Getting your roof repaired after storm damage is a complicated process. It is important to hire a local contractor that is familiar with the insurance claims process. This will ensure you get a fair claim from your insurance company.
Look for a roof repair company with a workmanship warranty. This can be one year, two years, five years, or even lifetime.
Cost
It can be difficult to find a reputable roofing contractor after a severe storm. Some companies that knock on your door may be “storm chasers” who have no connection to the area and only want to take advantage of homeowners insurance policies. They will often offer free roof inspections and tell you to sign a form that gives them permission to discuss your claim with your insurance company.
They will often quote a lower price than other local contractors, but this is not necessarily a sign that they are reputable. Some may even try to inflate your roof damage in order to get a larger check from your insurance company.
A reputable local roofing company should be able to provide you with a detailed estimate for both materials and labor costs. This will give you peace of mind that your home’s roof is in good hands and the repairs are completed correctly. Moreover, a local roofing company will have experience dealing with your insurer, which will make the entire process easier for you.
Warranty
When choosing a roof damage repair company, look at the warranty that they offer. Many companies will offer a workmanship and manufacturer’s material warranty combined into one. This type of warranty will typically cover everything a contractor can do to fix the damage to your roof.
A few things to keep in mind when considering a warranty are its coverage limits and exclusions. For example, a warranty may not cover standing water or damage from storms. Additionally, unauthorized repairs or changes to your roof can void the warranty.
In addition to a roof warranty, you should also have homeowner’s insurance that covers the cost of any damage to your home. It can be challenging to get your insurance company to pay for damage that isn’t obvious. In such cases, you can hire a public adjuster to assist you in the process. A public adjuster will act as a neutral third party to assess the damage and provide an unbiased assessment of the situation.
Reputation
Severe storms can cause all kinds of damage to your home. They can flood your basement, blow away outdoor furniture, and wreak havoc on your roof. High winds can rip up older shingles and expose leak points. They can also ding your windows and damage other parts of your house. These problems can be costly. Homeowners insurance typically covers these repairs. However, you need to document the damage as well as save receipts. If you can safely climb your roof to take photos, that’s a good idea.
It’s important to find a company with a solid reputation. Many storm-chasing companies operate out of state and are only interested in getting your claim before they’re tapped out. They can also be difficult to work with. Make sure to check online reviews and visit their website. You should also look at their labor or workmanship warranty. You should never sign with the first company that knocks on your door.
Insurance coverage
The insurance process for roof damage can be stressful, confusing, and long. A good contractor will help you navigate the process and get the most out of your claim.
The first step is to find a company that will inspect the damage and put together an estimate for you and your insurance company. It’s important to have this estimate in hand before reaching out to your insurance company because it will give you a better idea of how much the insurance company will offer for repairs or replacement.
You also need to check your policy and find out what kind of coverage you have. Some policies have actual cash value settlements, while others cover replacement cost at today’s prices.
Keep in mind that filing a home insurance claim may result in higher rates. If you have several claims on your record, your insurance company will view you as a high-risk client. Therefore, it’s a good idea to consider the risk/reward ratio before making a claim.
