Water damage is one of the worst kinds of problems homeowners face. When the roof leaks, the dripping causes tons of damage in a heartbeat.
Don’t let roof problems get worse. Take action right away to avoid further damage.
Here’s how to get insurance to pay for roof replacement — read on.
Catalog the Damage
Walk around your home and take detailed photos of all the damage. Whether damage from hail or other natural causes, they can really mess up the roof, including shingles and other materials.
If you get up on a ladder to take pictures, make sure you use caution. Never climb a ladder when no one else is home or knows where you are. Document all the damage, but don’t linger in dangerous situations.
Take notes, and make sure you have all the problems written down, and the corresponding photos. The insurance company will ask for these when you file the claim. Significant damage will warrant a roof replacement, instead of repairs only.
Read the Small Print
Your policy should cover roof leaks, subject to your deductible, of course. That is true if the cause of the leak isn’t excluded. You’ll need to read the fine print to make sure that you know your home disaster isn’t excluded from coverage.
Roof replacements cost a lot, so it’s a good bet that it will cost more than your deductible. Make sure, though, before you file a claim. If you’re going to spend the same amount as your deductible to repair the damage, there wouldn’t be a point to going through the work to file the claim.
Check the Age of Your Roof
If you’ve lived in your house for a short time, you may not remember what the paperwork said about how old the roof is. Most companies won’t replace roofs that are more than 10 years old. They’ll cut you a check for the depreciation value instead.
While roofs should last 20-25 years, insurance companies feel that 10 years is a threshold where they’ll start seeing wear and tear.
Some building codes allow a second layer of shingles over top of an existing roof, rather than tearing off the old shingles and laying new ones. This type of “replacement” lasts a shorter amount of time.
Look up the age of your roof, before you get too bogged down with details. Knowing what to expect based on the years already on the roof is key.
Find A Contractor
You want someone who is familiar with working with insurance companies. Savvy contractors will not only build to code but also help you make sure the insurance will cover the project.
Knowing insurance terms and conditions helps. When you’re interviewing make sure to ask about their prior experience with this type of project.
Banish the Leaks: No More Wondering About How To Get Insurance To Pay for Roof Replacement
Preventing more damage to your home is easy if you keep track of the details. Knowing how to get insurance to pay for roof replacement makes all the difference.
From cataloging the damage, reading the fine print, and checking the age of the roof, to finding a contractor, following these tips will make the process a breeze.
Concord Roofing is here to help. Contact us with all your roof repair needs.
