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Not all roof damage will be covered under your homeowner’s insurance policy, but if you have any questions as to whether the damage that you’re seeing is covered under your policy, it’s best to contact your insurance agent for advice. One word of caution offered by Florida roofing professionals is that it is necessary to call your insurance agent as soon as you see damage; after a certain time limit you may no longer be able to file a claim and may have no coverage.
Following a storm, if you notice there was damage to your roof, you will want to immediately call your insurance agent to begin the process. Safety should always be of paramount concern so if you sense there is any structural damage to the roof or the home, evacuate your family, inspect the roof for damage, contact a roofing contractor and your agent. Not all insurance policies cover storm damage, but many do. In some cases your insurance agent may recommend a complete tear off and replacement of the roof but that will hinge on several factors including the age of the roof and whether you have replacement cost coverage as part of your insurance policy.
Remember, not all signs of roof damage may be visible to a layperson and an untrained eye. That is why it’s best to call on the services of a qualified, experienced Florida roofing contractor who can inspect the roof on your behalf. Once you’ve talked with your insurance agent and have been given the go-ahead, having a roof inspection completed by your contractor will involve him going on the roof and taking photographs of the damage that he will then turn into the insurance company, or give to you to turn in. He will provide an estimate on the amount of the damage and how much it will cost to repair as opposed to replacing the entire roof.
As a rule of thumb, an insurance adjuster will look at a 10 by 10 test square area of your roof. If he finds eight to ten areas of concern, he may declare the roof “totaled” which means it will likely need to be completely replaced.
Paying attention to your roof between weather emergencies and making certain it is maintained and is structurally sound will help your home survive the elements.
