So, you recently had a storm come through your neighborhood and you’re wondering if there’s damage to your roof, such as from hail, wind, trees or snow. You’re probably also wondering if you should file a roof damage insurance claim. Below are step-by-step instructions to help you determine if you have damage and how you file a claim.
1. Prepare For the Insurance Claim
You should document the event by taking photos of the storm from inside your house. After the storm, if it’s safe to go outside, take more photos. Whether you think you’ll file a roof damage insurance claim or not, you will want to be prepared with photos and information.
Hail
If you’ve been hit by a hail storm, get photos of a hail stone with a tape measure or a ruler next it so the roofing company and the insurance adjuster can see how large the hail stones were. Hail stones as small as .25″ can cause damage to your roof. If you think the hail stones you received during the storm were too small, you should still have your roof inspected. When we inspect your roof for free, you have nothing to lose 🙂
Snow
If you’ve been hit by a snow storm, stick a tape measure into the snow so everybody can see how much snow you received. You should also take a picture of the snow on the roof, on your car, fence, etc. Most snow storms don’t damage the roofing material itself. Ice dams as a result of snow melt, can damage your roof, however. Heavy snow fall, can cause your roof to collapse. Snow can damage seams, such as around flashing around skylights or stovepipes or chimneys, which can lead to leaks.
Wind
If strong winds hit your house and there’s missing shingles or roof damage from debris or trees, take photos of your roof and of your yard. The insurance adjuster may also inspect the rest of your property for other possible damage, such as to your air conditioner, fence, windows, siding, etc., so it’s a good idea to take photos of these, as well.
2. Roof Inspection
Get your roof inspected by a certified, qualified, credentialed roofing contractor. Owens Corning is one of the largest shingle and roofing material manufacturers in the USA, so only hire a Owen Corning’s Preferred Contractor.
Feel free to contact us for a free roof inspection. While we’re on your roof, we will also look for other damage or signs of a failing roof. When we’re done inspecting your roof, we’ll let you know what we find.
3. Call Your Insurance Company
If hail, snow, wind or tree damage is found, and we’ve done the inspection, we will let you know. You can then call your insurance company, armed with our report, estimate, and your information including photos. If you’ve never filed a claim before, don’t worry. It’s that not difficult. Naturally, insurance companies deal with claims all the time.
Before you call your insurance company, have the following information at hand:
- homeowner’s insurance policy
- policy number
- deductible
- why you suspect damage
- what has been damaged
- date and time of the storm
- photos of the hail size, snow depth, branches, etc.
- photos of property damaged, such as the air conditioner
While on the phone with your insurance, just answer their questions and they will guide you through the process. They will ask the above questions and possibly others.
4. When To File Your Roof Damage Insurance Claim
Short answer: right after the storm. Don’t wait!
There is no definitive number of days or months you have to file your claim. You will want to begin the process as soon as possible, however. The longer you wait, the lower chance you have of the adjuster connecting the damaged roof with the storm. For example, if your roof is borderline old and you wait another year or so to contact your insurance company, now you just have an old roof and you may not be able to file a claim.
5. Claims Adjuster Roof Inspection
The Claims Adjuster will also want to inspect your roof, and possibly other property of yours, for damage. When done, they will report their findings to you and offer an estimate.
6. Claims Examiner
The Claims Examiner will review the report and make a decision on your claim. If storm damage is found, and depending upon the severity of the damage, your claim may be approved for either roof repair or a complete roof replacement.
7. Find a Roofing Contractor
If hail or wind damage has been found, whether your insurance claim has been approved or not, your next step is to find a qualified roofing contractor. You will want to get that damaged roof repaired or replaced as soon as possible. The longer you wait, more damage can be caused.
Anybody can nail a shingle down, but not everybody is qualified and preferred. To find a preferred roofing contractor, feel free to use Owen Corning’s website at https://www.owenscorning.com/roofing/contractors
The Bottom Line
If you’ve recently been hit by a hail or high-wind storm, get your roof inspected. Especially if you suspect damage. Whether we inspect your roof or someone else does, do not wait. If there is damage to your roof, the sooner it’s fixed, the better. If there is damage, it will likely worsen the longer you wait, and be more expensive to repair. We offer free inspections and estimates. Contact us if you’re interested. If we do inspect your roof or provide an estimate, you are under no obligation to hire us.