Roof Replacement via Storm Damage

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Roof Replacement via Storm Damage

Has a recent thunderstorm or hailstorm caused damage to your roof? Have you noticed shingle damage, or have you observed signs of a roof leak? Don’t worry, be happy! These issues are all too common here in Florida, and a trusted roofing contractor will be able to handle the problem quickly and professionally. This blog post will discuss steps to take after storm damages your roof, and help you understand how to stay protected in the future.

ROOF STORM DAMAGE – STEPS:

Survey Damage

As a matter of risk v reward, we advise against climbing or “going up,” on your roof to inspect damage. The intel or information you’re able to gather up on a ladder is simply not worth an injury- and could possibly exacerbate the storm damage. Stay on the ground and do your best to get an idea of what’s happened. We “used” to tell customers to get binoculars and inspect the damage, however today our phones are often a better tool. Use common sense to look for signs of damage from tree limbs or storm debris. Look for missing shingles, exposed paper, or wood. Zoom in and take pictures of the damaged areas. Make sure the camera is steady, and the picture is in focus (tapping the phone’s screen over the damage area, will often focus the camera on that spot).        

Review your Insurance Policy

After you survey your damage, it’s time to review your insurance policy. This will detail what’s covered and if the damage is extensive enough to qualify for reimbursement. If you can’t find your policy, contact customer service and have a copy of your policy sent to you before you start asking questions or volunteering information.

Will Insurance Cover My Storm Damage?

For all intents and purposes, your roof’s insurance policy covers acts of nature that are beyond your control. These can include but are not limited to; storm damage, hurricane damage, tornado damage, hail damage, wind damage, fire damage, and vandalism.

That said, the insurance companies’ business model isn’t a secret, and the horror stories of the claims process have been well documented. Remember, take pictures early and often. Note the area you live in, or age of your roof can affect your claim even if the damage should be “covered.” Review your policy before making a claim.

Will My Roof’s Warranty Cover My Storm Damage?

You purchased a warranty when you bought your roof, it will surely cover you now… right? Unfortunately, most Florida roof warranties don’t cover “weather related” events. Warranties generally cover the manufacturing and materials used to install your roof. And reimburse or cover you if those materials are defective, fail, or wear out before their quoted lifespan. If you’ve sustained storm damage it won’t hurt to review your warranty documentation, especially if your roof is relatively new. But don’t expect to find the $ help you’re looking for via your roof’s manufacturer warranty.   

How Do I Find a Quality Roofer?

Google Reviews-

After you’ve documented your damage and reviewed your policy, it’s time to start looking for a trusted local roofing contractor. Google reviews are good place to start when hiring a Florida roofing contactor. Remember, it is the “internet,” take what you read with a grain of salt- however if a company is consistently doing poor or shoddy work, it’s normally reflected on their Google review page.

Manufacturer Awards-

Often shingle manufacturers like GAF, Owens Corning, and CertainTeed will have preferred roofers they’ve recognized or awarded in each area. If trust is a factor that is important to you, these recognized roofing contractors are a great place to start. A quality roofing contractor will give you an accurate damage assessment- helping you understand if it’s time to repair or replace your roof, and explain how to take that information to your insurance company.

“Roof It Right”

Storm damage? We’re here to help… Roof It Right is Florida’s preeminent GAF master elite contractor. Proudly serving Jacksonville, Daytona Beach, St. Augustine, Gainesville, and all surrounding areas. We named the company “Roof It Right,” because we install every roof as if it were our own, and aren’t satisfied- until you are. Locally owned and operated, we only install high quality roofs, using the best materials, backed by Florida’s best warranties. We have completed thousands of roofing projects here in Floridia and are honored to earn the majority of our business through word-of-mouth recommendations. Call us and schedule your free estimate today, and see why your friends and neighbors say “Roof It Right, so you can sleep at night.”