For homeowners, it’s imperative to have house insurance. It protects you, your family and belongings against financial loss when the unthinkable happens to your home or property – fire, vandalism, storm damage and more. After one of these incidents, policyholders file a claim to see if they’re eligible for money to cover replacement or repairs. Of course, it’s important to be familiar with the coverage details of your house insurance policy, preferably before one of these incidents occurs, so you can make informed decisions.
Insurance providers consider the roof to be a vital part of a house. If damaged, chances are the rest of the structure and its contents will be affected, leading to more homeowner claims. After a storm, getting the roof back in tip-top condition is the goal for all parties.
Make no mistake, there are deadlines for storm-related damages. Timeframes vary from provider to provider – be sure to check yours. If you haven’t filed an insurance claim for roof damage and now it’s past the deadline, here are some scenarios that may help. See if any of them apply to you.
- Best-case scenario. In this situation, you weathered a storm without damage. The next one rolls in, and afterward, you file a claim for damage. Consider yourself lucky!
- Average-case scenario. Here, a storm passed through and has left damage that has led to leaks and water stains on walls and ceilings. Perhaps the paint is pealing and the drywall is showing signs of decay. You missed the deadline. The next big weather event occurs and leaves more damage. In this scenario, the new issues may be eligible for repairs. Fixing these now may prevent things from getting worse, like a ceiling fan falling out and destroying personal property.
- Worse-case scenario. Again, a storm blows through and leaves considerable damage, but you missed the deadline. You decide to wait for the next qualifying storm, but it never happens. Now, you’re stuck with limited options. You can wait until next year’s storm season. A risky move because, in the meantime, leaks and other problems continue to emerge and evolve without any monitoring, ultimately costing you more down the road. Alternatively, you can pay for repairs yourself.
What’s the moral of the story? If you plan on keeping your home in the best shape possible, don’t miss your deadline. Better yet, the most effective course of action is to take preventative measures throughout the year.
The Importance of Routine Roof Maintenance
Homeowners who understand that a roof needs attention year round can save themselves thousands of dollars by doing a few simple things. These include:
- Getting the attic assessed for proper ventilation. Read more on this topic: Protect Your Home Against Heat and Moisture Problems in the Attic.
- Setting up a roof inspection after every storm. For more, see: The Importance of a Roof Inspection After Every Storm.
- Scheduling a roof inspection before cold weather sets in. Learn more about winter threats: Before the Temperature Drops, Let the Experts Check Your Roof.
This type of homeowner has periodic inspections to maintain the roof’s good health and to prevent future damage by addressing current issues.On the flip side, there’re homeowners who haven’t taken care of the roof through the years. Their roofs are old and in disrepair with signs of aging such as extensive granular loss and thermal cracking. These types of wear and tear aren’t storm-related damages.
Get Started Today With a Free 7-Point Roof Inspection
Leave it to us, the trained construction professionals at Ashco Exteriors, to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your roof’s condition. Schedule a an appointment with us today!
