Roof damage can occur for several reasons, most often as a result of faulty installation. Certain roofing materials may be more prone to damage than others. It is essential to have your roof checked by a roofing professional once a year to determine whether damage has been done or whether the problem can be resolved. Indy Roof Company can properly inspect your roof for damage before offering you a quote on a replacement roof. In addition, they provide the best value for your money. Here are the services they offer:
– Roof repair is only covered on a new roof. Damages to your roof from a bad roofing job are only covered when the bad roofing job is certified by a roofing professional. If there was bad roofing because of age (common in older homes), this problem is often covered on a new roof. Other roofing problems, such as pest-induced damage or general roof wear and tear, are not covered.
– It’s not a good idea to get a roofing job that is smaller than the one damaged. When a roof leak originates at a height and penetrates down to the attic, there is a higher risk for larger quantities of water damage if a smaller roof leak needs to be repaired. The same is true for a roof leak originating in a downspout.
– Be wary of insurance companies that offer “upside-down” replacements. When a roof damage report is received, this terminology means that the insurance company is aware of a hole in your roof but not yet has evidence of structural damage. This is different than “downside up” or “up roofing.” “Up roofing” implies a level of structural damage that requires further investigation from an insurance company, typically requiring physical work to repair. ” Downsizing” describes an insurance policy where the insurance company will replace your damaged roof.
– When roof damage exists only on one side of the house, a “top-down” replacement may be an option. The insurance company will send an estimator to your home to estimate the cost of a full roof replacement, including removing the damaged shingles and putting in a new roof. Often the difference in the price of a full roof replacement and a “top-down” replacement is the price of the removal and installation of new roof shingles. Be sure to discuss this with your roofing professional.
– If your roof is damaged by a strong storm that occurs with no previous history of wind, most insurers will offer you a “full cover” policy. These policies will pay for the full cost of roof repairs for any damage resulting from windstorm. In addition, some insurers are now offering windstorm policies that pay for the full cost of roof damage caused by hail, falling trees, or high winds. Generally, these types of policies are offered only to homeowners with solid evidence of prior roof damage caused by a windstorm.
– If your roof damage comes from leaking, most insurers will still offer you a “full cover” policy. In fact, a “full cover” policy will include damages stemming from both leaky areas as well as areas that are completely dry. These include areas that are leaking from the bottom of the house, ceiling, attic, or garage.
After you have assessed your roof damage, it is important to begin the process of filing your insurance claim. You will likely receive a determination of who will pay the claim based on the type of damage. If the damage is from a windstorm, you will most likely receive a check from your homeowner’s insurance company that will be higher than if you had filed a claim due to water damage. Additionally, some insurers are now offering their customers a discount if they have already replaced all of the damaged items. Furthermore, if you live in a home that is built on grade and has metal flashing, you should also have your roof repaired in order to qualify for a “full cover” policy. Ultimately, knowing when your roof damage has been caused, the amount that needs to be repaired, and how to file an insurance claim, will go a long way toward helping you make sure that you have the proper insurance coverage for your specific needs.