Storm FAQs to ensure you are well-informed about an incoming disaster.
During storms, your first priority should be to make sure that you and your loved ones are safe. However, it is quite likely that most of us are not always prepared for the catastrophe. It is advisable that you notify the authorities in case there are downed power lines or any other dangerous condition in your property. Only after it is safe, it is advisable to investigate the damage and inform the insurance company to initiate the process of claim.
For most of you, the whole process of insurance claim and repair work can be nerve-wracking. You would likely have a lot of questions racing through your mind when your property is severely impacted by the strong winds and rain. Here is a list of some commonly asked questions regarding the insurance claim process, and roof repairs after the storm. We have tried to cover all aspects as far as possible, however, in case you do not find the answer to your question here then please feel free to contact us anytime. Our HAAG certified experts would be happy to serve you. Read on to know about the Storm FAQs.
How do I know that the roof has been damaged due to the storm?
Damage to the roof caused due to a storm
However, there are a few simple ways to evaluate the damage on your own-
- Check for missing shingles or flashings
- Check for any damage to gutters
- Broken or split pieces of sidings, if any
- In case you have wood shingles, look for cracks, divots or hail hits. These areas will be soft to touch just like a bruised fruit.
- Check for dents in the soft metals on the roof including vents, chimney, exhaust caps, and air conditioning units.
Do I need to get the roof immediately replaced after the storm?
The hail during a storm may not pose an immediate threat to the structural integrity of the roof. However, most of the insurance companies have limitations to how long a hail claim is available. In case there is hail damage, it is always better to take timely action before it leads to any further damage to the roof.
What should I do if I notice that roof of my home has been damaged by a storm?
Most of the homeowners call their insurance company after storm damage. However, this should not be the first step. Instead, it is always advisable to call the roofing experts. The roofing professionals will be able to inspect the roof and take note of damages. This step would help you to speed up the insurance claim process.
At Allegiant Roofing our team of experienced experts can help you in identifying the damage accurately which can help you in expediting the whole process.
What is the time frame within which I have to file the claim?
Typically, to file a claim you get one year from the date of the storm. However, the time frame may differ under certain insurance policies and it could as less as 6 months. Therefore, it is always a good idea to call roofing experts immediately after the storm for an inspection.
What is an insurance inspection?
Once you have filed an insurance claim, the insurance company will send an adjuster to inspect your property. The insurance adjuster will check the roof and exterior of your home for any visible signs of storm damage. The adjusters typically measure test square of 10’ x 10’ in measurement on different sections of your roof. If the adjuster finds that there is a significant amount of breaks or bruises per test square than the insurance company is likely to pay you for the roof replacement. If this is not the case then the adjuster will catalog the damages and submit it to the insurance company for evaluation. The insurance company will pay fair market value for damage repair.
How does the insurance company settle claims?
In most of the cases, you will get a check in a week time post the adjuster has inspected your property and estimated the actual cost to damage and repair minus the damage. Once the repair work is completed, the insurance company will issue a second check for some amount of depreciation (this is an amount that is recoverable in case the total expense is greater than or equal to the total settlement excluding the deductible). This is typically done to prevent a fraud i.e. profiting from the damage by getting the roof repaired at a lower rate than the estimate done by the insurer.
At Allegiant Roofing, our experienced professionals ensure that you understand each step of repair and recovery.
Do I need to get multiple estimates for the repairs needed?
The insurance company typically pay a fair price for the actual repairs. They have a defined price list and you are responsible for paying anything above that. However, as long as the cost of repairs is well under the estimated price of the insurance company, there is no benefit passed on to you even if you choose a cheaper company, you are paid only the deductible. Hence choosing a repair company that cuts corners to save money will not benefit you and may cause more significant problems in the future due to poor installation and inferior quality of material used. Therefore, for best results always choose a repair company based on their experience, reputation, and customer service.
Allegiant Roofing is experienced and professional in skillfully replacing and repairing your roof and siding after storm damage. Our team will be happy to help you at each step of the insurance claim process. For a free estimate, evaluation of storm damage remediation needs, please feel free to contact us.
How does the insurance company assess the loss?
There are two factors that are taken into consideration by the insurance company in order to determine the amount of your loss after a storm.
- The size of your roof and the number of shingles that will be needed to replace the roof.
- Is there sufficient damage to the roof in order to declare total loss? ( this is typically determined by 10 verified hails per 100 sq. feet)
So what does hail do the roof?
The shingles are designed in such a way so that granules protect the asphalt underlayment and block the ultraviolet rays of the sun. Due to aging shingles, the granules fall off over a period of time. Since the gets exposed to the UV rays, this causes shingles to dry out and their corners start to curl up.
An aging shingle looks bubbled and is brittle to touch. Under optimal ventilation condition, a shingle has a 20-year warranty from the manufacturer. Hail during the storm can cause the following damage-
- Increase the rate of granule loss
- Accelerates the aging process of shingles
- Can cause other associated problems.
Can wind-driven rain cause damage?
Wind-driven rain can cause the sloped roof coverings to lift and shift. The rainwater can easily slide under the roof covering and then onto the unprotected roof deck. This can lead to leaks and water damage inside the home.
What should I do in case of hail damage to my roof?
You can call a roofing expert and an adjuster from the insurance company to inspect the hail damage on your roof. In case there is a discrepancy between the roofer’s and adjuster’s findings you may call for a re-inspection where the roofer and your adjuster can meet and inspect the roof together.
How should I make my roof prepared for the storm?
Storms are inevitable hence it is essential that you make your roof prepared for extreme weather conditions. By doing so you can keep a track of which components need to be repaired or replaced.
- Clearing clogged gutters- It is important to keep the downspouts and gutters clean. If they are clogged with debris and leaves then the rainwater may not get drained properly and can seep through the roofs which can cause damage.
- Replacing of damaged shingles- If the shingle is cracked or torn, get it repaired immediately. The broken shingle can create a gap for the wind to intrude and cause further damage.
- Inspecting interior and exterior walls for stains and leaks- An inspection by a roofing expert can save you from stains and leaks. The roofing contractor can seal the perforations to make your home weather-tight.
- Checking the flashings, joints, and penetrations- In case there is weariness then get the joints in flashings at terminations and roof edges along with roof penetrations resealed. Also, keep a check for impairments in roofing underlayment.
- Regular removal of snow and debris- Removing excess snow and leaves from the roof surface is a must to avoid clogging of gutters.
