Author: bossroofings

Weather-related damage can cause stress and add to the cost of rebuilding your property or home. A roof repair can be very expensive, especially if your entire roof is damaged by severe storms. It is important to act quickly if you want the roof repaired or replaced. It is not a good idea to have a leaky roof in the event of a heavy downpour. You can mitigate secondary damage and reduce the financial burden by filing an insurance claim.

If you are wondering if it is possible to file an insurance claim to repair a damaged roof after a storm, the answer is yes. However, your deductible must be met or exceeded and it must clearly state that the damage is storm damage, not wear and tear, or maintenance issues.

How to determine if you are eligible to file an insurance claim

Certain aspects of homeowner’s insurance may not be covered. This includes valuable items, collectibles and jewelry. Most policies cover storm-related damage, hail or rain. A roof repair for a storm-damaged roof can be added to this list, but you must have visible and substantial storm-related damage to your roof to be eligible for an insurance claim.

Insurance covers different types of roof damage claims

Your homeowner’s policy may cover partial damage depending on the severity and age of the damage. In some cases, they may cover the whole replacement. The storm damage may have reduced the roof’s lifespan or rendered it more vulnerable to future storms. This could make your roof unsafe for you or your family members. The insurance company will cover roof repairs or replacement of roof, even if the roof is damaged in part.

The insurance company might offer cost coverage for the entire roof replacement if there are any matching issues or materials that are not available.

These are the signs you should be looking out for when a storm strikes. You can save money by being proactive. If your roof is damaged, you should immediately call your local roofing contractor to have it repaired.

• Missing or broken shingles
• Partially or completely blown off roof
• Vents and roof gutters that are damaged or broken
• Roof tiles that have cracked
• It’s best to curl up the shingles

• Your attic may be leaking
• There may be fallen trees or other debris on your roof
• Roof structure damage
• Broken screens or roof windows
• There are depressions and dents on the outside of the roof’s outer surface.

How to file a claim the right way

You should read and understand your homeowner’s insurance policy in order to make the most of it. A professional and systematic approach is required when filing an insurance claim for your roof. You must be proactive and cautious. Here are some other tips that will help you.

1. Call Your Insurance Company after you get it inspected

After speaking with your roofing contractor, you should  call your insurance company. This will make your insurance claim easier. They will also be prepared to provide documentation of all the damage for the insurance adjuster upon arrival.

It is also best to get in touch with a professional contractor who specializes in roof repairs and can coordinate with your insurance company. Then you can relax and let the roof repair process take care of itself.

2. Assess the damage

Photos and documentation are essential. To ensure that nothing is missed, you should conduct a quick inspection before the contractor arrives. Roof damage can also affect other areas of your home. Your home’s structural integrity may also be at risk, particularly if your roof is completely or partially blown off by a fallen tree.

You should only do this if the roof is safe. Otherwise, you could endanger yourself or your family. If the roof is severely damaged let your local roofing contractor inspect it and make sure it is structurally sound.

After severe weather or heavy rains, you must be aware of roof repair scams. Contractors want to make as much money as possible from homeowners who are vulnerable. This is something you don’t want. Two things are important to keep in mind to prevent this from happening.

First, don’t pay a contractor if they ask for 100% upfront payment before work begins. You might be better off finding another contractor. This is the most obvious sign that the contractor is unprofessional and very likely a scam.

A licensed contractor is also a good choice since the have the most up-to-date equipment and tools to complete the job efficiently.

In conclusion

After a storm, roof damage can be a stressful experience. It can be difficult to find the right answers. However, homeowner’s insurance will help you get through the insurance filing process. Make sure you have all the necessary documentation and contact information for your insurance company at hand. Remember to not delay. The longer you wait to respond, the chances that your insurance may not be able to cover it completely. By hiring the right roofing contractor you will not waste time getting estimates. Also your insurance company is required by the policy to repair or replace the damage to pre-storm conditions. Get an experienced contractor who will be able to get your insurance to cover the expenses where all you should par is your deductible.

The damage to your property caused by heavy winds, hail or severe storms can be catastrophic. Your roof will often suffer the most damage from these types of storms. This is true even if your roof is the strongest and most durable. Mother-nature can cause major damage to roofing materials that are of high quality, which in turn would bring up the cost of repairs. Many homeowners have questions like:

How much would it cost, what is needed to be fixed, and how long will it take?

There are many factors that will affect the cost of repairing a storm-damaged roof.

1. The extent of the damage

The severity of the damage will determine the cost of the roofing repair. The cost of roof repair will increase if the damage is severe. Roof leaks or missing shingles can be fixed at a minimal cost.

If your roof is completely blown off, you may have to to get a full roof replacement.

This can be costly and vary depending on how difficult or complex the material is and how much it costs.

Your preferred roofing contractor will inspect your roof to determine the final cost and should share all options available. Most contractors will provide a breakdown of damage and photos, as well as the estimated cost of repair.

2. Contractors Experience

It is also important to remember that your roofing contractor might charge you a higher estimate because of their expertise and latest tools they use. This ensures that the job is completed professionally and efficiently, so your roof will be durable and leak-free when it rains.

Talk to your roofing contractor about the process of roof repairs and the years they have been in the business. Ensure you get the best return on your investment and choose a contractor with experience and latest tools to help you to feel comfortable about the cost of the repairs.

3. Roof Warranty

Most roof replacements come with a warranty. Depending on the company that replaced your roof, this warranty may last up to 50 years. A roof warranty is available for those who have had a roofing replacement. These warranties take into account the cost of repair, installation, and any materials needed for repair, and manufacturing. A few roof replacement warranties do include weather-related damage. Talk to your local roofing company about this. If they have warranties that cover storm-damaged roof repairs, you are in luck! This will save you lots of money on roof repairs.

4. Get in touch with your insurance company

You can take a sigh of relief if you have homeowner’s insurance. First, get the damage assessed and verified by your local roofing contractor. This will ensure that you do not have to file a claim that exceeds your deductible. Once you have the facts, contact your insurance company.

Roof repairs that are required after storms or heavy winds driven rain are usually covered by homeowner’s coverage. This will help you to manage your finances and reduce your cost.

We recommend that you contact your local roofing contractor who specializes in roof repairs. They also work with insurance companies to make sure the claim process goes smoothly with all required documentation. This arrangement is a win-win and will make the roof repair process simple. In this instance, you will only have to pay your homeowner’s insurance deductible.

5. The Materials

The final factor that affects the cost of roof repairs is the material used. There are many options available: metal roofs, flat roofs and roofs with asphalt shingles. Roof repairs for metal and slate roofs are more expensive than roofs made of shingles or composite materials. The cost of roof repairs will vary if you consider the cost of the replacement material that will be used.

Damage to your roof after a storm – What to look out for

Want to find out if your roof has sustained damage after a big storm? Here is what to look out for:

• Blown off shingles scattered around your lawn

• Missing or peeling flashings
• Vent or deck damage
• Leak in the attic after a storm
• Full or partially blown off roof
• Clogged gutters or damaged vents

• Tree debris and fallout

The bottom line

When it comes to repairing your roof it must be done swiftly. If there is delayed action your home may suffer more damage – In addition if you feel your roof has recent storm damage and would like a free estimate, get in touch with your local contractor. Although it is an investment to be made it is sure is worth it in the long run, saving you from future roof leaks, mold outbreaks , interior damage, and structural damage from wood rot and more.

If you live in an area with frequent storms, you may be familiar with the procedures that must be followed following a severe storm.

There are some steps and tips that you can use to minimize the damage and prevent secondary damage. These are the steps you should take if you find storm damage at your property.

1. Inspect your home

First, you need to walk around the property and look for any damage. You should inspect your roof for damaged shingles and broken gutters. Your roof could be completely or partially blown off. When inspecting your attic be very careful. You may also have substantial water leakage.

Your landscape may be compromised as well as broken windows, doors and fallen trees. Once you’ve assessed all the damage get in touch with your preferred local storm damage contractor right away.

Here are some pro-tips:

• Ensure the safety of your family. Stay outside until help arrives also do not enter your home if the structural foundation has been compromised. This is because your roof or walls could collapse.
• Check for signs of damage to your pipes or water lines. If necessary, close all faucets in your bathroom and kitchen. If you suspect that the waterline is damaged or infiltrated by greywater, do not use the water.
• Broken or damaged objects, such as glass shards or exposed nails, can pose a danger. Wear proper footwear when inspecting outside.
• Avoid water bodies. It could be your flooded basement, or water that has accumulated from outside. Greywater can contain bacteria and other water-borne diseases. A downed powerline can make the water source unsafe to be near. Stay away from the water source and relocate you and your family to a safer spot.
• If you suspect that there is a gas leak, open all windows and doors and contact the authorities immediately.

2. Assess and document

Take photos of any damage that you see, and then make sure to have your homeowner’s insurance paperwork. It will be much easier to file a claim with your homeowner’s insurance. This is a great way to be proactive. Before you call your local storm damage contractor, keep these important steps in mind. It is also recommended to call your local roofing contractor if you are not sure if your roof has suffered damage.

3. Get in touch with your insurance provider

Once your contractor has confirmed that the repairs will exceed your deductible, it’s time to call your homeowner’s insurance and notify them about the incident. Don’t delay in sharing the photos and assessment of the damage. Also y our insurance company will send you your claim number. They will also assign a field adjuster who will come out to assess the damage and start the settlement process to get your home restored back to its pre-storm condition.

4. Hiring a professional contractor or repair service company

Choose a contractor who has extensive experience in handling insurance claims. Not only are they experience in insurance mitigation they are also quick, efficient and helpful in reducing stress after a storm damages your home. Many experienced contractors work directly with your insurance company, which ensures that everything goes smoothly.

Be wary of scammers who often ask for full upfront payment, avoid having them restore the damage for you.

5. Mitigate Risks Going Forward

In order to mitigate any risk after an installation be sure to use the best roofing contractor, one who uses the latest tools and installation methods.

Are you prepared in case there is another emergency?

• Sandbags are a great investment to stop water from building up or getting indoors. Also to prevent water seepage, you can cover windows and doors with a plastic tarp.

• Check for mold in damp and warm areas a few days following a storm. Have it taken care of immediately. If left untreated, mold outbreaks can pose a danger to your health.
• Install an impermeable structure over your circuit breaker to protect it. This will stop water from leaking into the circuit breaker, increasing the chance of it catching on fire.
• Trim your trees regularly. Landscape service providers can remove trees that are susceptible to falling or being uprooted.
• A high-quality submersible pump is a great investment. It can draw out large quantities of water that might have seeped into your house during storms or heavy rains.

The bottom line

Knowing what to do after storm damage can help you save time and resources. It is important to act immediately in order to not delay the repair and restoration process ,which could impact the structural integrity of your home. All to keep your family safe.

You can now relax. Knowing that you have everything in place for the storm be sure to keep the number of your professional contractors and insurance company handy. Call them as soon as possible after the storm passes.

If you have questions about your insurance related to roof replacement, check out our article:

With regards to insurance claims in the wake of experiencing storm damage, many complications can emerge all through the process. Particularly if your rooftop has been partially or completely blown off. Most homeowners’ insurance policies don’t cover roof repairs. But if yours does then a roof repair or full roof replacement after a storm damage shouldn’t cause you any worries.  

Below you’ll learn what to be aware of when submitting an insurance claim after storm damage.

1. Assessing the Damage

Every insurance claim is unique and depends on the level of damage incurred. Filing for insurance claims such as an unhinged door or décor that has been blown away from your patio will most likely not go through. However, filing an insurance claim where there has been severe damage will most likely go through. After the storm has passed and it is safe to do so you can go outside to assess damage and identify areas that will require restoration or repair.

These are the areas that you should pay attention to.

• Check your roof for missing or blown-off shingles. The roof could have been completely or partially blown off in some cases.
• Your roof or property may sustain structural and foundational damage.
• Cracks in your roof, ceiling or walls
• Leakage – Make sure you check your attic, and any rooms that have a lot of windows. Water can seep into the smallest cracks and crevices.
• Fallout – Any fallen trees or other debris that falls on your roof or in the landscape. 
• Broken glass and damage that may extend from the gas pipe to the water line or power supply.
• Gutters that are blocked, broken, or damaged on the roof.
• Flooding is a problem that can be found in basements or along exterior walls.

2. Contact your homeowners insurance company

After the damage has been assessed and verified by an expert, you can call your insurance company. This is where you should provide details about the damage. To speed up the claim process, you might be asked to provide photos of the damage which will be sent to the appropriate department.

The representative will then provide you a claim number. An adjuster will call and schedule a day and time to inspect your property. The extent of damage that can be claimed depends on your homeowner’s policy. Once the damage is assessed and is worth being repaired, the claim can be approved and the work can begin. 

3. Calling in a professional and reliable contractor

It is crucial to get in touch with an experienced and reliable contractor. It is important to only hire contractors who have worked with insurance claims. Because contractors may have an easier process for communicating and coordinating with the insurance company, which will be more efficient.

If you wish, you can request multiple estimates and opinions from different contractors. It may only mean that your insurance company approves the lowest cost option. Consider that the cheapest option might not be the best.

Pro-Tip: Be Proactive

Important to remember that an experienced storm damage contractor can help you settle your claim with your insurance company. This will ensure that your insurance company will pay for all work required to restore your property to pre-storm condition. You will only be responsible for the deductible.

Scammers are another reason to be cautious. A contractor that is not certified might ask for full payment upfront, please beware and avoid such contractors. In addition to that they may not have the tools or equipment necessary to complete the job efficiently. It is important that the damage claim be approved and paid for before any work can begin.

Insurance claims for roof repairs

A homeowner’s policy can pay for any roof repairs even partial, if it covers roof damage caused by weather-related events.

The insurance company may also pay for roof repairs in the event of material shortages or matching issues. If that is the case then a complete roof replacement might be necessary.

4. Post-Repair and Restoration

After the restoration and repair work is complete, the professional storm damage contractor will give your insurance provider all the documents necessary to release final payments and close the claim. This will depend on the extent of the damage and how long it took to repair.

The Key Takeaway

Storms can be dangerous and cause destruction. What counts is how quickly and efficiently you respond once damage has occurred. And the first thing that should come to mind is calling your favorite local storm damage contractor to confirm damages. They’ll assist you document all of the damage and make sure your insurance carrier covers the costs of restoring your property to its pre-storm condition.

Questions?

Call or Text Boss Roofing Today! 815-590-2677