So You Need a New Roof... What Are The Next Steps?

First Things First

The best thing to do when you need to replace your roof is to hire a roofing contractor to first come out and give a proper evaluation of your property. Because there are several key parts to a roofing system that you may not see from the ground, a roofing contractor will be able to inspect these components in a closer fashion. The contractor should document all of their findings and share them with you. The last thing anyone wants is for you to come tumbling down off of a steep slope and getting injured!

Should You File A Claim?

The next step is to determine whether or not you will be able to (or if it is in your best interest) to file an insurance claim. Depending on your homeowners or commercial policy, insurance carriers will total your roof based on wind and hail damage sustained to your roof. Other possible claims such as extensive tree damage can also warrant a claim. If filing an insurance claim is an option, make a quick phone call to your local agent to review your policy coverage and deductible for wind or hail. This will give you a good idea of any out-of-pocket expenses.

Insurance Claims

If filing an insurance claim is the best option for you, the next step is to file the claim with the carrier. To complete this step, call or file online with the claims department of your insurance carrier. They should be able to look up any recent storms in your area, however, if you can identify the storm date you can share that information with them.

Next, the carrier will schedule an appointment for a claims adjuster to come and inspect your property. Check your calendar for an available date and inform your contractor of this appointment. It is important to have all parties present at this time. Adjusters are not construction experts just as contractors are not insurance experts. And no one knows your home like you do! This way, all parties can be in the same information loop.

Agreeing On A Scope Of Work

Both the insurance adjuster and the contractor should do a full evaluation of the property. Anything that was damaged by the storms should be restored depending on your policy coverage. Both contractor and carrier should present a scope of work and come to an agreement on everything that will be replaced or repaired. Once this is agreed upon by all parties, the restoration can begin and your home will be restored to it’s former glory!

No Storm Damage, But Still Needs Work

If an insurance claim is not the proper route, no biggie. Roof systems can deteriorate over time depending on the type of system and its components. After a proper evaluation, you and the roofing contractor should discuss the course of action. If the damage is minimal, it is possible you might need to repair the affected areas. If the damage is more wide-spread, its time to consider a roof replacement. The same steps apply as above; have your contractor generate a scope of work for all components of your roof. Agree on a price and complete the work!

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