Metal & Copper Roofing Blog

Five Things to Know After a Storm Damages Your Roof

If the roof of your home or building has been damaged by a big storm or high winds, it's critical to manage the situation properly. Doing so will minimize the chances that others will take advantage of your misfortune. Here are five things to know about your storm-damaged roof:
 

1. Understand the Scope of your Insurance
First, find out the extent and limitations of your insurance coverage. Your insurance company may cover the cost to repair or replace the portion of your roof that is damaged by wind, but not any damage that may have occurred as a result of any resulting leaks. Find out exactly what your insurance covers from your agent, and start with that information.


2. Get an Inspection
But don't just climb up there yourself, particularly if you don't now what you're looking for. Have an impartial inspection done of your roof, and PAY a roofer who does NOT represent your insurance company to examine the condition of your roof and estimate the extent of the damage resulting from the recent storm. Even if it costs $100, it could save you thousands of dollars to have an impartial judgement. Have the roofer write up his findings for your records.


3. Talk to your Insurance Adjustor
Make sure you talk to the adjuster for the insurance company, as he is the one charged with determining the extent of damage and what it should cost to repair. Get his opinion and compare it to the estimate you bought from the other roofing expert. If they don't look similar, be sure to question the adjuster as to why he made the determination he did.


4. Shop for the Best Contractor
Your insurance company is likely to recommend a contractor for the repairs, but keep in mind that such a company may be more interested in keeping their relationship with the insurance company than making you whole again. You are entitled under most policies to choose the roofer you want to effect the repairs approved by the adjuster, and if the roofer you want to use disagrees with the adjuster's assessment, then you need to have the adjuster have a second look at his number.


5. Consider Your Re-Roofing Options
Consider taking the opportunity to upgrade your roof. If your last roof of composition shingles performed so badly in this storm, perhaps it's time to consider something proven to withstand extremes of weather. If you can afford the upgrade, taking a cash settlement from the insurance company and using that money toward a superior metal roof will eliminate the cycle of asphalt roofs that blow off in the wind and end up in landfills.

Want to know more about how shingles stack up to metal? Download our free comparison sheet or get our more comprehensive re-roofing booklet. Ready to move forward with some numbers? Use our handy free estimate form or give us a call.

Topics: benefits of metal roofing