What to Do if Your Roof Sustains Damage From a Storm
FEMA’s hail exposure map proves that every single state in the US experiences hail storms on some level. That leaves a lot of room for storm roof damage.
If you’ve recently been the unlucky recipient of a hail storm that has caused damage to your roof, we’ve got your next steps lined up for you. Read below to learn how best to go about fixing a damaged roof.
Contact a Roofing Contractor
After a heavy storm with forceful winds and/or hail, you should call a roofing contractor to come and assess the damage. They have experience fixing a weather-damaged roof and know the signs.
Even if you aren’t experiencing a leak, it doesn’t mean shingles haven’t been damaged, which could eventually lead to leaks. It’s important that you don’t try to assess it by yourself because you may miss things they won’t.
For example, shingles have granules on them that can be washed away in storms. Your untrained eyes may not spot that.
It’s also a good idea to have a roofing contractor examine your roof because they can give you documentation for your insurance company. This will go a long way towards having your claim accepted.
Organize Your Documentation
Most insurance companies don’t actually want to pay you. They are businesses that want to make money, not spend it.
You need to have all of your proof ready and organized before you give them a call. This means you’re going to collect photos of your storm-damaged roof, notes detailing the amount of damage sustained, and any paperwork that the contractor you called out worked up for you.
You’re going to submit all of this information to your insurance company when you make your claim. Until you’ve done this, there is no point in attempting to fix your weather-damaged roof. You have to wait until your insurance company has become involved.
Call Your Insurance Company
Now that you have all of your documentation ready to go, it’s time to call your insurance company and submit your claim. Of course, they won’t just take your word for it.
Your insurance company will send their adjuster out to prove that you have a storm-damaged roof. However, you were smart enough to contact a roofing contractor first. That’s why you are already ahead of their game.
Even if your contractor has told you and showed you proof that you have damage, you can’t expect your claim to go smoothly. Sometimes adjusters miss things and deny your claim.
However, you can get an engineer involved to offer even more proof to your insurance company. At this point, you should be sure you have the amount required for fixing a damaged roof.
Fix Your Storm Roof Damage
Once your claim has been accepted, it’s time to call back that contractor you had come out or hire one that you trust more. Either way, prepare for a few days of construction work to fix your storm roof damage.
If you’re in need of a new roof, contact us. Request a proposal today!
