Will My Insurance Cover Storm Damage to the Roof?

Your homeowner’s insurance policy is very likely to cover the damage caused by a severe storm, but policies differ, which makes it important to get to know yours and what it does and does not cover. Standard policies help cover the damage associated with serious lightning, hail, and wind, but generally don’t address the ravages of earthquakes and floods. Knowing the ins and outs of your policy will give you a better idea of how well your roof is covered in the event of storm damage. And if you have concerns about your roof or are ready for an inspection, it’s time to consult with a trusted Westmoreland County roofing company.

The Kind of Damage that Is Generally Covered

Most homeowner’s policies include a deductible, and once the damage from severe weather like the following reaches the level of your deductible, you can generally expect your losses to be covered up to the policy’s stated limits:

• Straight-line winds – or damaging winds
• Hail
• Damage from falling trees or tree branches
• Heavy snow or ice
• Hard-driving rain

It’s important to understand, however, that factors like failure to implement regular maintenance, taking reasonable precautions in relation to ice dams in gutters, and making repairs as needed can all negatively affect your claim.

Time Is of the Essence

One of the primary reasons that roof claims are denied is that homeowners wait too long to file them. While some policies allow two years, most afford just one year, which isn’t a lot of time to detect and assess the damage caused by a storm. In fact, discovering roof damage is not always a straightforward process, which makes it a good idea to schedule annual inspections that allow you to stay on top of any emerging problems and to call in roofing professionals after particularly bad storms.

Professional Installation and Repairs

Another critical concern when it comes to whether your roof damage will be covered by your homeowner’s policy is whether it was installed properly, to begin with, and whether any needed repairs were made correctly. In other words, a roof that you installed yourself or that you hired unskilled labor to install has a greater chance of not being covered in the event of a claim.

Signs to Be on the Lookout For

After a hailstorm, high winds, a downpour, or ice storm, the first order of business is doing a visual inspection of your roof by walking around your home’s perimeter looking for any of the following telltale signs of damage:

• Cracked, lost, or broken shingles
• Dented gutters, metal flashing, or downspouts
• Granules on the ground or in the rain gutters
• Water stains on the roof
• Soft or spongy-looking spots on the roof

A Reputable Westmoreland County Roofing Company Can Help

The seasoned Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, roofing professionals at KSL Roofing and Remodeling have the professional savvy to not only return your roof to excellent condition but also to help you obtain the insurance coverage to which you’re entitled. Learn more by contacting us online or calling us at (724) 879-8130 today.