Our home is our protector from the elements; our safe haven. As a homeowner, one of the most anxiety-inducing considerations is if the roof will fail. Will hail damage the roof? Will a tornado tear it off? Will a hurricane cause shingles to fly and water to start pouring in? What should I do in the aftermath and how to file a claim?
Maintain Your Roof
It’s the responsibility of the homeowner to keep their roof maintained. If your roof is showing signs of wear and tear and is over 15 years old, you should consider replacing it without waiting for a weather incident to occur. Many insurance companies have changed their coverage options due to abuse of the system. Homeowners letting their roof deteriorate or partially repairing the roof prior to a major incident may not receive full reimbursement for the cost of replacement. The homeowner’s policy will not cover damage incurred prior to the claim date.
Assess the Damage
Once it is safe to do so, get outside and assess the damage to the roof. You may have already incurred leaking inside the home, and have done your best to protect possessions from water damage. Depending on the type of roof you have, look closely for loose shingles, bent gutters, bent or missing roof vents, holes in metal, etc. Take pictures to document the immediate aftermath.
Visibly missing parts of the roof, loose shingles, etc. should be covered by tarping as soon as possible to prevent additional water damage. Be sure to take necessary precautions to install tarps safely. Don’t be afraid to ask neighbors for help.
Call your insurance carrier, or sign in online, to begin your roof claim. Failure to report a claim in a timely manner can result in your claim being denied. Damage to the roof is covered by the structural portion of your homeowners insurance policy.
