Frequently Asked Questions
When I look at my roof, I don't see any hail, wind or storm damage. How do I know I have damage?
Hail damage cannot be seen very easily most of the time. You usually will not see actual holes or indentations. Hail will drastically shorten the life of your roof. If you have damaged siding, vehicles, or have noticed neighbors getting work done, you can be 99% sure that you will need a new roof and may have other damages also. Hail can damage your roof without any visible signs from the ground. Hail normally has to be the size of a golf ball before it will break through your roof or cause bruising. Sometimes these damages do not show up quickly or are easily overlooked. The integrity of the shingle may be damaged, do not take a chance on it. If hail is driven by high winds or if it lasts longer than a few minutes, even small-sized hail can cause your roof to suffer severe damage and the loss of their protective granules, which will GREATLY reduce the life of your roof. Loss of granule layers on the shingle can cause the glass based center of the shingles to be exposed to the suns UV rays. This will cause SERIOUS deterioration of the shingle in a short period of time. Have it inspected, just to be safe.
Wind can lift the shingles and break the sealing strip between the shingles on your roof during a storm. After a storm, the shingles lay back down in place so that they look fine. If that sealing strip is damaged, then your roof will likely need to be replaced. This sealing strip is essential to the integrity, functionality and longevity of your roof. If the sealing strip is damaged it is probable that your roof will start leaking within a year or two of the wind damage. That is why you need to have it examined right away to avoid leaks and additional damage to your home.
Many roofers do not know how to properly inspect a roof for hail, wind or storm damage. Hail and high winds can cause serious damage to your roof and exterior of your home. An evaluation by a TRAINED INSPECTOR can verify the extent of your damages and outline the means by which they should be repaired or replaced. A trained inspector has taken the same extensive training courses that your adjuster has taken (the adjuster must take these courses to be certified).
Does my insurance company know if I had large hail, wind or storms in my neighborhood?
Most insurance companies subscribe to different storm tracking and hail reporting services. These services can track storms, the hail size and the exact location it fell. If you had damaging storms, wind and hail, the insurance companies already know it. If you had hail in your neighborhood, CALL US! We want to be present when the adjuster comes out to do his/her inspection. It is your legal rights to have someone represent you during the inspection. Your adjuster cannot enter your property without your permission. Insist on a FIRM appointment so that we can schedule the meeting also. If we are not, or were not present during the inspection, you probably will not, or did not receive a full claim. Let US work for you in getting what you deserve. You only have a limited time to make a claim!
How does hail damage the roof?
Over time, the granules begin to fall off roof shingles, exposing the shingles to UV light. This causes the shingle to dry out and begin to curl up on the edges. Eventually, the shingle becomes bubbled and brittle. Hail accelerates the loss of the granules, causes shingles to age faster than under normal conditions, and can lead to other problems. In addition, hail damage will void the warranty from the roofing manufacturer.
How soon must I replace the roof?
Although the damage may not pose an immediate threat to your roof, insurance companies have a statute of limitations for claims. For this reason, it is advisable to have the problem taken care of quickly to avoid problems with your insurance company.
Why does homeowners insurance replace the roof?
Insurance is designed to protect against loss of the property’s value for damage that is beyond the homeowner’s control. Hail damage causes a financial loss on your investment in a 20 year roof, as the lifespan is now reduced. Insurance compensates homeowners for this loss by replacing the roof.
How will the insurance company determine any damage?
The adjuster will look at your property during working hours, so you probably won't be home when the adjustment is taking place, which means you have no input in the matter. We ask that you allow us to represent you during the inspection. The adjuster will inspect your roof and exterior of your home for visible signs of damage only. For the roof, he will measure out a "Test Square" (10' x 10') on different sections of your roof. If he can find a sufficient amount of bruises or breaks for each "Test Square", the insurance company will pay you for a new roof.
What if my adjuster said “No Damage”?
It is possible that your roof was the only one on the block that wasn't damaged. However, you are entitled to a re-inspection by another adjuster within the same firm. So if you’re not completely satisfied with the results of your claim, don't settle. Ask for another inspection. Let us work for you in getting what you deserve.
What if there are discrepancies?
Most occur when the adjuster has not assessed the same amount of damage as the contractor. Even if it is for the roof, gutters, siding, and other exterior or interior damage. So if you have interior damage or other hard to see damages that can be easily overlooked, chances are the adjuster will probably miss it. This is another reason that you need us to represent you during the inspection. You are entitled to have your contractor of choice represent you during the adjustment process to expedite the settlement of your claim. In order to save you time off from work and the headache of the entire process, we ask that you allow us to represent you during the inspection process. We will work with your adjuster to determine the extent of the damage, clarify pricing and offer a repair price agreeable to the insurance company. All you pay in most cases is your deductible. Let us work for you in getting a fair and amicable settlement.
How does the insurance company pay on claims?
In most cases, about a week after the adjuster has estimated your property, you will receive your first check. This is most commonly called the ACV. (Actual Cost Value) This check should represent the actual cost to repair or replace the damaged property, MINUS DEPRECIATION. This is commonly called the RCV (Replacement Cost Value). The age and condition of the property is taken into account when calculating this depreciation. When work is completed, the insurance company will issue a check for the RECOVERABLE depreciation amount only if the total expenses are equal to, or greater than the total settlement. Many people never get the depreciation amount back because they do not understand the process or the contractor that they chose did not understand the proper procedures. When this happens, you have to pay the difference. This could cost you possibly thousands of dollars. We can offer a COMPLETE repair package (at the discretion of your insurance company) without you having to do anything. We can handle all of the red tape and obtain permits, etc. All work will be performed in accordance with all state and local laws. Let us help you and make things easier.
Do I need to get two or more estimates?
Your insurance company has created their own price list and will only pay actual costs for repairs (according to their price list), regardless of what prices you may get. Your insurance company will pay a reputable contractor a "fair market price". Will the insurance company pay more if the cost of repair is more? Yes. Only if you can prove they missed something they will pay supplements.
By letting a professional negotiate with the insurance company, we can make sure that you get everything necessary for a quality restoration. Besides, what reward will the insurance company give you for finding the lowest price for them? will they lower your premium? your insurance company will pay a reputable contractor a “fair market price based upon the already established pricing for your area” you should concentrate on choosing a reputable contractor who will use superior quality materials rather than concentrating on price. all you are required to pay is your deductible in most cases so it is impossible for you to overpay.
Which contractor should I hire?
Only choose a contractor willing to help with the claims process. the cost for repairs for your home is then determined by the insurance company and the contractor. this keeps you from over-paying!
BEWARE of contractors that are giving low ball prices they may bait and switch. BEWARE of contractors that ask you to sign a document that has a price more than what your insurance company has agreed to pay you, unless you and your contractor have agreed on a fair price.
Your insurance carrier has a trained professional representing them? YOU CAN TOO!!!