Monday, June 17, 2013

Homeowners Guide to Hail Damage Roof Insurance Claims


                                                              
Homeowners Guide To Hail, Wind, Storm and Lightening Damage.

Hail Damage

Hail can damage your shingles, siding, or gutters without any visible signs from the ground. Hail normally has to be at least the size of a golf ball before it will break through your shingle and cause bruising.

If driven by high winds or if it hails for more than a few minutes, your roof will suffer from loss of protective granules. This will greatly reduce the life of your roof. Siding, gutters and fascia can be dented by hail. Frequently this damage is difficult to see until the light is right. Have the exterior of your home inspected to be safe.

Various Ways Shingles Can Be Damaged

HAIL

Loss of granule layer on the shingle will cause the organic-based center of the shingle to be exposed to the sun's UV rays. This will cause serious deterioration of the shingle in a short period. Furthermore, hail can actually puncture or seriously damage your roof.

HIGH WINDS

Over 50 miles per hour can lift the shingle and cause seals to break, never to be resealed. The unsealed shingles will then flap in the breeze and soon snap off.

VENTILATION

Improper or inadequate ventilation in your attic will cause the shingles to scorch and bubble up causing a serious problem.

An inspection by a trained technician can verify the extent of the damages and outline the means to get them repaired.

We have provided full service to our clients since 1947. Let us help make your storm damage claim less intimidating and insure you receive the best results.

If You Think Your Property Is Damaged

Call Above All Roofing for assistance.
One of our specialists will meet with you to assess your property.

If hail damage is found
We will inform you to call your insurance company.
Provide initial assessment estimate.
We will provide you and your insurance company with an initial assessment and estimate of the damages.

Test areas

A (10'x10') "test area" will be measured on every slope of the roof. If we find a sufficient amount of bruises or breaks for each "test square", the insurance company will pay for a new roof less your deductible. If gutters, siding, brick, etc. are dented, you will be paid for a replacement "of like or kind quality."

Contractor Representation

You are entitled to have the contractor of your choice represent you. We will represent you during the inspection process. First, we will meet with you to determine the extent of the damage, then we will meet with your adjuster to determine all other aspects. In most cases, all you pay out-of-pocket is your deductible. Most discrepancies occur when the adjuster has not assessed the same amount or type of damage as the contractor. Whether it's for the roof, gutters, siding, or other exterior damage, we work with the adjuster in finalizing the cost of the repairs and getting your claim paid.

How Insurance Companies Pay Claims

You should receive the first check about a week after the adjuster has estimated your damage. This check represents the actual cost to repair or replace the damaged property, less depreciation and your deductible. The age and condition of the property is taken into account when calculating depreciation. The depreciation amount will be paid when work is completed and an invoice is sent to the insurance company.

Mortgage Companies

If you are carrying a mortgage on your home, the first check you receive from your insurance company should be made out to you and your mortgage company. The check along with required documents of your mortgage company must be satisfied to clear your check. We assist you with this process, or if desired, complete it for you.

Why Choose Us?

All of our staff is specially trained with storm damage claims and will provide you with the best representation possible. We have many crews, each excelling in it's own field.
We are members of the National Roofing Contractors Association, a preferred Contractor for manufacturers such as Owens Corning and CertainTeed, and we have been awarded Shingle Master Crew Status by employing a Master Roofer Applicator-qualified work force.

The Roofing Process

We roof per the National Roofing Contractors Association guidelines. We strip off the old shingles and check for any bad decking or chimney flashing. We apply felt, ice and water shield (if code), re-roof to code using four (4) nails per shingle.
Please keep in mind that this is a major construction project.
Shingles, particularly second layers, come off in pieces.
Expect a bit of a mess no matter what contractor does the work. Be sure the items on the interior of your home that react to vibration during the installation process are secure.
We will clean up and haul away trash including picking up nails with a magnet.
In most cases, reroofing can take one to two (1-2) days to complete.

1 comment: