Hail Season in Northern Colorado: Common Questions and Concerns from Homeowners
With hail season upon us and several storms already hitting Northern Colorado, it’s important to know a few things when it comes to having your roof evaluated after a hail storm. We’ve gone ahead and compiled some common questions a lot of homeowners have about their roof after a hail storm and answered them below.
What are “Storm Chasers?”
Storm Chasers, (sometimes known as roofing gypsies) are roofers who travel around the country seeking to exploit homeowners whose homes (roofs, siding, etc.) have been affected by storms or suspect may have roof damage.
What are some scenarios you can run into when storm chasers start knocking at your door?
Storm Chasers often times know how insurance works and will figure out the cost to put the cheapest roof on as possible. They tend to pressure you into signing a contract that does not have a cancellation clause. They will make you think you are getting a good deal on your roof and not make you aware of other issues with your roof. Once they have completed the minimum amount they need to do to the roof they will vanish leaving you stranded if there are any warranty issues. Simply put they, will overpromise and under deliver most of the time.
Why should I have my roof checked prior to filing a claim?
It’s important to have a local professional roofing inspector come out and asses your home prior to filing a claim because they can give you an idea if filing a claim is the best option. You want to avoid filing a claim if your related damage is not at least over the deductible amount. Frivolous claims will be a strike against you on your claim history. Some insurance companies will drop you if you file too many claims. With that in mind, it is super important to have a free inspection done prior to filing a claim.
As a customer with roof damage, what do I need to do to file a claim?
After having a professional roof inspector come out and confirm roofing damage exceeding your deductible amount, you will want to reach out to your insurance agent. You'll want to let them know you had a professional check the roof and found damage worth claiming. The insurance company will then send out an insurance adjuster to asses what is coverable damage to your property.
How long does the claim process typically take?
Claims can vary from insurance company to insurance company, but the usual turn around time is a few weeks and is based on how quickly an insurance adjuster can get out to your property. From there, it will depend on the severity of the damage and the complexity of the claim.
Why should I choose a local company vs. an out of state company (Storm Chasers)?
Going with a local company gives you the ability to research them in various ways. You can check them out on the Better Business Bureau or check with local insurance agents, property management companies, HOA’s, etc. for references. Making sure you are dealing with a great local roofing contractor, is a huge factor in the long-term care of your roof because they will still be around to address any issues/warranties with your roof in the future. Plus, supporting a local business is never a bad thing either. Storm Chasers or your out-of-state companies often times will disappear after the work is done or even leave during the re-roof process if they no longer feel the job is worth it.
Why should I upgrade to a Class IV shingle?
Class IV shingles will help protect against future hail storms to a certain extent (nothing is completely Hail Proof at this point) and often times insurance companies will offer discounts to your homeowner insurance because you are taking initiative to better protect your home.
While there may be other questions that come to mind for homeowners when it comes to their roofs after a hailstorm, this is a great starting to point to have some piece of mind in regards to what to expect/things you should be aware of as a homeowner with potential roof damage.
If you have experienced any hail damage or think you may have, please reach out to Harmony Roofing Inc. to have a roofing professional with integrity, competence, and excellence examine your roof.