Storm damage leads to many businesses to call themselves “roofing companies” or for “storm chasers” to come into the market and leave just as quickly (thus, no recourse for warranty work if needed). If you think you have storm damage or you have a company knock on your door telling you that you have storm damage, follow these steps.
Make a visual inspection of your home. Hail and wind damage will leave telltale signs.
Hail Damage
Foliage shredded
Visible dents in gutters, downspouts, and other soft metals
Chipped paint
Window Screens torn or indented
Wind Damage
Missing shingles and pieces of siding.
Call a contractor
When looking for a contractor, check for:
A local address established before the storm
Number of Years in Business
Ratings on Angie’s List and BBB
Member of professional associations
Able to provide references
Willing to meet with your insurance adjuster at your home
Make sure they offer a Free inspection or estimates
Have contractor complete a detailed inspection of your property that includes
Roof inspection
Inspection of all sides of your home
Inspection of personal property
Call your insurance company and file a claim
If the contractor believes there is significant damage to your home, you need to file a claim to start the insurance process
Approval of claim
Schedule your restoration project with you contractor.
BEWARE:
Any company offering you to do the work at NO COST to you, is not a reputable company. Filing an insurance claim must be handled thoughtfully and with full consideration.
Companies offering to pay your deductible are committing a building code violation and including you in insurance fraud.
Any company willing to cheat the building code and your insurance company is going to likely cheat you as well.
