When a storm or other natural disaster damages your roof, the thought of what to do next can be overwhelming. You’re so focused on the safety and structural integrity of your home that determining the next steps can be hard.
In this guide, we will give you all of the steps you need to take to navigate the roof damage claim process. These are the steps that must take place before the roof repair itself is scheduled and involves a lot of interaction with your insurance company and their representatives.
1. Assess the Damage
The first step in the roof damage claim process is to assess the extent of the damage to your roof. Look for missing or damaged shingles, leaks, or other signs of damage. Take notes and pictures of the damage, if possible, to document it for your insurance claim.
You should also be aware of the different types of damage and know where to look for them.
Look for signs of wind, rain, and hail damage on the roof. This could include damaged shingles, dented siding, gutter damage, missing shingles, or standing water. Downed trees and airborne limbs, and other debris can also cause damage.
When you are assessing the damage, be sure to look beyond the main surface of the roof. Check for dents and damage to your gutters, gables, eaves, and other overhangs. Windows should be inspected for broken glass, torn screens, and loose weather stripping. Other areas outside your home may also have been damaged, such as any fences, patios, decks, and lawn areas.
Inside your home, check your attic and ceilings for leaks and water spots. Even if your roof looks undamaged, you may have unseen leaks that lead to bigger problems later.
2. Contact Your Insurance Company
Once you have completed your roofing assessment, contact your insurance company to report the claim. Be sure to have your policy number, the date of the damage, and any documentation of the damage (such as pictures) readily available when you call.
Especially if you went through a severe storm, it might be a good idea to hire a professional roofing company to inspect and provide an estimate for repairs before your insurance adjuster arrives. This opinion should also be well-documented with photographs and can be used to support your claim.
3. Schedule an Inspection
After you have reported the claim, your insurance company will schedule an inspection of your roof. This is typically done by a professional adjuster who will examine the damage and determine the cause. The adjuster will examine the exterior of your roof, looking for signs of damage, such as missing or damaged shingles, leaks, or other structural issues. They will take photographs of the damage to document it for the insurance claim. These photographs will be used to support the adjuster’s report and assessment of the damage.
After this, the adjuster will prepare a report detailing the damage and the estimated cost to repair it. This report will be used by the insurance company to determine the amount of your claim.
4. Review the Damage Report
After the inspection, the adjuster will prepare a report detailing the damage and the estimated cost to repair it. The estimate will include the cost of repairs, including materials and labor.
There are several factors that can affect the cost of your repair.
- The larger the area of damage, the more expensive the repairs will be.
- Different types of damage, such as missing shingles or leaks, can require different types of repairs and can have varying costs.
- Different types of roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles or metal roofing, can have different costs for materials and labor.
- The location of the damage on the roof can also impact the cost of repairs. Damage on a steeply pitched roof, for example, can be more difficult and expensive to repair.
Review the report carefully and ask questions if you have any concerns. The adjuster will review the estimate with you, answering any questions you may have about the damage and the repair process.
5: Review and Sign the Claim Estimate
Once you have reviewed the damage report, you will be provided with a claim estimate. Carefully review the estimate to ensure that it covers all of the necessary repairs and that the costs are reasonable. If you agree with the estimate, sign it and return it to your insurance company. If the claim is approved, the adjuster will provide you with a list of approved contractors who can perform the repairs.
6: Choose a Contractor
After your claim has been approved, you will need to select a contractor to repair the damage. Be sure to choose a reputable contractor with experience in roofing repairs. Your contractor with a proven track record of experience and success in the roofing industry. Look for contractors who have been in business for several years and have a good reputation in the community; don’t be afraid to ask around and seek out testimonials about their work.
Once you have taken these steps, the repair process can begin. You may need to obtain permits from your local government. Your contractor should be able to assist you with this process. From there, you can schedule the repairs with your contractor.
After the repairs are completed, you must schedule a final inspection with your insurance company to ensure that the work has been done to their satisfaction. After this inspection, your insurance company will release the final payment for the repairs. Be sure to keep all receipts and invoices for the work done, as you may need them for future reference.
Experienced, Licensed, Knowledgeable Contractors that Provide Value & Service
If you’re a homeowner in the Boise, Idaho, area and you have experienced roof damage due to a storm, you can rely on Signature Roofing to provide you with quality roofing services. We have years of experience in the roofing industry, and our priority is you, the customer– not your insurance company. We work quickly to identify your roof’s problems and give you a reasonable estimate. If you need a second opinion from a reliable roofing company, call us at (208) 994-8493 or contact us today!
