Most roofs can serve you for many years, as long as you maintain them and repair any damages in a timely manner. However, some natural elements such as storms and strong winds can cause severe damage to your roof that simple repairs cannot fix. in such cases, you will need to call professionals for a roof replacement.
A roof replacement project can leave a serious dent in your wallet. Fortunately, your homeowner's insurance can cover your roof replacement costs in some situations. But you have to understand the risks covered in this insurance and follow the correct procedure to file your claims before you can get compensated. If you are unsure where to start, use the tips given below.
1. Get a Professional Roof Inspection After a Storm
Storms are one of your roof's worst enemies. Therefore, it is vital to get your roof checked immediately after a storm, even if it looks okay. That is because a storm can cause internal roof damage that is not immediately apparent. Moreover, most insurance companies offer compensation only when damages are reported within a certain period after they happen. So, waiting until you see the signs of damage for you to call your roof repair professional can hurt your claim.
2. Determine If the Damages Are Covered in Your Policy
Your home insurance policy does not cover all roof replacement costs. The risks covered in the policy differ from one insurance company to another. So, after getting your roof inspected, you'll have to check your policy to find out if the damages involved are covered. The problem is that understanding your homeowner's insurance policy can be tricky. Luckily, experienced roofers can quickly determine if your insurance company will pay for the roof replacement project or not.
3. Gather Evidence of All Damages on Your Roof
If you discover that your homeowner's insurance covers the damages to your roof, you will have to gather proof of the damage. That means noting down what caused the roof damage, the time the damage occurred, and taking pictures. The good news is that a professional roofer can help you get all this information. The experts know which parts of your roof they should check for damages and will document how serious the problem is. In most cases, roofers take pictures to show you what you need to replace and develop an estimated budget for the project.
Getting your insurance company to cater to your roof replacement costs is not always a straightforward process. However, you can make the process simpler by working with professional roofers. These experts have handled roof replacements projects covered by insurance before and know the proper way to file your claim. So, they will submit your roof replacement claim correctly and ensure your roof is replaced within a short period.
When you have something you like inside a jar, you probably put a lid on it — right? In a way, you can think of your house in the same manner. You like and value the items inside, along with the inside of the house itself. So, it only makes sense that you would protect the interior of your home with a lid. That lid is your roof.
Keep that perspective in mind as you read this blog. Learning more about roofing will feel more interesting if you remember what a roof does: it protects the inside of the home and the people who live in it.