Severe storms can strike at any time, wreaking terrible havoc on your home. Powerful winds, torrential rain, and golf ball size hail can cause glass to shatter, trees to fall, and structures to collapse. Storm damage can be incredibly stressful, as it leads to expensive repairs. Roof repair is crucial though, as your roof must be well-repaired and functional for the safety of your home.
We’re here to give you some tips on how to file a storm damage claim. Through your journey to roof repair, our goal is to offer professional repairs done right the first time. It’s important to us that our roofing services be available to everyone, which is why we offer affordable roof repair. We’re also experienced in working with insurance agents, which gives us the knowledge to ensure you get the coverage you’re owed.
Types of Roof Damage Covered by Insurance
Homeowner’s insurance typically covers storm damage, as it’s an extreme situation that you have no control over. If you have roof damage due to lack of maintenance or old age, you’ll have to pay for roof repair out of pocket. Even with storm damage, every insurance company and policy is different.
Insurance for Partial Damage
Storm damage can shorten the lifespan of your roof, which may lead insurance to cover an entire roof replacement, even if there’s only partial damage. For example, if there was a hail storm, the insurance agent may count the hail strikes to determine its impact. If there are enough, it will lead them to cover the roof replacement.
Insurance for Matching Issues
If the required materials to fix your roof are not available, insurance may have to provide the whole roof replacement. They will have to determine the value of your roof and what kind of replacement would be appropriate.
Wind and Hail Damage
Because so many roof claims are made every year, insurance companies have to implement different levels of coverage for wind and hail damage. This means you may only receive “actual cash value” for wind and hail damage if your roof is too old to qualify for replacement. The cash value will depend on the determined value of your roof at the time of damage, taking into account its age and materials. The issue with this is that you may not get enough money to replace your roof. However, if you have a newer roof, you will likely get enough money to cover roof replacement costs.
Tips for Filing a Storm Damage Claim
Act Quickly
It’s important that you move fast after storm damage strikes. Many insurance policies limit the time you have to file a claim. It’s also important that roof repairs are handled before the damage gets worse.
Document Evidence
Right after the damage, it’s important that you take pictures of your roof. Keep a log of everything that’s happened, and don’t start cleaning up until you have the damage documented.
Review Your Policy
It’s important that you know what your homeowner’s policy covers. You’ll be better prepared when talking with your insurance company. Be firm with them, as sometimes they will try to undersell what you’re owed.
Professional Roofing Inspection
Before you have an insurance agent inspect the roof, call a professional roofing contractor to conduct a thorough inspection. They’ll be honest about the extent of the damage. Be wary of scammers though, as storm damage can bring scammers who promise cheap repairs. Research your contractor before they come, ensuring they’re licensed and experienced.
Insurance Inspection
Now it’s time to schedule a meeting with your insurance company. They should complete an inspection of the storm damage, and then come up with an action plan for roof repair or replacement.
After Roof Repair
After your roof is repaired, consider some steps you can take to prevent future damage. By conducting regular maintenance and winterizing your roof before the cold months, you’ll be better prepared to face harsh weather.
Regular Maintenance
Roof maintenance is highly recommended, as it can greatly expand your roof’s lifespan. Maintaining a roof includes inspecting it every few months for any damage. Look for missing or damaged shingles, roof leaks, water spots, clogged gutters, or damaged flashing. If you schedule a professional roofing inspection, it can catch potential issues and ensure your roof is in good condition.
Winterize Your Roof
Winterizing a roof is a great way to prepare for colder months. It includes thoroughly inspecting the roof, checking the gutters, trimming low hanging tree branches, insulating the attic, and receiving a professional roofing inspection. Look no further, because Perimeter Roofing Gainesville offers free roofing inspections! Schedule your inspection today so that you can be confident in the durability of your roof.
Storm Damage Repair Near You
If you find yourself in the midst of storm damage, don’t panic. Perimeter Roofing Gainesville has the experience and expertise to assist you. Follow our tips for filing a claim, and we can work with your insurance agent to provide roof repair or replacement. Contact us today for more information or visit our insurance claims page.