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The Basics of a Successful Roof Damage Insurance Claim

The Basics of a Successful Roof Damage Insurance Claim

If your roof needs repair, it is important to understand how to file a successful roof damage insurance claim.

After all, your roof is on the front lines against the elements in order to protect your home, so damages are inevitable.

Here are some tips to maximize your claim.

Find a Great Roofing Contractor

The first step you should take after noticing damage to your roof is hiring a roofing contractor. It is vital to work with a licensed, reputable contractor such as The Roof Doctor. A great contractor makes all the difference when filing a successful roof damage insurance claim.

Have Your Roof Inspected

You should have your roofing contractor inspect the damage prior to filing a claim. They will take pictures of the roofing issues as well as any other damages around your home. Capturing images of fallen tree branches, toppled chairs, or any other casualties of the storm will help strengthen your claim.

Be Prompt

Since your roof is constantly in use, time is of the essence when filing a claim to repair it. The longer it sits, the more time it has to collect dirt and debris that will make it difficult to establish the original damages.

Review Your Insurance Policy

All homeowner’s insurance policies are not created equal. You will want to make sure that the type of damage that occurred is covered by your plan. For example, if your roof was impaired in a hailstorm, you will want to verify that wind and hail damage is actually included in your policy.

Get an Estimate

Your insurance adjuster will provide an inspection in order to calculate an estimate. The Roof Doctor prefers to be on site for this process so that the adjuster is properly reviewing and noting all roof damage. Do not rely on the adjuster alone to determine the repair cost of the roof.

Keep a Log of Correspondence

Keep records all throughout the repair process. This includes photos, documented estimates, your homeowner’s insurance plan, and a record of who you spoke with and what they said. Ask a lot of questions and make sure you fully understand all the details of the job.

The Roof Doctor Way

In order to file a successful roof damage insurance claim, you need to work alongside an excellent roofing contractor. The professionals at The Roof Doctor are proud to offer excellent service and an open line of communication.

We serve Salt Lake City, Tooele, Ogden, Layton, Bountiful, Orem, Provo, and everywhere in between in Utah. Contact The Roof Doctor for your free estimate today.

 

 

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Does Homeowner’s Insurance Cover My Roof?

Does Homeowner’s Insurance Cover My Roof

Being a homeowner comes with countless responsibilities, and the majority of them protect their investment with homeowner’s insurance.

A good policy will cover any detached property, personal belongings, and the home itself, including your roof. But what happens if your roof becomes damaged?

Read more about this type of insurance and your roof below.

Q: Does homeowner’s insurance cover my roof?

A: Generally speaking, yes. A typical insurance policy will cover your roof and the cost of repairs or replacement if it becomes damaged. However, the fine print typically states that you’re only covered if the damage to your roof is a result of a sudden accident or act of nature. Furthermore, insurance doesn’t cover issues born from overall wear and tear or a roof that has exceeded its intended life span. These problems are the homeowner’s responsibility and aren’t eligible for reimbursement.

Q: How does roof coverage work?

A: Your roof arguably receives the most direct exposure to intense weather and sunrays. Depending on where you live, it can be exposed to several elements, such as heavy snow, hail, and ice storms in northern climates. Tornados and cyclones are common storms in the midwest. Tropical climates often suffer from hurricane-force winds.

While these elements differ from one another, they can all wreak major havoc on your roof. When your roof becomes damaged or destroyed from these natural events or accidents, such as debris falling from an overhead explosion, your home usually qualifies for a total or partial replacement.

When these events occur, you’ll be required to meet your policy deductible, and then coverage can kick in. Some high-risk states impose rules and exceptions on some policies. For example, you may have a higher deductible for damage caused by a hurricane. Homeowners in those areas may even be required to purchase additional coverall or a separate weather-related policy.

How to Get Reimbursed by My Insurance

The moment your roof is damaged, reach out to your insurance company for an inspection. Before they get to your house, make sure you gather any pertinent documents, such as your insurance policy, inspection reports, and pictures of the damage, which will be useful in the claims process. An adjuster from your insurance company will come to your house to inspect your roof and give their assessment.

PRO TIP — Take photos of your undamaged roof now so that if your roof becomes damaged and you have to work with your insurance, you’ll have a “before” picture to show them.

Contact The Roof Doctor

If your roof has become damaged and your homeowner’s insurance will cover it, you can count on the roofing specialists at The Roof Doctor. When the insurance adjuster inspects your roof, we’ll be by your side to ensure they properly note all its damage to maximize your reimbursement.

Contact us today so that we can coordinate a roof inspection with your insurance company’s claims adjuster. We serve Salt Lake City, Tooele, Ogden, Layton, Brigham City, Bountiful, and everywhere in between!

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Roof Repairs in Bad Weather

Roof Repairs in Bad Weather


We’re staying home a lot more than usual these days due to the pandemic, making it the perfect time for roof repairs.

Utah features some extreme temperatures and unpredictable weather, though, so is it wise, and more importantly, safe? Right now we’re experiencing the dog days of summer, and soon we’ll get the brisk autumn rain before feet of frozen snow in winter. 

Is it possible to fix a roof during bad weather? Find out below. 

Roof Repair in the Heat

You might face some challenges and dangers if you attempt to repair your roof in the middle of the hottest summer day. Summer might give you more time to work on roof repairs, but there are also hazards. 

  • Oppressive heat can be dangerous for you or a roofing professional
  • Metal roofing can get hot enough to burn at a touch
  • Shingles can grow soft and even melt under hot conditions, as well as other materials, such as a sealant, that you might use.

Roof Repair in the Rain or Snow 

The ideal weather conditions for repairing a roof is a warm, calm day, but that may not work with your schedule. Although the rainy season isn’t the best time, you can still have repairs performed in the rain, as long as it’s not storming. This means that if a drizzle suddenly pops up while you're working or having a professional doing repairs, there shouldn’t be an issue. If the situation does occur, it’s important to cover your materials and prioritize safety. 

Water Damage Effects 

Your main concern when roofing in the middle of a storm, aside from wind or lightning, should be water damage. Unshingled roofs are exposed, so rainwater can affect the roofing structure. Should you leave it until the rain stops or shingle it in the rain? Here are some factors to consider: 

  • Shingles won’t fasten well if done in heavy rain, ​but there’s also an increased risk of fungal and organic growth on your roof or in the interior. Humidity is a factor when installing roofing materials and shouldn’t be attempted in high humid conditions. The inner components of your roof are susceptible to the effects of water damage, and if humidity is high, it can cause the shingles to warp and bulge. Further, they could easily slip off if fastening materials are done during colder weather.
  • Improper installation can void a warranty. ​If the installation is done in potentially bad weather, a roofing manufacturer may void the warranty, even if they provide service warranties. Technically, they have a set of advised conditions for installing roofing materials to ensure the best outcome and minimize any damage or installation issues.
  • Worker danger increases ​when the installation is done in rainy weather. Slippery conditions will be a bigger problem due to ice sheets forming on your roof from flowing water during the winter. Also, if hail falls, that can be a significant problem in the summer.

Contact The Roof Doctor 

The Roof Doctor specializes in roof repairs, and we’re more than happy to assist you. We’ll follow the best working conditions when we fix your roof. 

We serve Salt Lake city and County, as well as surrounding counties. Our licensed roofing contractors are extra cautious in these unprecedented times, so please reach out and get a free estimate today.

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What Time of Year is Best to Replace Your Roof?

What Time of Year is Best to Replace Your Roof?

 

If your home is decades old, it may be time to replace your roof; this is one of the necessary evils of long-term homeownership.

A well-constructed roof should last around 20 years, but many factors can impact its lifespan. No matter how hard you care for your roof, it won’t last forever. If you need a replacement, is there an optimal time to do it?

Since it’s a huge purchase and investment, it’s best if you can appropriately plan for an update of this scale. Some circumstances may necessitate rapid and unplanned replacements, such as a catastrophic hurricane or unavoidable accident. However, we recommend that homeowners regularly monitor their roof’s status so that they can effectively plan ahead for replacement at the best possible time.

 

Best Time to Replace Your Roof

It’s best to tend to your home’s roof in late spring, or as soon as regular precipitation has concluded in your area. It’s difficult or nearly impossible to repair or replace a roof that is still enduring regular snow or rainfall due to safety and convenience concerns. Immediately after a wet or cold season, though, you’ll have a better awareness of leaks and drafts that might indicate roof damage.

Spring is preferable to winter for the temperature as well, and not just because no one wants to be on an icy, windy roof. Asphalt shingles are the most prevalent roofing material, and they need temperatures of around 50 degrees or warmer to properly adhere to the surface of the roof.

Summer can be an excellent time for roof replacement, provided you can avoid the hottest and most humid days. The hottest summer days will limit the hours your roofers can safely work, and the extreme heat can damage many meltable roofing elements—such as shingles.

Fall is the second-best time to replace a roof, but we recommend spring first because of the busyness in autumn. Roofing contractors report their busiest times being late summer through late fall. You might have to endure a waiting period during this season to get on a roofer’s list.

Winter roof work is usually needed in emergencies and best left to the most professional and experienced roofing companies. It’s difficult to get the seal needed for proper adhesion in temperatures under 50 degrees, and rooftops can be incredibly dangerous.

 

Plan Ahead

Roofing is a massive undertaking. It can be an expensive investment, even when you’re just considering small repairs. Our best word of advice is to plan ahead as best you can. If your roof is nearing 20 years of age and you see signs of wear, begin planning for a replacement soon. Save up or find roofers with accommodating plans. The best time of year to replace a roof is when you’re ready.

 

The Roof Doctor Way

No matter what time of year you need to replace your roof, The Roof Doctor stands ready and waiting to hear from you.

We service Salt Lake County. Let us help you protect your home and meet all your roofing needs.

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What Can I Do If I Can’t Afford a New Roof?

What Can I Do If I Can’t Afford a New Roof

An existing aging roof or damage from a major storm may result in a costly investment, and many homeowners don’t have the money to replace a new roof. If you’re in this predicament, you may wonder what you can do. Keep reading to learn your options in affording roof repair and protect your home.

Options to Consider

According to Homeadvisor.com, homeowners spend an average of $877 to repair a roof, with small repair costs anywhere from $150 to $400, but major repairs can run between $350 and $1,420. Here are some options for you to consider if you’re low on money and need a roof repair.

Finance Repair Costs

If you can’t afford repairs on your roof, there are several financing options available to help you. Putting the cost on a credit card (even if it’s temporary) ensures you get the repairs you need and time to pay off the charges. A personal loan is another option you can consider as well that allows you to pay monthly payments.

Apply for a Grant

Many home improvement and renovation grants are available from local, state, and federal governments. One standard grant for a roof repair and replacement includes the Weatherization Assistance Program. There is also the Section 504 Home Repair program for financial assistance. Consider the Very Low-Income Housing Repair program by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. These assistance programs enable homeowners to improve, repair, or upgrade your home. Interest rates for these grants or loans are typically low.

These programs apply to:

  • Disabled people
  • Elderly people
  • Low or moderate-income homeowners

Reach out to Your Network

There are some things you can DIY, but roof work can be a dangerous task. If done improperly, it can result in further damage. Check out social media and see if there are people that can help with small repairs. For major roof repair or replacement, it’s best to contact a licensed roofing contractor.

Refinance Your Home

A home improvement loan that includes refinancing your home involves the FHA 203K Refinance Loan and is a good option. This loan is designed explicitly for needed repairs. Before financing, contact a financial expert to get advice about refinancing since this is a big decision that can impact you in the future. Whatever loan you choose, ensure you get a reasonable interest rate and agreeable loan terms.

Save the Money

If you can wait for some months before repairing your roof, that can give you time to save the funds. Go through your budget and see how you can cut costs. Spending less on entertainment and food can rack up the savings quicker than you realize.

The Roof Doctor is an Affordable Option

Roof repair and replacement can be expensive. With the Roof Doctor, you can get financing options that best fit your budget. We can ensure you get affordable, excellent service with our licensed and experienced roofing contractors. Give us a call or visit us to get a free estimate today.

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How Much Does it Cost to Maintain Roofs?

What Can I Do If I Can’t Afford a New Roof

 

A well-maintained roof should last over 20 years, but how much does it cost to maintain that roof? Twenty years is a long time, and homeowners should understand exactly how to care for their roof, what to expect in terms of maintenance, and when they might have to replace the roof.

The roof is easy to neglect and easy to forget, but it’s also fairly easy to maintain as long as you’re aware. Read up on our best roof maintenance tips and general estimates.

How Much Does it Cost to Maintain Roofs?

The short answer? Nothing. If you are a hands-on homeowner, own a ladder, and can commit to regular observation of your roof, maintaining your roof for 20+ years will cost you absolutely nothing.

No Cost Roof Maintenance

  • Gutter Cleaning: your gutters should be cleaned twice a year. We recommend cleaning out the detritus of winter when spring starts to bloom, and then again after all the leaves have fallen in late autumn. Be careful on your ladder, but be sure each inch is clear to prevent mold, water damage, and attracting animals and insects.
  • Attic Checks: at least once a year you need to inspect the attic or the areas of your home immediately below the roof. Check for mold, drafts, discoloration, drips or leaks, signs of animal life. As unpleasant as it might be to climb into a cramped attic, it can show indications of wear and tear that need to be addressed immediately.
  • General Observation: keeping an eye on your roof helps you notice if there are patches of standing water, missing shingles, loose flashing, or any other issues. It can help to take a photo of your roof from all angles each time you clean the gutters so you can see any changes. Changes are sometimes incremental and hard to notice day-to-day, but comparing photos taken over time can show dramatic changes.

$200-$1000 Roof Maintenance

● Tree Trimming: your trees, bushes, and surrounding foliage should have no contact with the exterior of the home. Not only can trees scratch and wear down the exterior and roof of your home, they can also provide a bridge for animals and insects straight to your home.

● Roof Patching: Small areas of damage, loose flashing, missing shingles, gutter problems, and other minor roof issues will likely cost you a few hundred dollars depending on the size and severity of the problem. Still, any roof problem is likely to grow into a bigger issue over time so don’t put this off.

$4,000+ Roof Maintenance

  • Roof Replacement: for roofs older than 20 years or facing significant damage, a roof expert will recommend a full replacement.

Call the Roof Doctor

We hope that regular roof maintenance doesn’t cost you a dime, but if you find yourself needing a little more help to keep your roof in shape—call our Roof Doctors today.

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How Often Should I Get My Roof Inspected?

How Often Should I Get My Roof Inspected_

Your home’s roof is your ultimate protection from the elements, so it makes sense you would keep it well-maintained. However, a professional inspection isn’t a priority for many homeowners, so when a major storm comes up and damages the roof, it can also damage your budget. The time for getting an inspection is just as important as getting one. Keep reading to find out how often to schedule a roof inspection.

 

When to Have Your Roof Inspected

Most homeowners will recognize damage after a major storm hits and hail or wind tear off shingles or throw tree branches against the house or on the roof. Still, that’s not the only time you should inspect your roof; the recommended time is in the fall before winter sets in. Too cold and it could compromise a newly installed roof since new shingles can’t properly seal it down when it’s frigid. Also, trying to repair a roof when it’s icy can be extremely hazardous, so most homeowners wait until next spring to fix it.

 

Professional Vs. Homeowner Inspection

There are simple things a homeowner can do when inspecting their roof and without needing to get up on the roof to check. Flapping or missing shingles can be seen with good binoculars. If your roof is fairly new and doesn’t show interior water damage or hasn’t been exposed to major weather events, you can likely perform an inspection from the ground and a quick check for attic leaks. Other damage may not be so simple and can’t be seen from an untrained eye. This is where a professional comes into play. 

For a more comprehensive roof inspection, a professional is best since they have the training and experience needed to do a thorough inspection. If your roof is older and you want a seasonal inspection, you need a reputable roofing contractor. They can look for leaks, abnormal wear and tear, improper shingle installation or other previous repairs, and damage caused by debris from winds or hail. The inspection is broken into four categories: materials, interiors, structure, and workmanship, which includes looking for

 

To Schedule a Consultation, Call The Roof Doctor

If after a roof inspection shows you need roof repair or replacement, we’re available here at The Roof Doctor. Some of the repairs we do include dirty gutters, cracked sealant, cracked plastic vents, and cracked plastic pipe flashings.

Our licensed roofing contractors take extra precautions to ensure yours and their safety during this time, so reach out and get a free roofing estimate today. 

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How Do I File An Insurance Claim For A Roofing Repair?

How Do I File An Insurance Claim For A Roofing Repair?

With the recent storms that have hit Utah, wind damage, hail damage, and damage from downed trees or branches may damage your home. Roofing shingles can tear off, flashings damaged, and gutters can be damaged as well. When natural disasters damage your roof, you may wonder what the next steps are to filing an insurance claim. Stay tuned as we provide that information here so that you can begin repairs soon.

 

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Wind and Hail Damage?

According to the Insurance Information Institute, nearly 1 in 20 homeowners will file an insurance claim every year with around 1 in 50 that will report specific damage. Most insurance companies cover some wind damage in the form of tornadoes, hailstorms, rain, and lightning. Understanding what your particular policy includes is crucial for knowing what to expect with insurance claims.

 

The Types of Wind and Hail Damage Insurance Covers

Here are the common types of wind and Hail damage insurance covers:

  • Wind damage to roofs
  • Windows, shutters, and window screens
  • Fences including hail damage to vinyl fences
  • Aluminum or Vinyl Siding 

It’s best to review your home insurance policy to see just what is covered and talk with your agent for more information.

 

Submitting a Wind Damage or Hail Damage Insurance Claim

Before contacting your insurance, inspect for any damage, but carefully. Don’t go up on your roof since it could be unstable. Get binoculars if needed and check for any damage. If you have damage, this is a good time to call a professional roofer to mitigate any damages while you wait for the insurance process to take place. Many insurance policies require some type of repair to mitigate any further damages to the inside of the home.  Here is the process of submitting a storm damage insurance claim for your property.

 

  1. First, ensure the area is safe. If the damage to the roof is causing water to flood into your home, get to safety. If windows are broken, ensure no one can be hurt around them.
  2. Document the damage with photos and videos and note when the damage occurred, the time    and date. 
  3. Write down the description of the damage and make any temporary repairs that will make your home still liveable.
  4. Secure valuable personal property by storing it with friends or family if possible. If not, rent a storage unit until the damage is repaired.
  5. Contact a professional roofer to evaluate the storm damage and make any temporary repairs that are required to keep your home watertight.
  6. Contact your homeowner’s insurance and begin the insurance claims process. Your insurance company will send out an adjuster to check out the damage and appraise it, meaning how costly it is. They will then approve payment for a roof repair or replacement. 

 

Got Wind or Hail Damage? Call The Roof Doctor

If you’re looking for a roofing repair company that serves most of Utah, including the Salt Lake Valley, Tooele, Layton, Ogden, Brigham City, and Bountiful, contact The Roof Doctor. You can trust our licensed roofing contractors that ensure high quality and a job done right the first time. Contact us for a free estimate today. 

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Roof Flashing DIY Repair

Roof Flashing DIY Repair

 

Roof leakage can occur for a variety of reasons. One of the most common reasons is from damage to the roof’s flashing, (thin material that’s usually made from galvanized steel and protects roof edges, valleys) and the junctions between roofing and obstructions, including chimneys, dormer, and vent pipes. So what happens when roof flashing fails? Continue reading to learn about roof flashing repair and some DIY tips.

Tips for Roof Flashing Repair

Small flashing repairs can be done by the homeowner typically. Small holes or corroded spots in flashing is an easy repair job and is done by plugging pinholes with roofing cement. Patch holes with a patch from the same material as the flashing up to about a ¾ inch in diameter. Take a wire brush or sandpaper and roughen the area around the hole and then clean it. Affix a patch that’s been cut larger than the hole with roofing cement. Cover the patch with more cement.

Here are a few other ways to repair roof flashing.

Renew flashing seals 

You can chip out the old mortar and caulking along the flashing edges using a masonry caulk to seal the joints between the flashing and the chimney. Take a urethane-based roofing cement or silicone caulking compound and seal the seam between the cap and step flashing. If working with valley flashing, lift the surrounding shingles’ edges and spread the cement on the flashing. Do this about six inches in from the shingle’s edges. When resealing drip edging, seal beneath the shingles and not the drip edge along the eaves.

Replace flashing around the vent pipe

First, remove the shingles that cover the flange at the sides and back. Pry and lift the flashing and then pull or cut off any nails. Take a new vent-pipe flashing and position it over the vent and push it down into place. Nail where shingles cover it. Last, replace the shingles, and cover the nails heads with roofing cement.

About DIY Repair

Although DIY repair can save money and allows homeowners to control when they accomplish it, a professional roofing company has the necessary training, experience, and tools to do it right. Working on a roof can be dangerous, so it’s vital to ensure safety is paramount above all else. If you’re not entirely confident in repairing your roof flashing, it’s best to contact a professional who can handle it. 

Call The Roof Doctor for Assistance

Choosing a reputable roofing company like The Roof Doctor for your roofing repairs assures you that the work being done is of the highest quality and standards. We’ve been doing business for the Salt Lake City area and beyond for the last decade and take pride in our service. Contact us today for a FREE roofing estimate.

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Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Repair?

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Roof Repair?

 

When it comes to your roof, it arguably sustains the most exposure to the elements of any parts of your home. Depending on what types of roof repair a homeowner needs, the costs could be high. Stay tuned to find out if homeowner’s insurance covers major roof repairs. 

What Homeowner’s Insurance Covers 

Homeowner’s insurance is more likely to cover significant damage resulting from a large hole in your roof or from being torn off entirely or from crashing down. Damage that isn’t quite as severe is where you might see a problem in coverage. For example, if a violent thunderstorm causes shingle damage, your insurance may see that as cosmetic damage and not cover it. However, water damage from that same storm likely would be covered, so it’s a tricky situation. 

If your roof is deteriorating due to age, and therefore, sustains wear and tear damage, most homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it. Moreover, if the roof has been neglected, that’s also a reason to deny the claim. 

Reimbursement for Roof Repair or Replacement 

Just like a car, your roof depreciates year-by-year, so unless it’s made of a material like the durability of slate, most insurance companies won’t cover an old roof. Other exclusions could be the use of particular roofing materials like recycled shake shingles or cedar or with roofs that contain more than two layers of materials. 

The first step, however, is to call your insurance provider to schedule an inspection. In the meantime, gather all the documents pertaining to your home, including a copy of your current home insurance policy, home inspection repairs, photos of the damage, and receipts for any repair work done. Also, consider taking before and after photos to document a healthy roof and a damaged one. These documents will help greatly in your reimbursement claim. 

Protecting Your Roof 

There are some tips we recommend to ensure your roof is protected from the elements and prevent damage. 

  • Perform yearly maintenance on your roof that includes identifying any loose, lost, or curled shingles, water damage, flashing issues, or obstacles. (overhanging or dead branches) 
  • Replace any damaged shingles or tiles. If an insurance inspector sees missing or otherwise shingles in poor condition, they might refuse to reimburse you for damage. 
  • If your roof is over ten years old, consider hiring a roof inspector to check for any damage that needs repairing. 
  • Remove obstacles that could damage your roof. 
  • Fix any water leakage immediately. 

Need Help? Contact The Roof Doctor 

If you need help repairing your roof, call The Roof Doctor. We are here to assist you with any questions or concerns and employ licensed and certified roofing specialists that get the job done right. Contact us today for the best service possible in Salt Lake, Tooele, Ogden, Layton, Brigham City, and Bountiful.