Fall Storm Season Brings Wind, Hail, Roofers, and Potential Problems

Insurance companies and roofing contractors like Reroof America know the drill... but are you ready? The annual storm season in the western part of the country often arrives in conjunction with a “second” storm season hitting the Midwest and Southeast and can cause major headaches for property owners. Many people across the country find that March through May are some of the most dangerous months of the year, as evidenced by total number of major storms and outbreak of tornados. However, aside from the hurricane danger in September; October and early November can be quite harrowing months for property owners, especially because the window to complete repairs before winter comes is much shorter.


These late year storms can cause more damage than you think to your roof and siding. When October storms hit, people tend to think less about them as there is not the national awareness as there is in the spring months. Typically the hail is a little softer in the fall, however, the hail and wind can be equally as damaging to the integrity of a roof or siding.
So far in 2011, there have been major wind and hail events in Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. These recent fall storms are coming on the heals of major East coast damage from Hurricane Irene and a very active spring storm season earlier this year. As a result of these storms, there has been an increase in demand for building products and as such increased construction material costs on items such as asphalt roofing shingles.


In addition to construction material problems, property owners may have other difficulties in dealing with their insurance replacement work. Reroof America offers some tips for homeowners who experienced some of these late season storms:

1. Call your agent or insurance claim “hotline”… if you look on your insurance paperwork, there is usually a claim number.

-OR- If you are not sure if you have hail damage or not, you should call a reputable roofing contractor (your insurance may recommend on like Reroof America) to come out and do an initial damage assessment. This is important as some insurance premiums can be negatively affected by filing claims even if there was no damage.


2. If you have an approved claim, need an emergency repair or are certain that you have damage… contact a recommended and certified contractor. Make sure that they are registered and certified by the local and state agencies and carry plenty of general liability insurance.

3. Schedule the repairs… being this late in the year, most severe hail damage should be addressed before the heart of the winter arrives. This is especially important in areas where snow is on your roof for extended periods of time.

4. Do not pay up front… one of the most common scams by storm chasing contractors is taking payment up front and not completing the work.

5. Demand a complete system… when having your roof work completed after a storm, you will want to make sure that you have a complete protective roofing system installed. This will ensure that you have the most waterproof roof. We feature the GAF System Plus and GAF Golden Pledge Limited warranties.

So if you were one of the many unfortunate homeowners who experienced some hail, wind or other storm related damage to your home, you will probably want to have it checked out before the winter hits. Remember, a roof that is damaged may become worse and cause some major headaches over the winter if you don’t address the problems quickly. (but do take precautions in selecting your roofer and roof system)

Dont agree with your insurance adjuster about your roof claim... It's Ok, it happens all the time.

A couple of the markets where Reroof America works are prone to lots of storms and hail damage. I had a common occurrence in my travels this week to out St. Louis (O'Fallon MO) office during the second half of the week and while in Oklahoma City earlier in the week.

I experienced and heard several stories about homeowners, our Service Consultants and even third parties having problems with their insurance adjuster. In fact, back in August 2011, a wind storm came through my neighborhood in Edmond, OK and damaged numerous homes... One of these affected was my neighbor across the street that has two layers of wood roof (That's right, a layer of wood shingles, covered by a layer of wood shakes)...

See the below pictures from that storm:

You would think that every roof was damage and that insurance will pay for all the damage... After seeing the initial damage, I thought of course they would be totaled (i.e. the insurance carrier would pay for a total roof replacement)

Well the answer is yes and no.

The problem usually is that a homeowner either is sure that their roof should be replaced (usually because a contractor told you or every other home in your neighborhood is being roofed) or did not even think the roof was touched. Either way, if home was in the path of a storm get ready for some door knocking salesmen… some of which may be the scam artists you have heard about. Anyway, when it comes to your damaged roof, the contractor may be on the up and up... or he may be trying to manufacture a claim. And when you do decide to file a claim (yes you will have to file… not the contractor on your behalf), there are numerous factors that go in to an adjusters decision on your coverage and what the insurance will pay; the most common are:

1. What is your policy. Most insurance adjusters are paid to be insurance policy experts. In fact over the past few years there have been so many changes in policy types... and in many cases homeowners are not aware of changes in coverage’s to their own policy.

Specific changes to policy's may be:

A. An addition of Non-Recoverable Depreciation

B. A change in a policy for allowing "sloping"

C. A change in a policy to allow code upgrades

2. What type of roof do you have. We are roofers, we work with roofs every day of our life. There are tons of types (makes and models) of roofs. If the type of roof you have is more resistant to damage, or the adjuster (who is not a roofing expert) is not familiar with the system.

3. The type of damage. As I just stated, adjusters are typically not roofing experts, they should be damage experts. Sometimes though, the roof may not be damaged enough to "total" the roof, however in several cases that I have seen this year, when you take in to consideration the condition of the roof and the difficulty of the repair... many roofers will suggest (and rightfully so) that the roof needs to be replaced.

4. Wear and tear & manufacturer defects. Predetermined roof failure... such as a manufacturer defect... may effect your overall claim.

So... what do I recommend???

First... familiarize yourself with insurance and claim terminology. I think we have a great resource on the Reroof America website here:  http://www.reroofamerica.com/Insurance-Information.htm

Second... review your policy BEFORE you need to use it. Sit down with you agent and discuss what is covered and what isn't, if you are at all unclear.

Third... find a good roofer. One that is not only knowledgeable about roofing but can also effectively communicate with you adjuster to help get your claim resolved. Oftentimes this will not be the first salesman to your door. I recommend talking to a few and reviewing their credentials. Honest contractors do not mind being scrutinised. 

Fourth... be patient. When there are a lot of storms across the country (like in 2011) sometimes the adjuster field is low (experienced adjusters get dispatched to areas of high volume). If you think you disagree with you roofer or adjuster... get a second opinion. (Most reputable roofers will not mid if you get a second opinion)

Lastly... realize that you, and your roofer may be wrong. Like I said... there are many factors that go in to your roof and your claim. While you pay for your policy so it can be used in a time of need, there may be a valid reason for your claim to be denied… and there is likely something being lost in the communication.

As for me… this year I’ve see roofs that have no business being totaled… that were… and some that were definitely beat up enough to be totaled… that were denied.

In the case of my neighbor… we are still working with the insurance company to come to the right solution. Like I said… be patient!!!

If you have specific damage questions… you can always send me questions and pictures may be I can help you (with no obligation to you :) )!

Thanks for reading!!!