Storms and hurricanes may damage homes, roofs, and neighboring buildings. Homeowners must be prepared to deal with these devastating events.
Certain roof types and home shapes will withstand high winds produced by hurricanes and tropical storms better than others. Choosing the correct roofing contractor may make or break your project.
Reputation
A storm may severely destroy your home and roof. Strong winds and flying debris can tear up shingles and break tiles. However, this isn’t the only damage that can occur during a hurricane.
You can check a roofing company’s reputation by looking for its BBB accreditation. Companies that have been accredited have committed to following the BBB’s accreditation requirements, which include treating consumers fairly and honestly.
Insurance
Typically, hurricanes cause roof damage that requires homeowners to file insurance claims. These claims will help them pay for repair and replacement costs. However, homeowners should beware of scam artists exploiting them during this time. These fraudsters will go door to door and falsely claim they can provide them with a new roof for their insurance deductible. They should be avoided at all costs.
Search for debris in your yard or neighbors’ yards to see whether your roof is damaged. If you notice any, then it is highly likely that your roof is damaged.
Homeowners in states prone to tornadoes and hurricanes often have to pay a separate named storm or wind/hail deductible in addition to their regular dwelling coverage. This deductible is usually around 1% to 10% of your home’s insured value. This makes it even more important to be careful and find a reputable roof company to work with.
Customer Service
A hurricane is stressful, and a roof damaged by the storm can add to the stress of dealing with insurance claims and other problems. That’s why it’s essential to prioritize customer service and offer a hassle-free experience for your customers.
For instance, you want to build up an automatic response system to respond to inquiries from homeowners before they schedule an appointment. This can help you avoid answering the same questions over and over, and it will save you time and energy.
If a homeowner’s roof is severely damaged, it’s essential to respond quickly. This is because if the damage is left unattended, it can lead to further issues and even threaten the safety of the family or business. It’s also possible that the storm may cause structural damage, and it’s critical to fix these problems before a full replacement is needed. If not, it could cost the homeowner a lot of money.
Experience
Especially after a hurricane, roofers who are well-qualified and experienced with their work are in high demand.
Specific building and roofing codes must be followed if you live in an area with a high hurricane risk. These requirements are often stricter than in landlocked states and may include requirements such as using particular roofing materials or installation techniques.
A good hurricane roof company should have an insurance specialist on staff to negotiate heavily with insurance companies. Having a professional on your side will ensure you get all the money you need for a thorough repair because it is usual for adjusters to create excuses not to pay your claims. Additionally, it may shorten the time necessary to settle your claim.
