Tornado Damage: How Skilled Roofers Help Insurance Claims

Dealing with tornado damage can be a real headache—not just for your roof, but for the whole structure of your property. That’s where hiring a professional roofer really comes in handy. They not only help fix the damage but also guide you through those tricky insurance claims to get the repairs covered.

In this post, we’ll outline how a competent and experienced roofer can assist get your roof back to its best.

Fixing Tornado Damage Starts with a Professional Roof Inspection

Following a tornado, speed is of the essence. Your home’s structural integrity might be at risk, so it’s key to start the insurance claims process fast. Before you even file your insurance claim , the first step is to book an independent roof inspection. 

A reputable roofer can deliver a rapid roof inspection of any damage to your roof. This independent assessment is vital for the timely and accurate submission of your insurance claim. 

After you file an insurance claim, an adjuster will inspect your roof to assess the tornado damage. Adjusters often aim to offer the least coverage possible, making it essential to have an independent inspection beforehand. This inspection provides an unbiased estimate of your roof damage, allowing you to compare it with the adjuster’s report.

Even if your home has minor damage, remember most insurance companies have a one-year deadline for claims. So, starting this entire inspection process immediately after a tornado is crucial.

Detailed Documentation

An experienced roofing company will document issues with photos and descriptions, offering expert evaluations to support insurance claims. This independent assessment can improve claim success rate, increase your coverage payout and protect against biased insurance adjusters.

Accurate Estimates

After the inspection, the roof inspector will provide a detailed estimate for materials and labor, and potential replacement costs. The estimate provides you with leverage in the insurance claim and bolsters negotiations during the claims process.

After the insurance adjuster inspects the damage, your insurer will give you a claim offer. It is important to remember that this is not a final offer, there are negotiations in this process. Many people don’t know that and just take the initial offer, that’s where an independent roofing contractor can help.

If your first offer is lacking or denied, the inspection and roofing estimate can support your case.

Complete Roof Replacement and Additional Testing

Filing an insurance claim after a devastating event like a tornado often means dealing with extensive damage. In these situations, going for a full roof replacement is usually the best way to keep your roof in top shape.

However, insurance adjusters may not always share this view. They might suggest a spot repair to minimize their costs, which can leave your roof vulnerable to water damage, roof leaks, and wind damage.

If your insurer proposes a spot repair, a reputable roofer will advocate for a complete replacement. They can conduct a brittle test to demonstrate the age and fragility of the asphalt shingles. If the shingles break or crack during this test, it’s a clear sign to the insurance company that trying to repair them might actually do more harm than just replacing everything.

Mitigation of Further Damage

Prompt and professional roofing repairs are essential after a tornado to prevent further property damage. A reputable roofer will prioritize securing your roof to protect your home from weather or water damage until insurance claims are resolved and a permanent fix is implemented.

Another benefit of hiring an independent roofer is ensuring your insurance adjuster replaces materials with the same or better quality. This includes asphalt shingles, underlayment, venting, and flashing, all of which should be properly addressed after a storm.

In many states, “Matching Laws” require insurance companies to replace materials with the same grade, ensuring your roof is fixed and secured for the long term. Regardless of whether your state has these laws, a skilled roofer will work to enhance your roof’s structure and advocate for high-quality materials. Many roofers successfully negotiate these upgrades with insurance companies, benefiting both you and the insurer in the long run.

Code Upgrades

Code upgrades are an important part of the homeowners insurance claim process often overlooked by your insurance coverage, but a roofer can help. A code upgrade refers to a required element of your roofing system missing due to outdated or poor installation, regardless of damage. 

When filing a claim, insurance companies often argue these upgrades are optional and refuse to cover them initially. For example, in colder climates, a water and ice shield protects against snow and ice but may be missing if your roof was poorly installed. Insurers often try to deny this as an “upgrade” during repairs or replacement, and many homeowners accept this without realizing their rights. 

A good roofer will identify missing code requirements during an inspection and challenge the insurance company during negotiations. This often results in coverage for the upgrades, leaving your roof up to code and better protected.

Warranty and Follow-up

Reputable roofing contractors not only help negotiate with your insurance company but they will repair and replace your roof with the best quality practices. Along with a quality roof they will provide the best possible warranties on their work.

There is a product warranty on the roofing material itself or a strong workmanship, a quality warranty means if there is an issue you have someone to go to and wont have to deal with insurance for the foreseeable future and avoid the insurance claim process as much as possible. Choose contractors certified by material suppliers, like those with the Owens Corning Platinum Roofing Contractor Certification.

Have Tornado Damage? What’s Next.

Choose a roofer experienced in storm damage repair and insurance claims after a tornado. Roof MD, serving Tennessee and Georgia, offers expertise in managing tornado claims and coordinating home restoration. Reach out to us for assistance and to schedule your free storm inspection today.