Severe weather can happen anytime in Northeast Ohio. Each year, Americans cope with an average of the following intense storms:
• 10,000 severe thunderstorms
• 5,000 floods or flash floods
• 1,000 tornadoes
• 2 land falling deadly hurricanes
Severe weather can leave behind devastation to your home or business. Heavy rain and wind can leave home or business owners with roof damage. Deciding out that your roof needs to be repaired or replaced can be concerning for many people. After deciding that your roof has been damaged you call your insurance company and file a claim. This can be a daunting process to make sure that you get reimbursed for all your covered damages. Many people have never filed a claim before and are uncertain about how to file a claim, what documentation they need or what even to expect. Orion Construction has been in construction restoration insurance damage business for many years and know the stress that this can put on homeowners. We deal with all major insurance companies and know many of the adjusters in the area and can help make this a smooth process.
3 things you need to follow for a storm damaged roof:
1. Find Out What Your Policy Covers
To find out what is covered by your insurance policy is to contact your insurance agent or insurance company. Some policies take the age of your roof into account at the time it is damaged. For example, if your roof is less than 10 years old, you may be covered for the full cost of repairing or replacing the damaged section of your roof at the time of the claim. If your roof is more than 10 years old, you may only be reimbursed for the depreciated value of the damaged roof. The depreciated value takes the aging and wearing of your roof into account, meaning its value has decreased prior to any damage occurring.
Some policies will only offer roof damage coverage up to the depreciated value, regardless of the age of your roof. Other policies will cover the full cost of repairing or replacing the damaged section of your roof at the time of the claim, regardless of the age of your roof. In most cases, your insurance company will send an adjuster to your home to investigate and verify your claim. If the damage is determined to be from aging, wear and tear, or poor condition of your roof, it will typically be considered normal maintenance, and will not be covered under your policy.
2. Provide Documentation for Your Claim
It is always important to take pictures of your roof after any maintenance updates. This will show the state of the roof before the storm damage. After the storm it is important to take pictures of the damage. This will document and record all damages. Your insurance adjuster. Having this information on file will help ensure a smooth and hassle-free claims process. Take pictures from a safe area, the ground, deck or window. Do not put yourself in harm by climbing on your roof. After any maintenance or repair has been completed ask your contractor to take pictures.
3. Choose a Contractor with Insurance Expertise
After you call your insurance company and file a claim on your storm damage roof you will need a contractor to repair or replace your roof. You can also call a contractor directly see if the roof has been damaged and a claim needs to be filed. A roofing contractor should be able to help you navigate your way through the roof insurance claims process. Look for contractors with extensive experience in providing roof estimates for insurance claims and helping clients navigate the process of getting their roof repair or replacement covered by their insurance company.
Orion Construction is an insurance construction specialist for storm damaged roofs. The most important thing to remember is if your roof has been damaged by wind, heavy rain, snow, sleet or hail to get in inspected as soon as possible to find out the extent of the damage. This will avoid any future damages that may not be covered under your policy. Call Orion Construction at 330-244-9708 if you have a storm damaged roof.
