Your roofing system works to keep your home safe and damage-free from the harsh elements. But like most exterior components, it tends to become vulnerable to the same weather damage it protects your home from. Blistering heat, hailstorms, heavy downpours and high wind speeds–your roof may sustain damage from them even with proper and regular maintenance. To minimize any losses caused by roof damage, it’s crucial to get the necessary roof coverage from your insurance provider. But how exactly does roof damage insurance claims work? The premier roofer in the area, Precision Remodeling Solutions, answers some of the most commonly asked questions about roof damage insurance.

How do I know if damage to my roofing warrants filing an insurance claim?

Following a major weather event, take a close look at your roof to see the extent of damage it has taken. Did a tree crash against the system and leave it dented? Did high winds tear off large sections of roofing shingles? Maybe the storm has allowed for gaps and opening that created massive roof leaks. These are all obvious examples of roof damage and makes them usually viable for an insurance claim.

But there are instances when roof damage is subtler. A passing storm may have left your roof seemingly intact, but you’ll still need to confirm if that actually is the case. Some types of storm damage can be tricky to spot from the ground, after all. For this reason, turn to a reliable roofer like Precision Remodeling Solutions for a comprehensive inspection of your system. Here’s what we’re going to look for:

1. Hail Damage. Large hailstones can damage your roof upon impact, leaving dents and cracks on your shingles. This not only makes the system more susceptible to water infiltration, it can also shorten the service life of the roofing material. That’s because hail can knock off the protective mineral granules coating the shingles. Excessive granule loss means compromised weather resistance, and over time, the dents and cracks sustained by your roof will worsen and leave the substrate of the shingles exposed. It’s all downhill from there.

2. Wind Damage. You’ll need to be especially vigilant about wind damage. High winds can rush under the roof eaves and lift up the shingles, loosening them until they are torn off. As with hail damage, this increases the potential of water infiltration. Not only that, high winds can blow large debris, such as stone and tree branches, and smash them against your roof. To protect your residential roofing from further damage, it always pays to have it checked regularly, especially after a major windstorm.

3. Water Damage. The signs that indicate water damage are typically found inside your home. Professional roof inspectors check for water stains and spots along walls and ceilings, in corners, and around doors and windows. Discoloration, mold growth and mildew, plus signs of rot inside the home, particularly in the attic and ceiling, also point to possible water damage resulting from roof damage.

Am I required to tarp my roof if a recent storm blew off its shingles?

You absolutely should! Most, if not all, insurance companies will require you to mitigate further damage to your roof and home. Avoid putting it off–take the necessary steps immediately so you don’t blow your chance of collecting a settlement for your roof damage claim. You won’t even have to tarp the system yourself. To prevent slip and fall accidents–which is common to untrained homeowners–it’s best to leave the work to residential roofing experts like Precision Remodeling Solutions.

All you need to do is call us and our quick response team will arrive at your home during a break in the storm for emergency repairs and tarping. Once the storm passes and the skies are clear, we’ll come back to assess the damage and deliver a more long-term solution. And so you know exactly what your responsibilities are during the claims process, you can request a copy of your insurance policy from your insurance agent or claims adjuster.

My old and poorly maintained roof has sustained damage and is leaking. Will my insurance provider cover my roof even if it’s in bad shape?

It’s possible your insurance company will accept a claim for water damage–but viable roof damage claims, not so much. Insurance providers consider roof maintenance for the homeowner’s responsibility. That’s why policies usually contain exclusions for normal wear and tear. If you want your roof covering to remain intact, make sure to observe proper and regular roof maintenance. Otherwise, you’ll be paying for extensive repair work or new roof installation.

Will my insurance provider cover a leaking roof caused by shingle granule loss?

There’s a good chance they will, so once you’ve seen excessive shingle granules inside your gutters and spot a roof leak, file a claim with your insurance company as soon as possible.

What should I do before I file a roof damage insurance claim?

The first thing you should do is determine if the roof damage is viable for a claim. Next up, document the extent of the damage. Take a walk around your home and take photos of the damaged shingles on the ground. If your home has a good spot that overlooks the roof, go there and check for large holes or cracks made by wind-blown debris or hail. Is the flashing torn? Are there areas where there are no longer shingles? Take photos, or even videos, of everything. Proper documentation is especially handy when you had to file for a claim later on.

What should I do when the contractor’s estimate is higher than my adjuster’s estimate?

This situation happens when your insurance adjuster misses some of the damage incurred by your roofing system. You can easily resolve this by providing evidence of the damage through paperwork, measurements, and photos.

How do I get a new roof from insurance?

When your roof has been damaged to the point that repair and maintenance work will not cut it anymore, the smarter and longer-lasting solution is a new roof installation. It’s possible to get one just as long as you adhere to the established roof insurance claim procedure. To make the process smoother, you can ask the premier roofing company, Precision Remodeling Solutions for assistance. We already have extensive experience navigating the insurance claims process. Let us take the lead in working with your insurance company to ensure you get the coverage you need. Our service includes complete documentation of your roof damage.

You only need to turn to Precision Remodeling Solutions for stress-free roof damage insurance claims assistance. We proudly serve the areas in and around Levittown, PA. Call us today at (215) 360-5857 or fill out this contact form to schedule your consultation.