Big or small, all roofs can be affected by damage when a large storm rolls through. If this is your first hurricane or your 10th, it’s always good to have a refresher on what type of damage you should report on your insurance claim. In this article, we’ll be covering some tips to getting your roof back to long-lasting, working order.
What damage should I be looking for?
When large amounts of wind catch your roof just right, it can lift large piece of the roof off the roof deck. Often times, this pulls the fasteners away from securing your roof in place. When your fasteners are dislodged it leaves a small penetration entryway for water to seep into your roof. This creates water damage, condenses your insulation, and rots your wood. If you can see areas where fasteners have been dislodged or find them on the ground around your home, jot the information down. You then have a list to discuss with your roof inspector when they come to documented your insurance claim.
Many times, different materials are layered together on a roof and “glued” together with an asphaltic adhesive to create a waterproof layer. When wind confronts your roof, it can pull the layers apart and crack the adhesive’s seal. This can also create water seepage issues for your roof, and if not fixed provides, a perfect home for mold to grow rapidly. Look for areas on your roof where layers are missing or there are pieces of material dislodged from their original placement.
NOTE! Not all adhesive cracks or roof damage will be visible from the ground and can have a fast-paced depreciating effect for your roof. Many homeowners who were affected by previous hurricanes regret the fact they did not have an inspection done to file a claim. Their roofs had unnoticeable damage that sped up the replacement time, which the insurance would not pay for later! Countless roof owners expressed dismay after having to replace their roof earlier than expected. Be safe and schedule a roof inspection to safeguard your home.
How will I know to claim a full roof replacement?
If your roof is no longer made, in profile or color, it will be impossible to match the roof and entire sections will need to be replaced. If more than 25% of the roof needs replaced, Florida Building Code requires the roofer to refasten the decking and verify roof to wall attachment. This would cause the need for full roof replacement.
Can part of my roof be repaired?
Yes, it is possible to repair the isolated areas where obvious, visible damage has occurred. We can likely find replacements that are close in profile and possibly color. However, it is highly likely the replacement tiles or metal will need to be painted to come close. This will create a maintenance item to recolor every few years. Please keep in mind, it is likely that the roof’s underlayment and fasteners have been damaged, shortening the roof’s life.
What is the difference between a certified roof inspection and a free estimate?
With a certified roof inspection, our team will be able to properly document all inspected damage so you can begin the process of filing your insurance claim paperwork. Insurance companies will not go forward with accepting your claim until you have had a certified roof inspection.
A free estimate does not include the insurance documentation process. We can come out to inspect the damage to your house and give you a quote for how much it will cost to fix. A second insurance inspection will need to be completed by a certified inspector when you are filing your insurance paperwork.
