Will Your Homeowners Insurance Cover Storm Damage To Your Roof?
Mother nature has a mind of her own, and the hazards she may cause are often out of our control. Purchasing a homeowners insurance policy to protect your home is essential.
Understanding your home insurance policy helps you know what is and isn’t covered in the case of a natural disaster and potential storm damage to your roof.
The silver lining is that homeowners insurance will often cover most roof storm damage caused by heavy winds, hail, fire, a build-up of snow, lightning strikes, power surges, and fallen trees.
This coverage can help you pay for needed repairs or replacements in certain situations. Normal wear and tear and a lack of maintenance may make it difficult for you to get a full reimbursement or could even cause your claim to be denied. It’s important to understand your insurance coverage and roof’s condition to prepare for storm damage.
Common Types of Storm Damage
To ensure that your roof is protected, it’s helpful to assess it after each significant storm. Take pictures of any roof damage from storms. Even minor damage is important to track, as you may notice a leak a week later, realizing it stemmed from the storm. You will need this evidence when filing a claim to your insurance company.
Wind Damage
Wind damage is one of the most common types of roof damage caused by weather. Most storms come with heavy winds, which cause shingles to lift from roofs, trees to fall over, and debris to often hit rooftops.
In states that experience frequent high winds, you may consider having a separate wind deductible added to your homeowner’s policy.
Hail Damage
Hail is another leading cause of roof damage, especially in the spring and fall. Even hail that is the size of a walnut can cause significant damage and put dings and holes in your roof. Not only can hail destroy your shingles, but overlooked damage can lead to leaks, mold, rotted wood, and even electrical issues.
One sign that hail has battered your roof is if your gutters have dents or damage to them.
Rain and Ice Damage
While rain alone is usually not enough to cause damage to your roof, it can when combined with wind, hail, and freezing temperatures, especially during times of extended and heavy rainfall.
The more it rains, the more stress is put on your roof, which can cause your shingles to curl and for your roof to leak. It’s essential to maintain your roof and have it inspected to identify storm damage at least once a year.
Rain that freezes into ice is more dangerous than rain alone because as it accumulates, it can cause your roof to cave in and for your gutters to clog, leading to a water overflow and collapsed roof.
Lightning Strikes and Fallen Trees
Lightning strikes to the roof may be a less common concern, but the damage can be severe. One strike can put a hole in your roof, tear off shingles and gutters, travel through your wiring, start fires, and even tear through an attic.
Signs that your roof was struck by lightning are power outages and char marks on the rooftop, in the attic, and inside your home.
Just like wind, lightning can strike trees. When this happens, there is a chance of branches or a tree falling onto your roof.
What Does Storm Damage to My Roof Look Like?
The condition of your roof will vary depending on multiple factors. How severe was the storm? Was your roof previously well-maintained? What is the age of your roof? Here are a few common signs of roof storm damage to look out for.
Missing or Damaged Shingles
When a storm tears off your shingles, it is pretty obvious. No further inspection is usually necessary. But, damaged shingles won’t be as noticeable. You’ll have to check them for dings, dents, and granule buildup.
Loose or Peeling Sealant
Due to a roof’s age or heavy storms, shingles can begin to curl, loosen, or fall off. When shingles start to come unattached, leaks can occur. It’s important to have them fixed or replaced, depending on how damaged the shingle is.
Leaks and Water Damage
Leaks and water damage are generally noticeable. Leaks can occur anywhere in your home, especially your attic. Before a leak penetrates your home, you will often see signs of discoloration and water damage on ceilings.
What Roof Storm Damage Will Homeowners Insurance Cover?
It’s always best to discuss your homeowner’s policy with your insurance company. They can explain what is and isn’t covered. Typically, when natural events cause roof storm damage, your insurance company will cover the costs to repair or replace your roof.
Keep in mind that while wind, rain, hail, lightning, fires, tornadoes, and hurricanes are covered, earthquakes, floods, neglected roofs, and older roofs will most likely not be covered in your policy.
However, it is possible to add wind and hail deductibles to your policy and more coverage if you live in an area with earthquakes or extreme weather.
Depending on where you live, there are different policies you may buy, and coverage may vary.
Ready for Roof Repair? Here Are 3 Things You Should Do to Kickstart the Process
1) Contact a Storm Damage Roof Repair Expert to Perform an Inspection
By hiring a roof repair expert, you will save yourself from future issues. A less experienced roofer may overlook damage and spots that need to be repaired. If you’re filing a claim, you won’t want these issues overlooked.
2) Ensure Your Roofing Expert is Present at the Adjuster’s Inspection
It’s beneficial to have your roofing specialist present because your roofer is an expert in the field, while an adjuster may not be as thorough or notice the details your roofer can point out. It’s likely that your roofing expert is also familiar with the insurance claim process, and can help ensure you aren’t being swindled.
3) Ask Questions and Keep Track of All Claim-Related Information
To best understand the repairs your roof will need, it is best to ask questions. Especially if you’re unsure about something. If you keep track of all claim-related information, it will help you when you talk to both your insurance company and roofing contractor. Your roofing company will be able to help you navigate these conversations and requirements with your insurance company.
Let the Storm Damage Experts Take Care of Your Roof Repair
An experienced roofing company will be able to work with your insurance to help you get through the claim process quickly. At Clean Roof Today, we focus not only on high-quality products and services but also on your best interest.
We offer free inspections with options for contactless assessments using drones. Most of the services we provide can be covered by your homeowner’s insurance policy, and we will work with your insurance company to ensure everything is settled. If not covered, we can still work with you. It’s important that we give our customers the most reasonable quotes possible.
If your roof needs replacement due to a storm or normal wear and tear, feel free to reach out to us for a quote, advice, or help to repair your roof.
