Experiencing Roof Leaks?
Your Property Damage Claims
Roof leaks can cause interior damage and are often a hassle to repair. There are several different causes of roof leaks and it’s often difficult for a property owner to determine what the cause of the damage is, where the leaks are coming from, and what to do. When this happens, it’s important to take the right steps.
Calling a roofer to identify the source of the leak and present a repair or mitigation plan should be a property owner’s first step. Sometimes the roof can be fixed by a minor repair or sometimes a tarp is needed if it’s unrepairable.
The source of the leak and cause of the leak will determine if the insurance company is responsible to pay for the roof leak damage. There are a lot of different policies and it’s important to read and interpret the policy to see if there is coverage for the roof leak and potential roof replacement. A Public Insurance Adjuster can inspect the property and review the policy to determine if a claim will be successful.
By working with a public insurance adjuster, you can make sure that everything goes as smoothly as possible and that you’re not taken advantage of by the insurance company. They will work on your behalf to get the claim paid quickly and efficiently so that you can move on with your life.
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Signs of Roof Leak Damage
Ceiling Water Stains
Drops of water will discolor white ceilings and could possibly be a sign of a roof leak. If you notice water stains on your ceiling, it’s important to investigate and determine the source of the leak. It’s possible the source may be something other than the roof like an air conditioner or plumbing.
Peeling Paint
Water leaking down the walls can cause paint to bubble and peel. This is a common issue in homes that have experienced a roof leak. If you have noticed this happening in your home, it’s important to take immediate action. The paint will continue to deteriorate and the damage will only get worse over time.
Mold
Mold smell can also be a sign of a roof leak. If you notice a mold smell in your home, it’s important to investigate and determine the source of the leak. Mold can grow rapidly in humid environments, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements. If you suspect that you have a mold problem, it’s important to contact a professional immediately.
Causes of Roof Leaks
01. Lifted or Shifted Roof Tiles
Lifted or shifted roof tiles or shingles caused by wind. Exposing the underlayment to the sun, water, and wind exacerbates its deterioration.
02. Falling Tree Branches
Falling trees or branches that impacted the roofing materials can damage tiles or puncture holes in shingles. Even small amounts of damage will grow over time.
03. Improper Roof Installation
Improper roof installation can result in roof leaks. If the roof isn’t installed correctly, it can lead to water infiltration, which can then cause damage to your home. Roof installation is a complex process and it’s important to hire a qualified contractor to ensure the job is done properly.
04. Damaged or Missing Tiles
Damaged or missing tiles or shingles compromise the roof’s most important protective layer, allowing the sun, rain, and wind exposure to impact the underlayment. Over time this can cause roof leaks.
05. Clogged Gutters
Clogged gutters can lead to roof leaks by preventing water from properly draining off the roof. If water accumulates on the roof, it can eventually leak through and cause damage. It’s important to keep your gutters clear so that they can properly drain water away from your home.
06. Deteriorated Vent
Deteriorated vent or chimney seals can then lead to a roof leak. They can also be dislodged by high winds or debris striking the chimney stack itself. If the seal isn’t in good condition, water can seep through and cause damage to the roof. It’s important to inspect the seal regularly and replace it if it starts to deteriorate.
07. Hail Damage
Hail damage can cause roof leaks by damaging the roofing material, such as tiles or shingles. If the hail is big enough, it can also puncture holes in the roof. This allows water to seep into the home and cause damage. Roof leaks caused by hail are a common occurrence after a severe storm.
08. Tornados
Tornados have high winds that can lift or shift the roof tiles or shingles, exposing the underlayment to the sun, water, and wind. This can cause the deterioration of the underlayment and lead to roof leaks. In addition, the sudden impact from a tornado can damage tiles or puncture holes in shingles, which can also lead to roof leaks.
Is my roof leak covered by my insurance company?
A roof leak may or may not be covered under homeowner’s insurance.
The most important step in determining if a roof leak is covered is investigating the cause of the roof leak. A strong windstorm with rain that occurred the day of a leak is an easy cause to link the leak to but often it’s not as simple or straightforward as that. It’s possible a hail storm that occurred two year prior, leaving minor damage that over time led to the leak, could have been the cause.
Getting the cause of the roof leak identified is the most important detail in a successful insurance claim. While some policies cover any damage no matter what the cause, most policies do not cover roof leaks unless the specific cause of loss is covered. For example, if the roof is leaking for wear and tear that is not covered, but if the roof leak is due to a tree falling on the roof and creating a small opening, that would be covered.
It is important to read your policy carefully to determine if your roof leak is covered. A Public Insurance Adjuster inspection can help determine the cause of loss and determine if the insurance company is responsible for the damages.
Damages For Which You Can Be Compensated
Roof Repair
Interior Drywall
Mold
Paint
Are you getting the most out of your Claim?
Roof leaks and roof damage are often disputed in Florida. The roof is often the most expensive part of a property, so it’s important to be aware of your rights if you experience a leak. You may be able to get compensated for a new roof, interior damages, and more.
Insurance policies vary greatly in their coverage for roof leaks and roof replacement. Florida insurance statutes have been changing frequently as well as county building codes that dictate coverage. It’s important to have a strong claim and strong representation to be successful in a roof leak claim. Having a Public Insurance Adjuster who can review the policy, the history of the property and repairs, and can manage a successful claim will ensure maximum settlement.
Commonly asked questions
A. It depends on the cause of the roof leak. Most homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover roof leaks unless the specific cause of loss is covered. A Public Insurance Adjuster inspection can help determine the cause of loss and whether or not the insurance company is responsible for damages. Roof leaks and roof damage are often disputed in Florida, so it’s important to have a strong claim and representation. Reviewing the policy and history of the property are key to a successful claim.
A. Roof leak damage claims are disputed in Florida because the roof is often the most expensive part of a property. The insurance company will come up with any number of ways to try to deny the claim. A Public Insurance Adjuster can review your policy, the history of your property, and repairs, and can manage a successful claim to ensure you receive the maximum settlement.
A. Florida Building codes and Florida insurance statutes change just about every year. Insurance policies also quickly change and vary greatly between each other. It’s important to consult a Public Insurance Adjuster to review your policy and property to advice as to whether they feel you have a strong claim and what scope of damages they would include.
A. In Florida, the insurance company has 90 days to investigate a claim and issue a determination. A claim for a roof leak usually takes that amount of time, especially if the claim is large and the insurance company wants multiple inspections before they make a decision. If the roof leak claim is denied than it will take longer to fight the insurance company to pay. It’s best to use a Public Insurance adjuster to have the best chance at a quick claim with the maximum settlement.
A. Wear and tear is an exclusion in the insurance policy. Insurance doesn’t cover maintenance issue. But just because they use this excuse to deny your claim doesn’t mean that is a fair response. Presenting supporting evidence for a roof leak claim can help turn the claim around. Sending the denial letter to a Public Insurance Adjuster along with any repair receipts can help a property owner determine if they were fairly treated by the insurance company. Most often if you feel you were treated unfairly you probably were. A Public Insurance Adjuster can help turn your claim around.
A. If you have cracked and broken tiles, your insurance company may drop you because of the increased risk of water damage. However, you may be able to keep your policy if you can prove that the roof still has usually life left.
Some things that may help prove this include: having a recent roof inspection, having regular maintenance done on the property, and keeping up with repairs as they are needed. If you can prove that the damage is not due to negligence, your insurance company may also cover any damages caused by the leak in the future.