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Does Insurance Pay For A Replacement Roof?

Does-Insurance-Pay-for-a-Replacement-Roof

 

Your roof is your home’s first defense against the elements outside. What can homeowner’s insurance do to help you with a replacement roof?

No matter how strong your roof was when it was originally installed, roofs deteriorate over time. For most manufacturers, the average lifespan of a roof is 20 years. It’s no coincidence that insurance companies use this number to determine the monetary value they can give you for a replacement roof. Can the right policy cover a complete replacement?

Insurance and Roof Depreciation

The amount of assistance you can receive from your insurance company to replace your roof depends entirely on the circumstances of the damage. Besides causing purposeful damage to your own roof, the worst variable that insurance companies use to determine a payment amount is roof depreciation.

In simple terms, the older your roof, the less support you can expect. The amount of support decreases further if your roof shows signs of neglect. A roof nearing the end of its 20-year lifespan might even provide you nothing, even if you have paid your entire deductible. The good news for owners of brand-new roofs is that insurance will pay you much more; the bad news is that even a damaged, your typical homeowner’s insurance may not approve the total cost of a replacement roof.

In Case of Uncontrollable Damage

Unforeseen events that cause damage to your roof are a whole other story. If damage occurs to your roof that you could not control (such as a tree blowing down during a windstorm, or heavy hail), your insurance will generally pay for repair or a roof replacement, depending on the limits of your insurance.

In the end, is roof insurance worth the trouble?

ACV Versus RCV Insurance

Two types of roof insurance exist: actual cash value (or ACV) and replacement cost value (or RCV). The real difference between them is how much they will offer if your roof needs to be replaced. ACV roof insurance acts like typical home insurance, limiting the payout depending on your roof’s deterioration and age. RCV, however, does not take this into account. It is typically more expensive, but the financial assistance you will receive will cover the cost of most asphalt roof replacements.

Contact The Roof Doctor for a Replacement Roof in Salt Lake City, Utah

Don’t take chances when your roof needs to be repaired, replaced, or installed! Call your roofing team at The Roof Doctor for a full assessment. We are dedicated to helping our customers and our neighbors live under the most dependable roofs in the industry. We serve Ogden, Layton, Orem, Provo, and everywhere in between!

 

 

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Will Your Brand New Roof Experience Hail Damage?

Will-Your-Brand-New-Roof-Experience-Hail-Damage
 

The potential for hail damage on a brand new roof can stress out a new property owner, so let’s take a closer look at the probability.

In Utah, we might see a hailstorm blow through town every so often, so it’s essential that homeowners and property owners alike should be informed. It’s also important to note that a single storm will not constitute the need for a whole new roof. But if you just got a new roof or are considering reroofing, there are a few steps you can take to ensure maximum protection.

When Is Hail Damage Likely?

Hailstorms, high winds, and thunderstorms are most likely to occur during the spring and fall months in Utah but can happen at any point in the year. We’re not in the midwest region of the country where hailstorms are the most likely to occur, and we’re not often caught in hail that can cause severe damage after just one storm. But it’s possible that multiple storms can lead to enough damage that you’ll eventually need at least a minor repair or an overhaul of your entire roof.

So if the question is, “Will your new roof experience hail damage?” the answer might be yes, but it’s unlikely that it will be serious enough to call in a roofer after just one weather occurrence.

Protecting Your Home From Hail Damage

  • If you’re designing a roof, a steep-sloped roof typically holds up better against hail.
  • Keep landscaping and tree branches trimmed back and away from your home and roof.
  • Replace your current shingles with or build your roof with class IV shingles with an impact resistance rating of UL 2218.
  • Regularly inspect your roof and attic for signs of damage that need to be repaired before another hailstorm lands.
  • Contact a professional roofing company for any repairs to ensure your roof is back in tip-top shape.

Call The Roof Doctor for Repairs and Reroofing

When you're ready for a new roof or a reroofing job as a result of hail damage, The Roof Doctor is prepared to help. With years of experience in installing and repairing, our licensed roofing specialists have the knowledge to help you make the best roofing decision for your home. Serving Orem, South Jordan, Salt Lake City, Bountiful, and their surrounding areas, we're eager to give Utah property owners the roof of their dreams. Contact us today for a free estimate!

 

 

 

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Is It Necessary to Replace Your Roof After Hail Damage?

Replacing Your Roof After Hail Damage: Is It Necessary?

A question we hear from a lot of homeowners is whether or not they should replace their roofs when they see signs of hail damage.

The answer to that question is a bit more complicated than a simple yes or no, so we’re going to take a closer look at hail damage on roofs and what entails a repair or complete replacement. Keep reading to learn more. 

How Likely Is Hail Damage in Utah? 

In some regions of Northern Utah, hail is as common as a thunderstorm, meaning every time a thunderstorm rolls into town, you can count on some hail accompanying it. In Utah, a single hail storm won’t constitute an overhaul of your roof a lot of the time. But as hailstorms come through town repeatedly over a few months or years, it’s wise to look out for any indications of hail damage on your roof. 

Weather experts will typically say that hail the size of a quarter is not unheard of in northern Utah, which is the size a hailstone would need to be to do any substantial damage. If you hear of a weather report in your area that claims hailstones that are larger than an inch, make sure to call a professional roofing company to inspect your home after the storm has passed. 

When to Replace Your Roof from Hail Damage 

More often than not, one hailstorm won’t create a situation that requires roof replacement or even a repair. But when there is noticeable hail damage, it can lead to rot of the underlayment and roof decking, mold and bacteria growth, a roof leak, and other water damage. So, if you are inspecting your roof after a storm and notice missing granules from a single, any indentation marks, or a loose shingle, you’ll need to replace the damaged areas to ensure that water does not get through the roof. 

As for a roof replacement, it should only be necessary if there is underlying damage that was not treated in the first place. Remember, the more durable your roofing materials are, the more likely they’ll hold up against extreme weather conditions, like hail. Since the average asphalt shingled roof should last at least fifteen to thirty years, even with severe weather, you shouldn’t worry about replacing everything until you approach at least fifteen years. But as always, when in doubt, you can always count on a roof replacement company to give you the best advice moving forward.

Call The Roof Doctor for All Your Roofing Needs 

If you notice hail damage or any other problems with your roof, don’t hesitate to call The Roof Doctor right away! We take pride in being reliable and always providing the best service you can find in the roofing business. Whether you need an inspection, repair, or replacement, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today for a free estimate! We serve Salt Lake City, Ogden, Provo, and other surrounding cities in Utah.

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How Often Should You Replace Your Roof?

How Often Should You Replace Your Roof

The roof over your head provides you with security and shelter, but you’ll need to replace your roof eventually.

For most people, their house is their largest, most expensive investment they’ll ever make. One of the best ways to protect this investment and boost its value is by ensuring your roof is in optimal condition.

Don’t let your roof deteriorate. Keep reading to learn more about roof replacement.

The Lifespan of the Average Roof 

According to Home Advisor, the average roof replacement costs between $5,000-$10,000, so you probably only want to replace it if it’s deteriorating. Fortunately, your roof’s lifespan is dependent on a few factors that are under your control. The material your roof is made from will have the biggest impact on its lifespan. Here are a few of the most common materials: 

Composite or asphalt shingles: These are the most popular roofing materials. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but they have the most inexpensive upfront costs. However, you do get what you pay for, so the average lifespan of these materials is 20 years. It’s worth noting that if you have higher-end shingles, such as the ones we offer, they’ll probably last you an extra decade. 

Metal roofing: These roofs are one of the most modern types, and they come in a variety of colors. A metal roof can last 50 years or longer. They require less maintenance than other roof types, are good for the environment, and are energy efficient. You may be saving money on your energy bills if you have this type of roof. 

Flat roofing: Apart from their aesthetic appeal and relationship to contemporary architecture, flat roofs have become popular over the last decades. Best of all, a properly sealed flat roof is safe to walk on, meaning you can transform your roof into a beautiful relaxation space. These roofs last approximately 20 years, but with adequate maintenance and routine inspections, you can maximize their lifespan. 

As you can see, most roofs are resistant and can last decades; however, you can increase your roof’s lifespan by maintaining it. 

What Types of Damage Should I Watch out For? 

You should get your roof professionally inspected at least once a year. We recommend scheduling an inspection in the spring. Beyond a professional inspection, you can look for mildew, attic stains, curling, leaking, and missing or bald shingles a few times a year when you’re taking care of maintenance.

Knowing When It’s Time to Replace Your Roof 

It’s easy to tell if your roof needs replacement by looking at its shingles. If you notice they aren’t laying flat against the surface, it may be time to consult with an expert roofer. Although sometimes roof damage is conspicuous, other times, it may not be as obvious. 

The Roof Doctor Can Help 

If you’ve had the same house for decades or recently bought an old property, it may be time to replace your roof. The Roof Doctor specializes in roof repairs and replacement. From the moment you contact us, you’ll find that our staff is courteous and respectful. We’ll go the extra mile to make sure you’re satisfied. 

We serve Salt Lake City, Tooele, Ogden, Layton, Orem, Provo, Bountiful, and everywhere in between!

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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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Important Factors To Consider When Choosing A Roof Material

Important Factors to Consider When Choosing a Roof Material

Your choice of roof materials is important because it will affect your new roof’s life span, durability, performance, and appearance. The Roof Doctor, the leading roofer in our area, recommends doing your research about the features and benefits of various materials. To help you make your decision, we will explain the various factors that you need to consider: Continue reading “Important Factors To Consider When Choosing A Roof Material”