover it. If you need to spread out the cost, RPS Trades can point you to independent home improvement lenders that work with a range of credit profiles. Approval depends on the lender, and RPS Trades is not a lender. Leaving storm damage unrepaired can lead to bigger, costlier problems later.
My roof isn’t leaking. Could I still have damage?
Yes. Hail damage often can’t be seen from the ground and may not leak right away. A HAAG Certified Inspector can check your roof and document what they find.
Is there a deadline to report storm damage?
Most policies set a time limit for reporting a loss, and waiting can make damage harder to document. Check your policy or ask your insurer.
I’m not a construction person. Can I really manage my own project?
Our DIY path helps you organize your repairs and hire qualified trades directly, with RPS providing assistance and direction as a trusted advisor. You make the decisions and providers perform the work. Complex projects may need technical design, permits, inspections, or professional construction management. Explore the DIY path and storm-scam safeguards. RPS Trades does not handle or negotiate insurance claims.
Why not just hire a retail roofing company?
Texas doesn’t require a state license to start a roofing company, so there are thousands of roofing companies in DFW, and not every one has your best interest in mind. Many are sales organizations that subcontract the work and mark it up. Through RPS Trades, you hire the working crew directly and retain approval authority. Compare complete bids for the same scope, materials and warranties before you decide.
Can you help with my insurance claim?
Insurance claim questions are outside our scope, and our providers don’t handle claims. Send us a request and we’ll refer you to an independent licensed public adjuster.
Who does the work?
An independent provider who contracts directly with you.
Is mold remediation licensed in Texas?
Yes. Texas requires a license for mold remediation, and RPS checks that license through the state lookup before introducing a provider for that work.
What should I do right after damage?
Follow the checklist above: stay safe, take photos, prevent further damage if you safely can, and report the loss to your insurer.
Can a contractor cover my deductible?
No. Texas law requires you to pay your deductible, and offering to waive it is illegal.
Request a quote
Tell us what you need
Preferred pricing may be available from participating providers.
Tell us what you need using our request form. We’ll review your request and follow up by phone or email, whichever you prefer. If a suitable contractor whose certificate of insurance and required licenses we’ve reviewed is available, we’ll introduce you and share their contact details. RPS does not charge homeowners for introductions. You’re never obligated to hire anyone.