When to Get a Second Opinion on a Storm Damage Inspection

Most roofs are built to be sturdy and reliable. They are designed to take on different types of adverse weather. However, they can still be susceptible to storm damage, especially during an extreme event. This is why it’s a must to prepare your homeowners insurance for such a likelihood. 

While most roof insurance firms work with specific contractors to help sort these issues and assess claims, it’s ideal to get a second opinion regarding the condition of your roof. Hiring a third-party roofing contractor can help you get the policy benefits you deserve.

Continue reading as local roofing company STARR Roofing & Gutters discusses why and when you should get a second opinion on a storm damage roof inspection.

Main Causes of Storm Damage

To get a better understanding of the importance of a second opinion on roof storm damage, it’s good to know the most common causes of storm damage. The following are some of them:

Wind Damage. Strong storms typically bring fast and strong winds, but some storms can reach gale-force (40-60 mph) and hurricane levels (75+ mph). Roofs can handle most wind speeds, but depending on the storm, winds can still blow off some shingles and other roofing materials. Winds can also strain your roof decking, which can weaken your roof and even break or blow it open if wind speeds become too much for your shingles to handle. Some roofs can fare better than others, but it all depends on your roof pitch, the durability of your materials and how long the storm can sustain extreme levels of wind speeds.

Water Damage. A storm typically comes with heavy rain. Some storms have more wind than rain or vice versa, but there will always be rain. Constant or heavy rainfall can take a toll on your roof and cause water damage. Rainwater can pool and settle on certain areas of your roof, such as the valleys and sections with insufficient angling that fail to guide water down into your gutters. Furthermore, your roof is more susceptible to water damage if you have clogged gutters or a poor drainage system. With proper gutter installation, you can avoid significant water damage and get better protection from the rain.

Debris Damage. Debris is very common during major storms. Branches, stones, trash and twigs can all become threats to your roof when they’re flung by strong winds. With gale-force winds, branches can become like spears that can possibly tear through your roofing system. To prevent or reduce damage to your roof, you should regularly prune the shrubs and trees around your property. You must also clean your yard and other nearby areas on a regular basis.

Hail Damage. While hail isn’t as common as rain and wind, it’s still significant enough to be considered a roofing threat. Hailstones usually don’t reach a size that can penetrate and cause severe damage to your roof, but it can happen. With strong enough winds, modestly sized hailstones can put holes in your roofing system. While there aren’t that many ways to protect your roof against big hailstones being pelted on your roof by strong winds, regular roof maintenance, impact-resistant shingles and thicker roof decking can certainly help reduce the damage.

Benefits of Getting a Second Opinion on a Storm Damage Inspection

Now that you know the most common causes behind storm damage, it’s time to learn the importance of getting a second opinion on a storm damage roof inspection. Insurance companies usually team up with certain contractors who perform the roof inspection following a storm and provide an evaluation that will determine how much the insurer will cover for the roof damage.

However, some insurance companies have shady tactics that reduce the amount of money they’ll have to shell out for roof maintenance and storm damage repair. 

There are two common ways insurers try to reduce or deny insurance claims:

Blaming the property owner for poor maintenance or failure to address previous damage. When the roofers arrive to examine the damage done to the roof, they may try to reduce or deny your claim by concluding that owner neglect caused or exacerbated the storm damage. They may attribute the extent of the damage to the homeowner’s failure to be proactive in preventing these issues and scheduling regular preventative maintenance. The roofers can also point out that the existing damage that wasn’t addressed before contributed to the severity of the recent storm damage.

Claiming minor damage instead of major damage. To reduce the amount of money the insurance company will have to pay for storm damage repairs, the contracted roofer may underplay the extent of the damage and state that you need less than what you truly need to restore your roof.

With these in mind, it’s no wonder that a second opinion from third-party contractors is preferred by several homeowners when filing storm damage claims. To get the most out of your home insurance, it’s ideal to hire a local contractor with good background and a track record of reliable service. Through the services of an independent roofing company, you will be able to avoid unfair claim denials and get the benefits you deserve.

Why Immediately Filing for an Insurance Claim Is Crucial

Just hiring another contractor isn’t enough — you need to file your claim as soon as possible to reduce the possibility of it being denied. Moreover, the longer you wait, the higher the risk of your roof sustaining more damage due to exposure and unaddressed issues. The insurance company can use this as a form of negligence on your part and will likely not budge further. They’ll end up stating that you should get a reduced claim or completely reject your claim because you didn’t submit the requirements on time. 

Prevent extensive damage from storms by getting a high-performance roofing system. STARR Roofing & Gutters is a reputable company that provides roof and gutter installation services to homeowners and business owners alike. We recommend installing quality roofs and seamless gutters to get the best protection for your home. Request a roofing or gutter estimate by filling out our contact form or calling us at (512) 736-6539.