FAQS About Storm Damage Roof Repair
Protecting the structural integrity of your roofing system should be a top priority, as it is one of the most important aspects of any fundamental home maintenance and repair agenda. As soon as your roof begins to show signs of damage or reduced performance, it is wise to contact a licensed roofing company who can locate the source of the damage and make any professional repairs or adjustments as needed. The sooner you catch a roof problem and deal with it, the less costly and invasive the repair process will be. This includes professional post-storm inspections to ensure your property is still intact.
Since most homeowners are not roofing experts, it is common to have a lot of questions and concerns when it comes time to repair a roof. Continue below to read some frequently asked questions about roof repair and replacement to gain a better understanding of your roofing system’s needs after a harsh storm.
Will My Insurance Carrier Increase My Rates If I File A Roof Repair Claim?
It is common for insurance carriers to raise everyone’s rates across the board after a severe storm or natural disaster. One way to look at this is that you should file a claim for repair since you are already going to help pay for everyone else’s. It is possible that there are exceptions to this rule as well.
Why Is My New Roof Not Covered By The Manufacturer’s Warranty?
It is very common for roof product manufacturers to exclude hail repairs in their warranties. In fact, several warranties specifically name hail as a non-covered repair. Keep in mind that newer roofs are more prone to hail damage since they have not yet had ample time to cure and gain resistance against the natural elements. To avoid this problem, talk to a trusted contractor about the affordable hail damage protection options available to you.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU SUSPECT THAT YOU MAY HAVE ROOF DAMAGE?
If you suspect you have roof damage, you need to do the following:
1. Stay safe — avoid going on the roof to
check for damage yourself and instead contact a professional roofer.
2. Inspect your attic for leaks or water damage. Also, if any water stains
appear on your ceiling or walls, you likely need repairs or a roof replacement.
3. Look for signs of storm damage from the ground. Check for missing shingles
or missing pieces of metal fascia, including any metal pieces displaced from
around your chimney. Also, assess the condition of exhaust pipes, valleys,
outer edges or angles where the roof meets the walls.
4. Obviously, you’ll notice if a tree fell on your roof. If so, stay out of
your home until a professional can determine whether any structural damage
occurred. Consider hiring a general contractor or roofer with a general
contractor’s license if your home suffered structural damage, as you’ll need
more than roof repairs.
I might have storm damage, where do I begin my reroof process?
The nature of the damage caused by storms can vary depending on the type of storm. Take a walk around the perimeter of your home and check for signs of damage. If you are unsure if your roof is damage, call a roofing professional. One thing to remember is before you start your insurance process, call Reliant Roofing to come and do a free inspection. We will perform a thorough inspection of the roof and we will let you know if you should pursue an insurance claim.
My neighborhood was just hit by a storm but my roof looks fine. Why do I need to have it checked?
Storm damage can be tough to see at times from the ground level. Your shingles may be pulling up and it not even be visible. Some leaks, especially in crickets or around flashing can go invisible to a homeowner for years. Unlike many types of roofing damage, hail damage is especially not always obvious, especially if you have a textured roofing material such as dimensional or architectural shingles. The outer roofing material may have shallow dents that aren’t readily visible. If these dents are deep enough to “bruise” the waterproofing layer, the smallest puncture could allow rainwater through the roof deck and into the attic, causing significant water damage.
Why can’t I inspect my own roof?
Many homeowners like the DIY aspect of some
contract work. Roofing should not be one of the. Without proper safety gear and
a trained eye, getting on a roof can be extremely dangerous, for you and your
roof. While you may think you can save some money by going
this route, we highly discourage it. The majority of homeowners lack the safety
knowledge and in-depth roofing expertise to perform the work properly and can
easily make matters worse. Turn to an experienced professional like Reliant
Roofing, who knows how
to conduct a roof inspection safely and thoroughly and can offer educated
solutions.
Do I need a roofing contractor involved in the process?
You do not have to have a roofing contractor to file a claim, however it is beneficial to have a trained contractor on site to meet with you adjuster so nothing is overlooked and you get a fair assessment of the damages.
How do I choose a contractor?
This is a very important question and
decision.
Research the company. Check out the company website tomake sure they have a
location within 50 miles or so of your property, and local landline phone
numbers. Qualified contractors will also carry high levels of credentials will
the three major material manufacturers (Owens Corning, GAF, CertainTeed).
You should find a contractor who is in accredited with the BBB and will readily supply you with insurance, workers compensation, references, etc. upon your request.
I have received my building estimate from my insurance company and I do not agree with the scope of work in the estimate and/or the adjuster’s assessment of damages. What should I do?
Just remember that during a catastrophe, an insurance adjuster can have as many as seven homes a day to inspect. Because there is a higher volume of claims than usual, adjusters may miss things. Our representatives take the necessary time to give you an accurate assessment of the scope of damages.
To make a fair and accurate evaluation, we use Xactimate, the software that all major insurance companies use. This ensures that you will receive the maximum amount of indemnifications allowed bwind damage missing shingley your policy. If there are discrepancies between our estimate and that of your insurance company, your representative will assist you in requesting a re-inspection or in sending your insurance company a supplement letter with evidence of additional damages
Why is my mortgage company included on my check?
As a lien holder, your mortgage company has a vested interest in confirming that your property has been repaired and they often call for an inspection after the repairs are completed.