A quality roof can shield your family, belongings, and home from extreme temperatures, strong rain, severe winds, and other elements. It can also divert moisture away from your home to prevent mold growth in your home. Unexpected roof damage can, however, cause more problems in your home. A Florida roof damage lawyer can help navigate your claims process.
It is time-consuming and expensive to repair a damaged roof. It is also challenging to find the right person to repair your damaged roof. Luckily, you can file a roof damage insurance claim to seek compensation. Your insurance company can pay for your roof repairs or roof replacement. It is in your best interest to work with an experienced property damage lawyer to get the settlement you are eligible for.
At Klotzman Property Damage Law in Florida, we understand insurance companies can delay claim payment, deny legitimate claims, or underpay policyholders. Unlike your insurer, we have your best interest at heart. So, we will do whatever it takes to help you receive the maximum compensation. Contact us today 954-915-7405 to schedule a free consultation.
What Are the Common Causes of Roof Damage?
The cause of your roof damage can affect your insurance claim. Insurance policies usually cover unexpected roof damage due to natural disasters. It is essential to understand the causes of roof damage. The following are the common causes of roof damage:
Poor Roof Installation
Poor roof installation can cause more problems in the future. For instance, poor installation can lead to loose shingles or roof leaks. It is expensive to fix loose shingles and roof leaks. Hire skilled professional roofers to install or repair your roof. Why? Installing your roof correctly can help you avoid problems in the future.
Poor Roof Maintenance
Poor maintenance of your roof can lead to expensive roof repairs. Hire a roofing contractor to inspect your roof annually. Regular roof inspections can help you detect minor issues. Minor issues can lead to major problems over time. The contractor can repair minor issues in a timely manner.
Hail Damage
A massive hailstorm can damage your roof. It can displace the granules from the surface of your shingles. Displacing the granules exposes the asphalt layer to the sun. The UV rays from the sun can, therefore, damage your exposed asphalt layer, damaging your roof.
Strong Winds
A strong wind can loosen your shingles, loosen your nails, and expose your roofing materials. For example, high winds can lift your shingles. It is expensive to repair loose shingles. Exposing your roofing materials can reduce the lifespan of your roof. Hurricanes are a notorious culprit of wind damage to roofs.
The Age of Your Roof
A roof deteriorates over time due to regular wear and tear. If your roof is over 20 years old, you might see signs of aging. Your shingles might become loose and fall to the ground. If your old roof is in a bad condition, you may need to replace it. Hire a professional roofing contractor to replace your old roof.
Weather Conditions
Harsh weather conditions can damage your roof. Regular exposure to water and the heat of the sun can cause permanent damage to your roof. In fact, a violent hurricane can damage your entire roof. Extreme weather conditions can damage your roof beyond repair.
Foot Traffic
It is not recommended to walk on your roof, especially if you did not protect your roof with walk pads. Walking on your roof can cause more damage to the roof. In addition, do not drop heavy things onto your roof. Heavy things can damage your roof.
What Are the Types of Roof Damage Covered By Insurance?
It is crucial to understand the extent of your homeowner’s insurance. If your roof is damaged, your policy might cover the cost of repairing or replacing your roof. The types of roof damage covered by insurance will depend on your policy and your insurance company.
An insurance policy usually provides coverage if your roof sustains damage in a fire or natural disaster, including fire damage, wind damage, hail damage, and even fallen tree damage. Insurance covers damages caused by fire or natural disasters because they are beyond your control.
What Are the Types of Roof Damage Not Covered by Insurance?
Insurance companies consider several things before renewing their coverage. That is why there are some types of roof damage not covered by insurance.
Insurance companies check the age of the roof and the condition of the roof. If you have an old roof, your insurance company may refuse to renew your coverage. If your roof was not installed properly, your insurance may not renew your coverage.
In addition, if there was an underlying condition with your roof, your insurance might not cover the cost of repairing or repairing your cost.
It is, therefore, best to consult your insurance company to help you understand what your policy covers.
What to Do if Your Roof Has Been Damaged?
If your roof sustains damage in a natural disaster or fire, then you need to take action immediately to increase your chances of getting the maximum settlement. Here is what to do if your roof has been damaged:
Contact Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company and provide all relevant information after your roof has been damaged. The insurance company will tell you what to do next. They can send an insurance adjuster to inspect the roof damage. Or they can tell you to contact a roofing contractor to inspect the roof damage.
Collect Evidence
Do not just rely on your insurance company or roofing contractor to inspect your roof and collect evidence of your roof damage. You need to have evidence of damage to your roof and even the interior of your home. You can use your camera or smartphone to take photographs and videos of the roof damage.
Contact a Florida Roof Damage Lawyer
Insurance companies do not just approve claims. They deny claims since they do not like paying them. In our opinion, it is best to contact a roof damage lawyer to help you file your roof damage claim. If you were not at fault, your lawyer can help you get the maximum settlement. Do not seek compensation on your own.
Looking for a good roof damage attorney in Florida? If so, then contact us at 954-915-7405 to talk to one of our knowledgeable roof damage lawyers.
How Much Does It Cost to Repair or Replace a Roof?
The cost of repairing or replacing a roof depends on the extent of the roof damage and the repairs needed. It costs hundreds of dollars to do minor roof repairs. It, however, costs thousands of dollars to do major roof repairs.
If your roof damage is extensive, you may need to replace your roof. It costs tens of thousands to replace a roof of an average-size income. The cost can increase due to the size of the property and the type of roofing materials.
The cost of replacing a damaged roof depends on the labor, the size of the roof, the type of roofing materials, and the removal of the damaged roof. We recommend hiring a roofing contractor to help you determine the cost of repairing or replacing your damaged roof.
Why Would a Roof Damage Insurance Claim Get Denied?
It is not easy to get the money you need to repair or replace your damaged. Insurance companies scrutinize every claim and deny faulty claims. If they deem your claim not valid, they deny your claim. Insurance companies can deny your roof damage insurance claim because of the following reasons:
Lack of Maintenance
It is your responsibility to ensure your roof is in good condition and prevent the deterioration of your roofing materials. If you do not maintain your roof, your insurer can deny your claim.
Pre-Existing Roof Damage
Insurance companies send insurance adjusters to inspect the roof before approving or denying a roof damage claim. If the insurance adjusters find pre-existing damage during the inspection, they can deny your claim.
Regular Wear and Tear
Roofing materials suffer regular wear and tear over the years. A roof usually lasts for 20 to 30 years. So, if your roof is old, your insurance company can blame the normal wear and tear of the roof to deny your claim.
Insufficient Roof Damage
Insurers check the extent of the roof damage before approving or denying a claim. If your roof damage does not exceed a certain amount, you may need to repair your roof on your own. Your insurer will not pay for full roof replacement.
Failure to Mitigate Roof Damage
It is your duty to mitigate roof damage. You, therefore, need to use reasonable care and diligence to minimize your roof damage. For example, you may need to hire a roofing contractor to do emergency roof repairs. If you do not do the necessary temporary repairs to prevent more damage to your roof, your insurer can reduce their liability.
Roofing Defects
Insurance companies do not just look for roof damage. They are will look for anything that can give them an excuse to deny your claim. If they can spot defects in your roof, they can deny your claim. It is much better to use the best roofing materials and hire professional roofing contractors to repair or replace your roof.
Ways a Roof Repair Delay Can Affect You
Do not ignore roof damage. Why? It can threaten the safety of your family and the structure of your home. It is, however, expensive to repair a roof. So, you may not afford to repair your damaged roof immediately.
It can also take time for your insurance company to pay out your roof damage claim. The delay can lead to roof repair delays. Here is how roof repair delay can affect you:
Damage to Your Home
The roof protects your home from various outside elements. Water and wind can enter your home due to damage to your roof. If you do not repair your damaged roof as soon as possible, the wind and water can cause more damage to your damage.
Financial Loses
Insurance protects you from losing your finances. But it is expensive to repair a damaged roof. Roof repair delay can, therefore, lead to costly roof repairs. For example, roof repair delays can lead to water damage. You will use your own money to recover from water damage.
How Can a Roof Damage Lawyer Help with Your claim?
It is hard to fight back against an insurance company. If the insurance denies your roof damage claim, the chances of receiving the settlement decrease. It is, however, possible to get the maximum settlement from the insurer. You will, however, need to hire an experienced and skilled Florida roof damage lawyer to fight for you.
Collect Evidence
Your roof damage lawyer can collect evidence on your behalf. They hire a specialist to help them collect solid evidence. They use the evidence to build a strong case. When you have solid evidence, the insurer will pay the maximum settlement amount.
Negotiate Settlement
Your lawyer does not just collect evidence. They handle negotiations. Your lawyer will meet with the insurance adjusters or the lawyers of your insurer to negotiate the settlement. Lawyers usually have some experience in negotiations. Your lawyer will ensure you get the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Represent You in Court
In some cases, the insurer may not agree to settle out of court. It is difficult to represent yourself in front of a judge. Do not worry since lawyers have experience representing their clients in court. Your lawyer can build a strong case and take your case to court. Having strong legal representation increases your chances of winning your case.
Contact Klotzman Property Damage Law to Fight for You
A damaged roof can cause further damage to your home and even your belongings. You will need to do emergency repairs to prevent further damage and protect your family and belongings. It can, however, take time for your insurance company to pay for your roof repairs or replacement. The insurance can even deny your claim.
Do not let your insurance company delay their decision or even deny your claim. We highly recommend hiring a good Florida roof damage lawyer to help you fight back against your insurance company. A lawyer can help you get the money for roof repairs or replacements from your insurer.
Contact our team Klotzman Property Damage Law in Florida at 954-915-7405 to review your case and help you understand your legal options. We are ready to help you get the settlement you rightfully deserve. We can fight your insurer for fair compensation under your policy. We will not let your insurance company take advantage of you. Contact 954-915-7405 for a free consultation.
