Storms can be unpredictable- and that's one of the most frustrating things about them. You could be in the middle of playing disc golf with your friends, and out of nowhere, a brewing storm pops up and ruins your plans for the rest of the afternoon.
Ruined plans are only the very tip of the iceberg when it comes to extreme weather events, though. More importantly, your property and even your home can suffer tremendous damage from storms. Since you've made your way here and are reading this, I assume that's already happened to you. If it has, the good news is you're about to learn a whole lot on this subject.
When facing damages from weather-related events, one of the first things on your mind should be insurance. A lot of the time, you'll need to be able to prove that your damages were a result of the storm or other type of nasty weather in order to receive coverage. Now, how do you go about doing this?
RoofCrafters has been repairing storm-damaged roofs for three decades, and if we know anything, it's what to look for after your home falls victim to the wrath of Mother Nature.
We're so glad you're here because, in this article, we'll discuss what to look for to prove that your home has been damaged by a storm. From what qualifies as harm to your roof to the tell-tale signs of damage, we're covering it all. Let's begin!
Identifying Signs of Storm Damage on Your Roof
Storm damage is the destructive aftermath of weather-related events. As I'm sure you can imagine, roofs are the areas of your home that are most likely to be damaged during a severe storm. Several weather events can cause harm to your roof, with the main types being:
- Heavy Rain and Thunderstorms
- Hailstorms
- Windstorms
High winds, heavy rain, and ice can have a harmful impact that will pose detrimental risks to the health of your roof. From the ripping of shingles to the elements seeping through the unprotected surfaces of your home, there's a lot that can take a turn really quickly during a storm.
High winds, heavy rain, and ice can have a harmful impact that will pose detrimental risks to the health of your roof. From the ripping of shingles to the elements seeping through the unprotected surfaces of your home, there's a lot that can take a turn really quickly during a storm.
Most of the time, the signs of roof damage are obvious, like water spots on your ceiling or curled or missing roof shingles. You could also see broken or damaged flashing, water-saturated walls, issues around the exterior of your home, or potential ice damming. How do you know the damage you have is related to the weather event you were just hit with, though?
Recognizing the Key Indicators of Storm Damage on Your Roof"
If you're doing regular checks of your home- which, let's be honest, isn't the case for many homeowners. Me included! Then it can be easier to tell what you're looking to be covered.
If you're concerned about damage after a recent weather event, you may have some damage. Assess your home and look for new damages that weren't there before. An obvious sign of potential harm is a limb laid over the top of your roof.
A place to start would be by checking your attic for water stains that run from the ceilings to the walls. Afterward, head outside and take a look at your shingles.
Are they lying flat against your roof? Do they appear cracked or damaged in another way? Are you noticing any dropping or sagging in your roof?
If you said “yes” or even “maybe” to any of these, you probably have grounds to file a claim. There are a lot of other signs to look out for when assessing roof storm damage, but those are just a few of the more common signs.
A general rule of thumb is if you feel you're in over your head after experiencing what you believe is storm damage, reach out to a professional contractor. Part of their job is to examine damages and help you figure out your options. If you're unsure if storm damage is what's ailing your home, a licensed expert is the way to go.
Establishing Proof: The Essentials of Verifying Storm Damage on Your Roof
Generally speaking, yes, you'll likely have to prove the damage your home suffered from is due to storm damage. Every insurance company has a different process when it comes to filing claims, so what you'll have to do may vary from others.
Your insurance company won't pay for your roof just because it's old or worn out. Most insurance companies only cover or partially cover specific issues. You can most definitely file a claim if a storm, tree, or other damage happens to your roof. Proving that storm fallout is the cause should be relatively quick and painless, as external impairments are generally easy to spot.
Make sure you keep a record of everyone you've talked to with your company when filing a claim, as well as be prepared to answer questions about the damage. Taking photos and videos is an excellent idea for you to reference and potentially show your insurance company. Actually, save proof of everything, even down to the deductible you've made on your claim.
Evaluating Proof: Will It Secure Adequate Storm Damage Coverage?
More than likely! As we mentioned earlier, it's essential to make sure you know what your insurance policy covers. Some policies cover more than others, so it's vital to find out what's covered for your specific home. Always make sure you contact a professional roofing contractor to help you out with this process because they'll give you more of an idea of what your insurance may or may not pay for.
But, before hiring just any ole roofer to repair your roof, make sure to find a roofing company that you know has your best interest in mind. I mean, sure, it's convenient to hire just anyone, but your home is better off in the long run when in the hands of a highly qualified professional.
All right! You've made it this far, so what can you do next? If you have questions or are ready to get in touch with a storm damage expert, RoofCrafters is happy to assist you. We strongly recommend checking out our resources regarding insurance coverage, including "Will Homeowners Insurance Cover My Roof Repair?" to help broaden your education.
Remember- we've been in the roofing industry for almost thirty years, so we have a wealth of information to ensure you stay up-to-date on your roof. To further your roofing knowledge, whether you're looking for resources on storm damage or anything else, head over to our learning center.
Look, we know more than anyone that making decisions regarding your roof can easily be one of the most daunting things you can do for your home. On top of that, we get that spending your spare time trying to find answers for your roofing situation likely isn't how you want to spend your spare time. That's why our family at RoofCrafters wants you to know that there are dedicated professionals who can help you!
If you’re ready to get in touch with one of our representatives, click the schedule an inspection button above. Whether you're looking for a roof damage assessment or anything else, we'll be there for you every single step of the way. Check out more resources in our learning center.
