FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When your home is damaged during a storm, your contractor can play an important role in helping you navigate the insurance claim process and representing your interests as a homeowner. Here are some things your contractor should be doing to represent you during a storm damage claim:

1. Documenting the damage: Your contractor should take photos and videos of the damage to your property, including both the interior and exterior of your home. This documentation will be important when filing your insurance claim.
2. Assessing the damage: Your contractor should evaluate the extent of the damage and provide you with an estimate for repairs. This estimate can be used when filing your insurance claim.
3. Communicating with your insurance company: Your contractor should communicate with your insurance company on your behalf, providing documentation of the damage and the estimated cost of repairs. They should also be available to answer any questions the insurance adjuster may have.
4. Reviewing the insurance claim: Your contractor should review the insurance claim to ensure that it accurately reflects the extent of the damage and the estimated cost of repairs. They should also review the scope of work to ensure that all necessary repairs are included.
5. Negotiating with the insurance company: If necessary, your contractor should be prepared to negotiate with your insurance company on your behalf to ensure that you receive fair compensation for the damage to your home.

Overall, your contractor should be an advocate for you during the storm damage claim process, working to ensure that you receive the compensation you need to repair your home and get back to your normal life.

If you’ve experienced severe weather in your area, such as a hailstorm, high winds, or heavy rain, you may want to consider filing a claim for storm damage on your home. Here are some steps to help you decide:

1. Inspect the damage: Before filing a claim, take a close look at your home to determine the extent of the damage. Look for any missing or broken shingles, cracked or broken windows, dented siding or gutters, or any other visible damage.
2. Check your insurance policy: Review your homeowner’s insurance policy to determine if storm damage is covered. Depending on your policy, you may have coverage for damage caused by wind, hail, lightning, and other weather-related events.
3. Have a professional contractor (like us!) come out to inspect the damage. They’re trained in knowing exactly what to look for when assessing a property for storm damage.
4. Evaluate the cost of repairs: Once you’ve identified the damage, estimate the cost of repairs. If the cost of repairs exceeds your deductible, filing a claim may be worth considering.
5. Contact your insurance company: If you decide to file a claim, contact your insurance company as soon as possible to start the claims process. Be prepared to provide a detailed description of the damage and any supporting documentation, such as photos or estimates from contractors.

Insurance carriers cover roof replacements for hail and/or wind damage because it is considered a covered peril under most homeowner’s insurance policies. Hail and wind can cause significant damage to a roof, such as puncturing or cracking shingles, causing leaks and water damage to the interior of the home. In some cases, the damage may be severe enough to require a full roof replacement.

To protect against this risk, insurance companies offer coverage for hail and wind damage as part of their homeowner’s insurance policies. This coverage typically includes repairs or replacement of the roof, as well as any damage to the interior of the home caused by the hail and/or wind.

It’s important to note that coverage may vary depending on the specific policy and the extent of the damage. It’s a good idea to review your insurance policy and speak with your insurance agent to fully understand what is covered and any deductibles or limitations that may apply.

If you don’t repair your roof after hail damage, the damage can become worse over time and lead to further issues. Here are some of the potential consequences of not repairing your roof after hail damage:

1. Leaks: Hail can cause small cracks or holes in your roof that may not be immediately visible. Over time, these small openings can allow water to seep into your home, causing damage to your walls, ceilings, and floors.
2. Reduced Lifespan: Hail damage weakens the roof’s structure, and if not fixed immediately, it can reduce the roof’s overall lifespan.
3. Increase in Utility Bills: If your roof has hail damage, it may not insulate your home as well, which can lead to higher heating and cooling bills.
4. Aesthetics: Hail damage may affect the appearance of your roof, which can decrease the curb appeal and value of your home.
5. Insurance Claim Rejection: Most insurance companies require that you report damage within a specific period, and failure to report may result in your claim being rejected.

In summary, it is essential to repair your roof after hail damage to avoid further complications and expenses. It’s best to have a professional assess the damage and determine the best course of action to repair or replace the roof if necessary.

When inspecting your property for a storm damage claim, your adjuster will be looking for several things to assess the extent of the damage and determine the amount of compensation you are entitled to. Here are some of the things they will be looking for:

1. Exterior damage: The adjuster will inspect the roof, gutters, siding, and windows for any signs of damage, such as cracks, dents, or holes caused by hail, wind, or debris.
2. Water damage: If there was heavy rain or flooding during the storm, the adjuster will look for signs of water damage on ceilings, walls, and floors, as well as inspecting the basement and crawl spaces.
3. Electrical damage: Lightning strikes can cause electrical damage, so the adjuster will inspect the electrical system and appliances for any damage.
4. Personal property damage: The adjuster will also evaluate any personal property that was damaged in the storm, such as furniture, electronics, or clothing.
5. Code upgrades: Depending on the severity of the damage, the adjuster may also look for any code upgrades that need to be made to bring your property up to current building codes.

It’s important to make sure the adjuster has access to all areas of your property so that they can thoroughly inspect for any damage. You should also provide them with any documentation, photos, or videos you have of the damage to support your claim.

Hiring a contractor can be a big decision, and it’s important to take the time to find the right person for the job. Here are some things to look for when hiring a contractor:

1. License and Insurance: Make sure the contractor is licensed and insured. This protects you in case of any accidents or damage that may occur during the project.
2. Experience: Look for a contractor with experience in the type of project you need. Ask for references and check out their past work.
3. Communication: Good communication is essential when working with a contractor. Make sure they are responsive and easy to communicate with.
4. Written Agreement: Get a written agreement that outlines the scope of work, timeline, and payment terms. This will help avoid any misunderstandings.
5. Price: Get multiple quotes from different contractors and compare them. Don’t automatically choose the lowest bid, as it may not include everything you need.
6. Availability: Make sure the contractor can start the project when you need it and can commit to completing it on time.
7. Cleanliness: Make sure the contractor takes care to keep the work area clean and tidy during the project.
8. Reputation: Do some research on the contractor’s reputation. Check online reviews and ask around for recommendations from friends or family members.
9. Warranty: Find out if the contractor offers any warranties on their work. This can give you peace of mind in case of any issues down the line.
10. Trust: Finally, trust your instincts. If you don’t feel comfortable with a contractor, it’s probably best to look elsewhere.

Hail and wind can cause significant damage to a home, and it’s important to identify signs of damage early to prevent further harm. Here are some common signs of hail or wind damage on a home:

1. Dented or cracked siding: Large hail or strong winds can cause dents, cracks, or holes in your home’s siding.
2. Broken or cracked windows: Hail and wind can shatter windows, leaving them broken or cracked.
3. Damaged roof shingles: Strong winds can lift and loosen roof shingles, leaving them susceptible to further damage and leaks.
4. Dented or bent gutters: Hail can cause gutters to become dented or bent, preventing proper water drainage.
5. Leaks: After a hail or windstorm, check for signs of water damage inside your home, such as stains or discoloration on walls or ceilings.
6. Missing or damaged roof flashing: Strong winds can cause roof flashing to become dislodged or damaged, which can lead to leaks and water damage.
7. Fallen tree limbs: Wind can cause tree limbs to fall onto your home, causing damage to the roof, siding, or windows.

If you suspect that your home has sustained hail or wind damage, it’s important to have a professional inspect your property as soon as possible to assess the extent of the damage and recommend repairs. It is important to remember that most damage can not be detected from the ground. Having a contractor inspect from the roof is always the best way to determine your roof’s condition.

1. 1 Deductible: This is the amount of money you must pay out of pocket before your insurance coverage kicks in. For example, if your car insurance policy has a $500 deductible and you get into an accident that causes $2,000 worth of damage, you would need to pay the first $500, and your insurance company would cover the remaining $1,500.
2. Premium: This is the amount of money you pay to your insurance company to maintain your coverage. Premiums can be paid on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis.
3. Claimant: This is the person or entity making a claim for damages or losses covered by an insurance policy. The claimant may be the policyholder themselves, or it could be someone else who was harmed or suffered losses as a result of the insured event.
4. Policyholder: This is the person or entity who owns the insurance policy. The policyholder may or may not be the same as the claimant.
5. Adjuster: This is the representative of the insurance company who investigates the claim and determines the amount of compensation that will be paid out.
6. Loss: This is the amount of money that the claimant has suffered as a result of the insured event. Losses can include property damage, bodily injury, or financial losses.
7. Liability: This refers to the legal responsibility that the insured party may have for the damages or losses suffered by the claimant.
8. Settlement: This is the amount of money that the insurance company agrees to pay out to the claimant in order to settle the claim.
9. Exclusion: This is a specific circumstance or event that is not covered by the insurance policy. For example, many insurance policies exclude coverage for damage caused by earthquakes or floods.
10. Coverage: This refers to the specific types of losses or damages that are covered by the insurance policy. The terms of coverage can vary widely depending on the type of policy and the insurance company offering it.

The lifespan of a roof can vary greatly depending on a variety of factors, such as the quality of materials, installation, weather conditions, and maintenance. However, on average, a typical asphalt shingle roof can last anywhere from 15 to 25 years. A metal roof, on the other hand, can last upwards of 50 years or more.

It’s important to have your roof inspected regularly by a professional to assess its condition and determine if any repairs or replacements are needed. In general, it’s a good idea to have your roof inspected at least once every 2-3 years, especially if your roof is over 10 years old.

If you notice any signs of damage such as cracked or missing shingles, leaks, or water stains on your ceiling, it’s best to have your roof inspected immediately to prevent any further damage to your home. Ultimately, the frequency of roof replacements will depend on various factors, so it’s best to consult with a professional roofer for specific recommendations based on your individual situation.