Guide to Roof Insurance After a Hurricane

Summary. After a hurricane, unseen roof damage can lead to costly issues down the road. In Florida, you have 12 months to file hurricane damage claims, so taking action sooner rather than later is important. Review your coverage and call your insurer to understand your coverage. Schedule a professional inspection to catch hidden problems, like loosened shingles or damaged barriers. This supports your insurance claim.

Chapter 1

Hidden Roof Damage Can Lead to Costly Repairs

Chapter 2

How to File a Successful Insurance Claim

Chapter 3

A Professional Inspection Supports Your Claim

Chapter 4

How to Choose the Right Roofing Contractor

Hidden Roof Damage Can Lead to Costly Repairs

Many homeowners focus on visible damage like missing shingles, but hurricane damage often goes deeper. Hurricane damage isn’t always apparent and can lead to significant costly issues months and years after a storm. While missing shingles are easy to spot, other types of damage require expert assessment:

Common types of hidden damage include:

Loosened shingles that haven’t fallen off yet.
Even if shingles haven’t fallen off, strong winds can loosen them, making your roof vulnerable to future leaks. Identifying and securing these shingles now can prevent larger issues later on.
Compromised underlayment barriers under shingles.
Damage to the waterproof barrier under your shingles is often hard to see. However, it can cause moisture to slowly seep into your home. Addressing this can help protect your interior spaces from water damage over time.
Damaged flashing around roof penetrations.
High winds can harm the flashing around roof penetrations like chimneys or vents. Left unchecked, this can increase the risk of leaks and cause damage inside your home.
Tiny cracks in roofing materials.
Small, barely visible cracks in shingles or tiles can expand with continued weather exposure. If left unaddressed, these cracks could eventually compromise your roof’s protective ability.
Separated seams in roofing components.
During heavy storms, seams between roofing components can separate, creating small gaps that allow water to seep in. This can lead to costly interior damage if not resolved promptly.

These hard to see problems can worsen over time, potentially leading to:

Higher energy bills from compromised insulation.
When damage occurs to your roof’s insulation, it loses its ability to regulate temperature effectively. This leads to higher energy bills as your heating and cooling systems work overtime to keep your home comfortable.
Interior water damage months after the hurricane.
Hurricane damage isn’t always obvious right away. Water can slowly seep through damaged areas, showing up as stains, peeling paint, or warped ceilings months after the storm. Early detection can save you from costly repairs.
Mold growth affects your family’s health.
Hidden moisture can create a great place for mold to grow. This may go unnoticed until it affects your family’s health. Mold spores can trigger allergies and respiratory issues, especially for kids and seniors.
Structural issues that compromise your home’s safety.
A damaged roof can lead to serious structural problems, affecting the stability of your home’s framework. Over time, compromised support beams or rotting wood can put your entire home at risk.
More expensive repairs, if left unaddressed.
Small issues can turn into significant problems if you ignore them. What begins as an easy fix can lead to costly repairs. Taking care of these problems early can save you money in the long run.

These invisible issues can worsen over time if not addressed promptly, potentially leading to more extensive damage and cost to repair. Give yourself peace of mind by having your roof professionally inspected for hidden damage.

These near invisible issues can worsen over time if not addressed promptly, potentially leading to more extensive damage and cost to repair. Give yourself peace of mind by having your roof professionally inspected for hidden damage.

How to File a Successful Insurance Claim

In Florida, you have 12 months to file hurricane damage claims, so it’s important to act sooner rather than later. The sooner you start this process, the smoother your home restoration journey will be.

Why insurance claims get denied:

Waiting too long to report damage.
Delaying the claim can lead insurance providers to question the damage timeline, potentially resulting in denial. Report as soon as possible to keep your claim strong.
Lack of proper documentation.
Clear records and photos of damage are essential to demonstrate hurricane impact. Without them, proving the damage is challenging, weakening your case.
Previous maintenance issues.
If there were prior roof issues, insurers may attribute damage to poor maintenance. Routine maintenance, not neglect, is key to showing the hurricane’s impact.
Missing information in the claim.
Incomplete claim forms or missing details can slow down the process and could even lead to a denial. Be sure to double-check everything to avoid delays.
Not following proper procedures.
Each insurer has guidelines for filing claims. Failing to follow them can reduce your chance of approval. Ensure you’re familiar with the process to keep your claim on track.

What is a roof deductible?

A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance covers the rest of your roof claim. There are two types of deductibles to keep in mind:

Standard Deductible: A flat amount for most claims
Hurricane Deductible: A percentage of your home’s insured value, typically 2% to 5%, which applies specifically to hurricane-related damage.

Best practices when filing your insurance claim:

Contact your insurance provider immediately.
Promptly reporting damage starts the claims process and helps avoid potential denial because of delayed filing.
Review your policy coverage thoroughly.
Before filing, understand your policy’s specifics, including hurricane deductibles and coverage limits. This helps ensure you know what to expect from your claim.
Get a professional inspection with detailed documentation.
A detailed inspection by a qualified contractor gives clear documentation of all damage. This includes hidden problems that you may not see right away. This information is important for a complete claim.
Document all conversations and gather claim information.
Keep a record of all communications with your insurance provider. Include names, dates, claim numbers, and important details. This will help you stay clear and accountable during the claims process.
Keep all receipts for emergency repairs and temporary solutions. Retain receipts for any emergency repairs or temporary measures taken to prevent further damage, as many policies reimburse these expenses if documented properly.

Important tip: Only allow permanent repairs after your insurance company has checked the damage.

A Professional Inspection Supports Your Claim

A complete roof inspection supports your insurance claim, even if an adjuster has already checked your roof. It helps identify damage and hidden issues that could cause problems down the road.

A quality inspection should include:

Comprehensive examination of all roof components.

A full inspection looks at every part of your roof. This includes shingles, flashing, gutters, and vents. This way, you miss nothing.

Detailed documentation with photos.

High-quality photos capture the damage clearly, providing the visual proof needed for insurance claims and future reference.

Clear explanation of findings.

Our inspectors walk you through what they found, explaining the issues in simple terms so you know exactly what needs attention.

Written report for insurance purposes.

A detailed written report helps streamline your insurance claim, providing all the necessary information to support your case.

Recommendations and cost for necessary repairs.

You will get a list of suggested repairs with clear prices. This way, you can avoid surprises and make informed decisions.

Professional roof experts undergo extensive training to find problems you might overlook. This gives you peace of mind and helps support your insurance claim.

Talk with an Expert

Our team of roofing experts are here to help you begin your guided experience.

How to Choose the Right Roofing Contractor

Selecting the right contractor is crucial for quality repairs. At Janney Roofing, we believe in building trust through honest, transparent service. Homeowners need to avoid rushing into repairs with unqualified contractors. Take the time to verify credentials – your home deserves that care.

What sets a reliable contractor apart:

Local presence with proper licensing and insurance.
Choose a contractor who is local, licensed, and insured. This protects you from out of state storm chasers and ensures your roof is in trustworthy hands.
Proven experience with hurricane damage repairs.
Look for a contractor with a strong track record of handling hurricane damage. They understand the unique challenges and know how to address roof damage from the hurricane effectively.
Strong customer reviews and references.
Reliable contractors will have positive reviews and references from satisfied customers. Check online ratings and ask for recommendations to confirm their reputation.
Detailed, written estimates with a clear scope of work.
A trustworthy contractor provides a written estimate with clear details about the repairs needed. This helps you avoid hidden costs.
Experience working with insurance companies.
Select a roofer who knows how to work with insurance companies. Their expertise can help simplify the claims process and ensure you get the coverage you deserve.

BEST ROOFER CHECKLIST

COMPARE YOUR OPTIONS, & CHOOSE THE BEST!

Warning signs to watch for in an unreliable roofing contractor:

Pressure to sign immediately.
Be cautious of contractors who push you to sign a contract on the spot. A reputable roofer will give you time to review your options and make an informed decision.
Surprisingly low estimates.
If the estimate seems too good to be true, it probably is. Low bids often mean cheap materials or cutting corners, leading to more problems down the road.
No physical business location.
A trustworthy roofer has a local office you can visit. Stay cautious of those who can’t provide a business address—they might disappear once they finish the work.
Reluctance to provide documentation.
Always ask for proof of licensing and insurance. If the contractor hesitates or avoids sharing these, it’s a major warning sign.
Demands for large upfront payments.
While a small deposit is normal, avoid contractors who ask for a large payment before any work begins. This could be a sign of a scam.

Choosing the right contractor makes all the difference in protecting your home and wallet.

We're here for you before and after the Hurricane

At Sothern Roofing, we understand Florida homeowners’ unique challenges after a hurricane. That’s why our certified professionals are here to guide you every step of the way:

Clarity and communication:
We give you all the information you need from start to finish. This helps you make an informed decision and feel at ease with our clear process.
Insurance support:
We collaborate directly with insurance adjusters, providing detailed documentation and taking that burden off your shoulders.
Local experts:
Our team lives and works in your community. You can count on us to be here before, during, and after your roof repair.

You don’t have to do this alone. Trust Southern Roofing to handle your roof repair with expertise and care.

To get started, please call 407-284-3222