What do insurance adjusters look for on roofs?
Most property owners are clueless of what an independent adjuster looks for when examining a home after a storm. It is essential to understand the adjuster's role: to determine if covered hazard damage exists and document the extent of that damage under policy coverage. In the hail case, they look to establish the hail's direction, size, frequency, and what it damaged the house.
The following list provides six signs that warrant repair or replacement:
1. Excessive loss of granules
While the loss of granules alone, even in large amounts, does not justify repair or replacement, it indicates that roof life may have been compromised.
2. Missing or damaged shingles
A requirement for covered hazard damage is that the shingle's functional utility has been diminished on the surface of the roof, either from hail or wind (missing or broken shingles).
3. Dented venting
Metal roofing vents, also referred to as box or turtle vents, could have dents used to demonstrate hail size and frequency for claims.
4. Damaged gutters
Like the excessive loss of granules, damaged gutters indicate the size, frequency, and directionality of hail and demonstrate compromised functional utility.
5. Other damaged items
Other items on the structure's exterior will also be examined and documented, including paint, trim, HVAC units, windows, screens, fences, and personal property damage. The goal is to establish and note credible signs explaining the nature and extent of damage to your property to the insurance carrier's claims department.
6. Signs of leaking
An adjuster will look for signs of a leak, such as peeling under roof eaves, curling or buckling roofing, damaged or rusted flashing, and rot. You may also notice leaks on the interior ceiling presenting as dark spots that could be accompanied by peeling interior paint.
THE KEY FACTORS ROOF INSPECTION:
The amount of hail in a storm does not determine if you need a new roof, but the extent of the damage. Of course, the age of your roof and the materials your roof is made of will, but there are some key indicators your adjuster will assess:
Missing granules are a signal of hail damage, as missing granules can expose the layer below.
Areas below missing granules often feel soft and spongy, a sign of bruising.
If the fiberglass mats surrounding asphalt shingles are cracked or broken, roof replacement may be required.
Also considered are collateral damage to fascia, gutters, winds, valleys, windows, siding, and other areas with dents or damage.
What damage can these key factors look like? Refer to this State Farm roof claim resource guide, used to evaluate shingles during the claim process.
WHAT SHOULD EXPECT?
Roof hail claims are often processed within seven to fourteen days. The request is subject to your deductible, and the amount awarded is subject to depreciation. We note that insurance carriers like to depreciate labor - which appreciates over time incorrectly.
Consider the roof condition before the storm will be considered. For instance, if the roof and gutters were not in good condition before the storm, any claim could be significantly reduced or denied, unless you have adequate representation.
Know that you have the right to have representation! Home insurance claims are commonly underpaid. You have the right to have an experienced attorney maximize your claim.