Jacksonville Homeowner's Guide: Does Your Insurance Cover Roof Replacement?

Is your roof at the end of its lifespan or has it suffered extreme, irreparable damage? In such situations, replacing the existing roofing system with a new one is the optimal solution. Yet, this prompts a significant question among homeowners. – "Should I rely on insurance to cover this?"

For over 30 years, RoofCrafters has assisted homeowners in navigating insurance claims. We believe the simple answer to the insurance question is a resounding 'yes.' If the roof on your home has suffered storm damage. File an insurance claim. But, the decision isn't always straightforward when it comes to roof replacements. There are clauses and conditions to consider.

Navigating insurance claims for roof replacements can be complex, but we're here to help. We've written this guide to help Jacksonville homeowners to check for storm damage, file a claim, and get a new roof if needed. Let's dive in and explore!

When to Invoke Insurance for Roof Replacement in Jacksonville

Before diving into the query, "Should I leverage insurance to replace my roof?" It's paramount to first appraise and check the inflicted damages. The extent of the damage is largely influenced by the type of material originally installed. The nature of recent storms in Jacksonville will also play a factor.

Let's navigate through the steps you must undertake to solidify the likelihood of your insurance claim being approved.

Evaluating the Roof Damage in Jacksonville

The inspection of damages should be performed by a trained expert who can identify each issue and its underlying causes. Each storm and natural disaster can result in different types of damage. So it’s advisable to call a professional who is trained to detect the impacts specific to severe storms in Jacksonville to inspect your roof.

If you are inclined to gauge the damage yourself, it is vital to do this from a safe distance and refrain from attempting to ascend the roof. Climbing onto the roof might exacerbate the harm to an already compromised roof structure and could also place you in a risky situation.

Here are a few indicators that you can identify without scaling your roof:

• Punctures, dents, or fractures in the roof shingles

• Absent shingles or tile fragments

• Roof leakage

• Accumulation of granules or loose shingles

• Missing adhesive or warped flashing

These signs are typically visible from a safe distance by observing the perimeter of the roof and any resulting debris. If you suspect any structural damage to the roof, it is important to contact a professional immediately. 

Gathering Evidence of Roof Damage in Jacksonville

Always consider capturing photos of the damage immediately following a natural disaster. This visual documentation will assist your homeowner insurance provider in validating your claim. If you have any photos of the property in its original state before the disaster, this can aid in determining the extent of the damage. This can show the roof's pre-storm condition. But if you overlooked taking pictures, don't worry.

Homeowner insurance providers assign a field adjuster to inspect the property. They'll also capture photographs of the roof. If you need help with an inspection of the property before calling your insurance provider. RoofCrafters of Jacksonville is here to help. Our team can provide you with photographs of the damage, as well as an estimate for necessary repairs or roof replacement.

Reach Out to Your Insurance Company: A Jacksonville Homeowner's Step

Undeniably, the crucial step for an insurance claim is reaching out to your insurance carrier. But, by contacting a professional roofer first, you could avoid filing an unnecessary claim. A claim that could count against you, even if there's no damage.

Since the most common roofing type, the asphalt shingle has a lifespan of 15-20 years. Your claim could be influenced by when your roof was installed. Roofs that were fully depreciated before a natural disaster are unlikely to qualify for insurance claims.

Your insurance company will likely dispatch an adjuster to check the damage and confirm the claim. Yet, it's always best to first contact a professional roofer in Jacksonville. This is to confirm that the damages warrant an insurance claim.

How Much Will it Cost to Replace a Storm Damage Roof in Jacksonville?

The cost of a roof replacement in Jacksonville will depend on several factors. But when filing an insurance claim for a roof replacement or repair. Your obligation by Florida law is to pay the deductible. So, whatever your deductible is for your policy along with any upgrades is all you will be responsible to pay. 

We know that storms hit unexpectedly. So if you need to finance the deductible or any upgrades, we have easy-to-get financing plans available. 

Will My Homeowners Insurance Provider Replace My Roof? 

Definitely! It's prudent to make full use of your insurance – that's its purpose after all. Ultimately, your decision should be primarily influenced by the extent of damage to your home. We strongly recommend that you read the fine print of any document to ensure everything is taken into account. When you're ready to embark on the process, seek out a professional roofer with a reputation for integrity and exceptional service.

When installing a new roof, you should aspire for not only the best quality materials but also superior workmanship. At RoofCrafters, our seasoned team of professionals is more than happy to assist you. If you're exploring options, we can present you with various material types and discuss different warranty levels. Or if you need help we can help guide you through the insurance process.

If you have more insurance-related questions, don't hesitate to peruse our resources in our learning center. We're always here to help our DUUUVAL community.