Frequently Asked Questions
If you’ve never had storm damage to your roof or siding, it’s normal to have questions. But we want you to understand both the damage and the insurance claims process as thoroughly as possible. For this reason, we’ve answered a few frequently asked questions below. If you don’t see your question answered below, please contact us directly!
What is storm damage to a roof?
Storm damage to a roof (or other part of your home) is any problem that happens due to a severe weather event. Home or roof damage from hurricanes, tornadoes, severe thunderstorms or blizzards are considered storm damage. These problems may be caused by high winds, torrential rain, hail, flying debris or even lightning strikes.
What are the types of storm damage that can happen to a roof?
Storms can cause a range of damage types to your roof. A few of the most common examples include:
- Cracks, dents, holes or tears in the roofing shingles, decking or underlayment
- Peeling or lifting shingles
- Holes directly through the roof, exposing your home’s interior
- Roof leaks
- General damage to the shingles, flashing, gutters and other roofing layers
- Roof entirely ripped from home (in the most extreme circumstances)
At what wind speed does roof damage usually occur?
You may be surprised to learn that roof damage can begin at only 45 miles per hour wind speeds. At this speed, your roof may lose a few shingles, although the overall structure of your roof should be okay. Once wind speeds reach 75 miles per hour (or higher), you risk widespread storm damage to your roof.
What are some signs of storm damage to my roof?
Obvious signs of storm damage may include leaks, shingles in the yard or missing roof sections. Some storm damage signs are challenging to spot and could be missed. That’s why it’s a good idea to get a thorough roof inspection done following major storms or weather events.
Is storm damage to the roof covered by insurance?
Many types of roof damage from storms are covered, but you’ll need to read your specific insurance policy to know for sure. Some policies exclude specific types of damage, while others may limit how much they cover. One of our experts can help you determine what your policy covers, or you can call your insurance company for more detailed information.
How to prove storm damage to my roof?
Proving storm damage requires irrefutable evidence like videos or pictures. For this to be most effective, you’ll want images of your home before the damage. This doesn’t need to be done directly before the storm hits, just general photos of your home’s appearance. Working with a storm damage claim professional is your best bet in proving damage to your roof occurred during the storm.
What do I do if my storm damage insurance claim is denied?
You can always file an appeal if your insurance denied your storm damage claim. The process to file an appeal is slightly different than filing the original claim, and you may want a professional to help ensure it’s done correctly.