Whether your roof has reached its lifespan or endured severe, irreparable damage, opting for a replacement is often the wisest choice. Homeowners typically grapple with a critical question when facing roof replacement: "Should I utilize my insurance?" And if this is you, we're happy you landed here.
RoofCrafters has been replacing roofs for over 30 years, helping homeowners understand the insurance process along the way! We know that the short answer to this question is yes; you should always use insurance where and when you can. However, when it comes to roof replacements, you need to know many clauses and conditions before making a final decision.
When considering an insurance claim for roof replacement, there are various steps you can take. That's why we've compiled a comprehensive guide to assist you in damage assessment, claim filing, and ensuring a smooth roof replacement process. Are you ready to begin?
Should I Use Insurance to Replace My Roof?
Before addressing the question, "Should I utilize insurance for roof replacement?" it's essential to conduct a thorough evaluation of the damages. The extent of damage is significantly influenced by your roof's existing material and recent weather events that have taken place.
Let’s look at all the steps you should take to ensure your insurance claim will be supported:
1. Assessing Roof Damage: What to Look For
Usually, the assessment of damages is made by a trained professional who can specify each problem and the reasons for their cause. Each storm and natural disaster has different consequences, so it’s better to hire an expert who's educated in looking for damage that could be caused by a severe storm take a look at your roof.
If you wish to evaluate the situation yourself, please do so from a distance and don’t attempt to climb on the roof! Getting on the roof might cause further damage to an already weak structure and can also put you in danger. When in doubt, consult with a roofer.
Here are some signs you can look for without climbing to the top of the roof:
- Holes, Dents, or Cracks on the Roof Shingles
- Missing Shingles or Tile Pieces
- Leakage from the Roofs
- Piles of Granules or Loose Shingles
- Missing Adhesive or Distorted Flashing
2. The Importance of Documenting Roof Damage
It's always best to consider taking photos of the damage right after a natural disaster has occurred. This will help homeowner insurance providers in justifying your insurance claims. In addition, it would be beneficial if you have any photos of the property from when it was in its original state. This will help determine how much damage was caused and the original state of the roof before the disaster occurred. However, if you forget to take pictures, there’s nothing to worry about.
Usually, homeowners insurance providers send an individual to evaluate the property and take photos of the roof. If you need assistance with a thorough investigation of the property and someone to take the appropriate pictures, we can certainly help! The RoofCrafters team will provide you with all the photographs (detailing the damage) and provide an estimate to make the repairs or roof replacement if needed.
3. Contacting Your Insurance Company for Roof Replacement
Of course, the most important thing to do for an insurance claim is to contact the insurance company carrier. However, by contacting a professional roofer first, you could avoid filing an unnecessary claim with your insurance company. Even if there's no damage, this goes against you when filing a claim, so ensure you make the right decision.
Most roofs have asphalt shingles, which last about 15-20 years. If your roof is older when a natural disaster hits, insurance might not cover it. The insurance company will most likely send an adjuster to evaluate the damage and justify the claims. Again, it’s always best to contact a professional roofer first to make sure it has damages that qualify for an insurance claim.
4. Why You Should Contact a Professional Roofer First
Contacting the right roofer is extremely important! In addition to providing all the options for your roofing solutions, they also aid you with assistance during the process of filing claims.
A professional roofing company will have a team of experts who are trained to help you gather all the necessary documents and file the roof replacement insurance claim. Do your research to ensure you find the perfect one for you and your home.
Will Insurance Cover My Roof Replacement?
Absolutely! If the roof has storm-related damages that exceed the insurance carrier's criteria and your deductible. There’s no harm in using your insurance to your advantage. That’s what it’s there for!
In the end, the decision should only be influenced by the damage the home has endured. We also recommend reading the fine print of a document to ensure everything is accounted for. When you’re ready to move forward with the process, be sure to look for a professional roofer who demonstrates integrity and provides a great experience.
When you have a new roof installed, you don’t want only the best quality materials, but the best quality of workmanship, as well. At RoofCrafters, we have an experienced team of professionals who would be happy to help you. So, if you’re looking for options, we can show you different material types, go over the different levels of warranty, or walk you through the insurance process. We're here for you!
If you have more insurance questions, feel free to browse our resources in our learning center or drop us a line on our contact page. We’re always happy to help! In the meantime, we suggest checking out our article, "Insurance Roof Replacement Questions You Should Know" so that you can be better educated on how your homeowner's insurance can help you throughout your roof replacement. Remember-the roof of your dreams is only a phone call away!
