Homeowner's Guide
to the Insurance & Claims Process

Hail Damage
Hail can damage your roof, siding or gutters without any visible signs from the ground. Hail varies in size, density, velocity at impact and duration. Golf ball size or larger hail will break through your shingles or cause bruising. However, even small hail with sufficient density and velocity can cause your roof to bruise and lose its protective granules. These bruises, left untreated, will eventually result in blisters that reduce the life of your roof. Cedar shake roofs split from hail can weather more quickly and eventually leak.

Wind Damage
Visible wind damage, such as missing or dislodged shingles, is easy to spot. However, high winds can lift your shingles, depositing dirt and debris between them, to the point where they do not seal properly. Wind can also crack or break your shingles without dislodging them. Both types of damage are not always visible from the ground, but will greatly affect the life of your roof. Lifted shingles or those that do not seal, are more susceptible to future damage from wind with velocities under 60 m.p.h.

Water Damage
When the shingles or membrane protecting your roof is damaged from hail, wind, snow or debris such as a fallen tree, water can find its way into your attic or the space between your vaulted ceiling. Over time this moisture can rot the roof joists, causing structural damage, or worse; lead to black mold that can cause health problems. Most roof damage left unchecked will eventually result in water damage.

Structural Damage
Heavy snow, fallen trees and rotting from moisture can cause minor to severe structural damage to your roof. If not repaired, this damage can become a safety hazard.

 

The Claims Process

How to Make a Claim
Contact your insurance agent if you have had hail or high wind in your neighborhood. You will be assigned a claim number and an adjuster to inspect your property. The adjuster will make an estimate of the damages incurred. We will work with you as needed to assure you receive a fair claim settlement.

Roof Inspection
The adjuster will need to climb your roof to inspect it for signs of damage, just as it is necessary for a roofer to climb your roof in order to repair it. In the case of hail or wind damage, the adjuster will measure out a “test square” on every slope of your roof. If he can find enough breaks, splits or lifted shingles per “square,” then the adjuster will total those slopes and possibly your entire roof. Your insurance will pay to repair or replace your roof, less the cost of your deductible. You are entitled to have your contractor-of-choice represent you during the adjustment process. This will save you from time off from work and the general headache of the claims process.