What To Do if You Have Roof Damage From a Storm

Time is of the essence when it comes to storm damage roof repair. Waiting too long before taking action can lead to costlier complications. But where does one start when a storm causes damage to your roof?

Whether it’s strong winds or water damage, the cause of the roof damage doesn’t really matter; you need to take action. This blog post explores what to do in the event of roof damage by a storm.  

Call a Professional Roofer

It’s best to contact a professional roofer before informing the insurance company about what has happened. But why is this so?

Professional roofers can accurately assess the severity of the damage. They can quickly point out issues resulting from the storm. These could be damaged flashing, missing shingles, or roof leaks. 

Understanding the extent of the damage will be helpful in discussing compensation with the insurance company. It also helps avoid a likely underestimation of the required repairs. 

Besides evaluating the extent of the destruction, professional roofers can also provide accurate estimates of the repair costs. This information is critical in determining whether the cost of repair will be less or more than the insurance deductible. 

Furthermore, knowing the storm damage roof repair costs from the get-go helps in making more informed decisions during the insurance claim process. Negotiating for the possible coverage would be much easier. 

Contact the Insurance Company

Contacting the homeowner's insurance company is critical at the slightest sign of roof damage following high winds or any other kind of storm. Once the insurer receives the information, they may take any of the following actions.

Send Out an Adjuster to Inspect the Roof for Storm Damage

Once the adjuster finalizes the inspection, they’ll approve the claim or inform the homeowner that the roof has no signs of storm damage.

If the claim is approved, it’ll be time to start shopping for a proficient roofing contractor who knows their way around insurance claims. If the claim doesn't get approved, rhat doesn’t mean the end of the world for the homeowner. They still got several options to double-check or triple-check the roof for storm damage. 

Ask the Owner to Call a Local Roofing Contractor

The insurance company may recommend finding a local roofing contractor to inspect the roof for storm damage. The contractor will take photographs of any possible damage and send them to the insurance company. If there’s evidence of storm damage in the pictures, the insurer will send out an adjuster for a comprehensive inspection.

The Working Relationship Between Roofing Contractors and Insurance Companies

A roofing contractor should work closely with the insurance company for the benefit of the homeowner. Roofing companies help ensure the claim receives fair assessment and is accurate. They can provide relevant documentation like pictures and detailed reports to justify the claim and highlight the necessary repairs. Working with a professional boosts the chances of receiving fair compensation for the storm-damaged roof. 

5 Things to Keep in Mind During the Storm Damage Claim Process

Storm damage roof repairs require expertise and advanced equipment. This doesn’t come cheap. Insurance companies are there to make things easier. 

However, the storm or wind damage insurance claim process can be long-winded and overwhelming. Here are a few critical things to know about the process:

• Some roofers and insurance companies are out to swindle homeowners in distress. Knowing this before starting the claim process can help homeowners avoid the trap of unscrupulous roofing and insurance companies. 
• Some roofing contractors try to arm-twist property owners into signing things before they even inspect the roof for storm damage. To be safe, don’t sign anything until the insurance adjuster approves the storm damage claim. Reputable contractors usually ensure the homeowner understands everything about the insurance process and provide an honest assessment of the storm-damaged roof. 
• It’s only the insurance adjuster who can approve the storm damage claim. It doesn’t matter what the insurance company or roofing contractor thinks. 
• Like all humans, insurance adjusters can make mistakes. This may compromise the storm damage claim. Luckily, there are ways to re-check the roof for storm damage. 
• Homeowners choose their desired roofing contractor. It’s important to choose a contractor with experience handling insurance claims. 

Get Professional Roofing Help Now

When it’s time for storm damage roof repair in the Metro St. Louis area, Lagunas Roofing is the company to call. Schedule an appointment with the expert team and get a free estimate by calling (618) 300-5661 today!