What to Do If Your Roof Needs to Be Replaced Due to Storm Damage
Posted on: 18 August 2020
You can do everything possible to maintain your roof and keep it in good condition, but you can't control nature. Unfortunately, a very severe storm with high winds or large hail can do extensive damage to a roof. In many cases, the damage can be so widespread that repair is not possible and roof replacement will be necessary. This type of situation can be stressful, but it is important to act quickly-- you don't want to live with a severely damaged roof that needs to be replaced, as that leaves the inside of your home at risk for damage. Take the following steps after your roof is damaged beyond repair and needs to be replaced after severe weather:
Photograph the Damage
After the storm passes, it is in your best interest to take the best photographs possible of the damage your roof has sustained. Only take photos from the ground-- climbing on your roof, especially when it is damaged, can be extremely dangerous. Most cameras have zoom lenses, which will make it easier to get photos from the ground. Do your best to document the damage from different angles. The photos that you take can be useful when you file your insurance claim.
Hire an Experienced Residential Roofing Contractor
When your roof needs to be replaced, hiring the right roofing contractor for the job is essential. When there is a bad storm in your area, it is in your best interest to begin contacting roofing contractors as soon as possible. Most reputable roofing contractors are very busy after severe weather hits an area, so the sooner you hire a contractor, the sooner your roof will be replaced. Make sure that you hire a roofing contractor who is licensed and fully insured. They will inspect your roof and provide you with a written estimate of how much it will cost to have your roof replaced.
Contact Your Homeowners Insurance Company
The good news is that homeowners insurance policies typically cover the cost of residential roof replacement when extreme damage from a storm makes replacement necessary. All you will have to pay is your insurance deductible. Contact your insurance company and file your claim. A claims adjuster will come to your home to inspect the damage. Make sure that you have the written estimate from your roofing contractor available to give to your adjuster. The insurance company will then cut you a check to cover the cost of having your roof replaced, minus your deductible.
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