It is spring again and Mother Nature is already sending us strong winds and hail that can affect the only thing that offers the greater protection to our home: The roof. Most of us have a lot of questions regarding our roofs. What type of roof should I? the recent bad weather has affected my roof? Is my roof leak? Should I contact my insurance company and file a claim?
The first thing you need to do after a storm is to perform a visual inspection of your roof. Do you see any missing shingles or visible damage? If the hail storm included, you should check your windows, garage doors, and outside air conditioner condenser for damage. You should also check the status of your fences, buildings and outdoor play structures. If the storm had heavy rain, check your ceilings for water stains and drywall damage.
If the hail was bigger and lasted for a long period of time, you can have damage to your roof you can not see from the ground. If you think there is damage, you should call your insurance agent to discuss your options. You will need to consider whether the expected damage will exceed your deductible when deciding to file your claim. Your agent can advise you call a roofer to check the eaves to file a claim with your insurance company. Depending on the number of requests the agent received in your area, the agent may recommend that you go ahead and file a claim.
Once you file a claim, most companies will assign an expert. It is the job of the insurance adjuster to inform you on your roof and the claims process. They can tell you the difference between twenties, three-tab shingles and shingle dimensions of thirty. They can tell you if your roof can be repaired or if the damage is significant enough to warrant replacement. They can also indicate if they see any areas on the roof that can be hot spots for leaks.
If your roof needs replacing, you will need to find a contractor to do the work. It is very important that you do your homework as a consumer when choosing a roofer. Talk to your neighbors for referrals, or Google the company for information. Check references of the contractor, or use companies such as Angie's List or the Better Business Bureau for information on these companies. Once you have found a roofer, ask them guarantees on the cover material and manufacture. The roofer can also make recommendations for better materials hedging or materials that can provide better ventilation in your home.
Your insurance agent, your insurance adjuster, and your roofing contractor can all guide you through the claims process, but you can do your part by doing your research and ask questions when something is clear. If you have experienced a roof application, what words of wisdom can you share?
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