Lewisville roofing problems can catch you off guard. Though you might be prepared for incoming severe weather or realize that your roof is beginning to age, nothing quite prepares you for a sudden and unexpected skylight.
Some roofing issues develop over time, some exist for a while before you notice them, and others happen out of nowhere. No matter what caused the damage to your roof, it’s vital to get it fixed as soon as possible. One of the first things you’ll need to do when you discover the damage is to call your insurance company.
It’s helpful to know ahead of time what insurance generally will and will not cover when it comes to roofing, in order to avoid confusion when you file your claim. The second thing is to call a professional roofing company that you trust, but that’s later. You can visit our website at https://lewisvilleroofingcompanytx.com/
For starters, here’s what you should know about homeowners’ insurance coverage for roofing.
Fire Damage
If your home is damaged by a fire, chances are that it won’t just be the roof that needs fixing. Fires can leave homes with broken windows, soot stains, and a lingering smell of smoke in addition to structural damage. Since house fires are typically put out with large amounts of water, there may be flooding in the home and water damage to the roof in addition to the effects of the fire itself.
Fires are typically covered under a homeowners’ insurance policy depending on the cause. Some insurance policies may not cover certain causes of fire, such as arson, but lightning strikes and accidental fires are likely included in your homeowners’ policy.
Wear and Tear Over Time
Depending on what material was used for your roof, it may age rapidly or slowly deteriorate over time. Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material for residential homes, and they’re also the quickest to age, boasting a lifespan of roughly 15-20 years. Clay tiles, on the other hand, may last up to 100 years. The bad news is that homeowners’ insurance typically does not cover roof damage due to age or natural wear and tear. Given that an entire roof replacement is usually necessary when your roof starts to show signs of damage due to age, consider investing in a durable material such as metal or slate.
Hail Damage to Lewisville Roofing
Hail is one of the worst things that can happen to a roof. Either that, or it’s absolutely inconsequential- it all depends on the size of the hail. Some hail is the size of a dime, while other hail can be as large as a golf ball.
Not-so-fun fact: a hailstone found in Hondo, Texas in April 2021 measured over 6 inches in diameter, setting a state record!
The tricky thing with hail damage is that you usually can’t see it from the ground. Hail can leave dents and dings in your roof, especially in asphalt shingles, that aren’t visible from below. However, if the hail is big enough, it can crack the shingles. Since the purpose of the shingles is to protect your roof and keep the elements out of your house, cracked shingles can lead to leaks and water damage inside.
After a hail storm, if you suspect your roof may have suffered damage, it’s a good idea to call a roofing company near you to come assess the roof. Since hail is a severe weather event, it’s most likely covered under your homeowners’ insurance policy.
Storm Damage
Bad weather is one of the most common causes of roof damage. Whether strong winds tear off your shingles, hail leaves dents or cracks, or a tree falls over on your house, storm damage to your home can be a scary and stressful experience.
Fortunately, roof damage due to weather is nearly always covered by insurance. Severe weather is commonly referred to in insurance policies as an “act of God,” or an event that humans cannot control or prevent. Texas had 1,520 severe weather events reported in the year 2020- the most out of any state in the US.
Leaks and Minor Damage to Lewisville Roofing
In the case of severe weather or fire, the damage to your roof will likely be very obvious. In extreme cases, a roof can even be torn right off! However, just because there isn’t a gaping hole in your roof doesn’t mean it doesn’t need repairs. Even small leaks or holes can cause a problem, especially if they’re left unaddressed for too long.
Small leaks might or might not be covered under your insurance policy, however. It will likely depend on the cause of the leak. If the leak is due to a covered event such as a storm, you shouldn’t have any problems. However, if an insurance adjuster determines that the leak was caused by the homeowner (for example, a lack of maintenance causing the roof to rot through), the insurance company may not cover the repair.
Knowing Your Policy and What Roofing Problems Are Covered
Every insurance policy is different, though there are general rules of thumb that apply to most of them (such as weather being an “act of God” and therefore covered). The best way to determine whether your insurance covers roof damage is to sit down with your insurance agent before anything happens. The last thing you need when you’re already dealing with a damaged home is to hear that your claim has been denied and not understand why.
Go through the policy with your agent, ask them to clarify the details of your coverage in certain situations such as a bad storm or a house fire, and ask if there are any special restrictions on coverage. Some insurance companies, for example, may decline coverage if a roof is over 20 years old. Knowing these things ahead of time will allow you to have a plan in place for when the unthinkable happens.
Finding the Right Lewisville Roofing Company for You
If your Lewisville roofing has been damaged, you’ll need to find a trustworthy roofing company to repair or replace it. Most companies that are reputable will even help you maneuver through the challenging homeowners insurance policy and claim. Roofing professionals with experience have seen all kinds of situations, and they know what most policies cover. The first step is finding a roof contractor in your area that you’re comfortable with. After that, the rest of the process should be smooth and stress-free.
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