Steps To Take After Your Roof Suffers Storm Damage
The first line of defense against harsh weather for your commercial building is its roof. Damaging weather can severely compromise that protection. If your roof suffers storm damage, what needs to happen next?
Though panicking may be your first inclination, try to remain as calm as possible. A clear head will serve you far better in a situation like this. Here is some information that may be of assistance to you as the owner of a commercial building that has been damaged by a storm.
Assess the Damage
The power of a storm, heavy winds, fallen tree limbs, snow piling up, or more may have damaged your building’s roof. If you can do it safely, climb up to examine your roof and assess the damage. Confirm needed repairs or stop further damage. Many contractors offer emergency roof repairs, but keep your receipts for insurance reimbursement.
Contact Your Insurance Provider & Emergency Contractor
Contact your insurance provider. It’s imperative to properly document roof damage and submit all claims as quickly as possible.
Protect Your Roof
Assess the level of damage you face. What sort of damage are we discussing? A tree might have collapsed on your roof, or perhaps lightning inflicted damage. The damage may call for a protective shield to protect your interior from ruin (board-up service, plastic tarp, etc.).
Get In Touch With An Adjuster and a Trusted Roofing Contractor
The roof damage will need to be assessed. The insurance company may send an adjuster. But hire your own public adjuster to protect your best interests. (See more public adjuster tips below.)
Some roofing contractors specialize in storm-damage, so ask ahead of time if you’re concerned they may not be qualified.
Submit Your Claim
Time is very important when you submit a claim. Insurance companies hold a time limit for filing claims – sometimes within one year of the damage/repairs.
Document all your contacts, save your receipts, keep photos/videos of the damage, etc. in a folder. Submit your photo documentation or all receipts you’ve gathered to your insurance company (and proof if the storm rendered your building briefly uninhabitable).
One Last Tip
It’s important to make sure your policy is up to date and that you understand it. To help prove specific storm damage, consider having your building inspected and its condition documented before storms hit – if possible. Keep the number of a roofing contractor on hand and call them in the event of emergencies.
Why Should a Commercial Building Owner Use a Public Adjuster?
Insurance companies have their own adjusters to assess damage. But for the best results in a bad situation, hire your own public adjuster. With experience in all the right places, forensics, and the latest technology, a public adjuster will provide a number of benefits:
- Claims may be resolved faster
- On your behalf, the adjuster will negotiate
- Valuable time can be saved
- If an undesirable settlement offer has been made, an adjuster may help you fight it
- You are not required to make an upfront payment
- A higher settlement offer is far more likely
- Compared to attorney costs, adjusters are far more budget friendly
- You’ll be less stressed during the claim process
- Your best interests are what the adjuster has at heart
For property damage insurance claim filing, Stone Claims will professionally handle your appraisal. We operate (and are licensed) in Mississippi, Maryland, Louisiana, Georgia, Oklahoma, North Carolina, New Jersey, Nebraska, Florida, Delaware, Virginia, Texas, Tennessee, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Oregon, and Colorado.
Standard insurance adjusters work for insurance companies. But we work for you. We fight for fairness.
For a free claim review, please contact us at 1-800-892-1116. You can email us at office@stoneclaims.com if you like. Or you can use our convenient online form. Fill it out, send it in, and we’ll get back to you.