Roofing Tips & Guides
Expert Roofing Advice for Charlotte Homeowners
Learn from Charlotte's trusted roofing experts. Tips on maintenance, repair, replacement, and protecting your home from the elements.
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Learn from Charlotte's trusted roofing experts. Tips on maintenance, repair, replacement, and protecting your home from the elements.
Storms in North Carolina are no joke. One minute you are enjoying a sweet tea on your porch in Cornelius. The next minute, the sky turns green. Large hail starts pounding your roof. You hear the wind howling through the trees in your backyard. After the storm ends, you look up. You might see some missing shingles. Or maybe you don't see any damage at all.
But here is the truth. Just because your roof isn't leaking yet doesn't mean it is okay. Many homeowners in the Charlotte area make big mistakes when they file insurance claims. These mistakes can cost you thousands of dollars. They can also leave you with a roof that isn't safe for your family.
At Best Roofing Now, we are a veteran-owned company. We believe in integrity and hard work. We want to help you protect your home. That is why I am sharing the seven most common mistakes people make with roofing insurance claims. I will also tell you exactly how to fix them.
And hey, we have seen it all. From fallen trees in Ballantyne to hail damage in Mooresville. We are here to guide you through this. Let's get into it.
This is the number one mistake we see. Most people think they should call their insurance agent right away. It makes sense, right? You pay for insurance to protect you. But calling them first can actually hurt your claim.
When you call the insurance company, they open a "claim file." If they send an adjuster and they don't find enough damage, that claim stays on your record. It counts as a "zero-pay" claim. This can make your rates go up later. Even if they didn't pay you a dime!
How to Fix It:
Call a local, trusted roofing professional first. We offer free roof inspections in Charlotte and surrounding areas. A pro roofer will get on your roof. They will look for "bruises" from hail and wind damage that you can't see from the ground.
If we find enough damage to warrant a claim, we will document it with photos. Then, you can call your insurance company with proof in hand. This makes the whole process much smoother.
In North Carolina, we have a lot of storms. We get summer thunderstorms and hurricane season in the fall. Many people wait until they see a leak to call someone. By then, it might be too late.
Most insurance policies have a time limit. Often, you only have one year from the date of the storm to file a claim. If you wait 14 months to call, they will likely deny you. Even if the damage is real.
How to Fix It:
Check your roof after every major storm. You don't need to climb up there yourself! Just walk around your yard. Look for shingles on the grass. Look at your gutters for "granules" (the little rocks that cover shingles). If you see these, call us right away.
As the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) says, "Prompt reporting of damage is essential to ensure the integrity of the claim process and prevent further interior loss." Don't let the clock run out on your home's protection.
I get it. You are handy. You've fixed a sink or painted a room. But roof damage is tricky. Hail damage doesn't always look like a hole. It looks like a small dark spot where the granules are gone. This spot is a "bruise." Over time, the sun bakes that spot. Then it becomes a leak.
Wind damage is also hard to see. Wind can lift a shingle up and then lay it back down. The shingle looks fine, but the seal is broken. Now, water can blow right under it next time it rains in Huntersville.
How to Fix It:
Trust the experts. We use specialized tools to find hidden damage. We look at the "collateral damage" too. This means we check your gutters, siding, and window screens. If those are dented, it proves the hail was big enough to hurt your roof.
We even do drone inspections for those high, steep roofs in neighborhoods like The Point. It is much safer and more accurate.
This is a big one that catches people off guard. You need to look at your "Declarations Page." This is the part of your insurance policy that explains your coverage.
How to Fix It:
Read your policy today. Don't wait for a storm. If you have an ACV policy, talk to your agent about switching to RCV. It might cost a little more each month, but it will save you $10,000 or more when a storm hits Lake Norman.
And if you aren't sure what you have, we can help you look at it. We are not lawyers, but we have seen thousands of these policies. We can help you understand the jargon.
If a tree falls on your roof in Gastonia, you can't just leave it there. Your insurance policy says you have a "duty to mitigate." That is a fancy way of saying you have to stop things from getting worse.
If you have a hole and you don't cover it with a tarp, and then it rains and ruins your hardwood floors? The insurance company might refuse to pay for the floors. They will say you should have covered the hole.
How to Fix It:
If you have an emergency, call us. We provide 24/7 emergency roof repair in Charlotte. We will come out and put a professional tarp over the damage. Save your receipts! Your insurance company will usually pay you back for the cost of the tarp and the labor.
When the insurance adjuster comes to your house, they write an estimate. This estimate is often lower than the actual cost of the work. They might miss the cost of removing the old shingles. Or they might forget that building codes in Concord, NC require extra ice and water shield.
Many homeowners see a check for $8,000 and think, "Wow, that's a lot of money!" They sign it and move on. But then they find out the real cost is $12,000. Now they have to pay the $4,000 difference out of their own pocket.
How to Fix It:
This is where the "Supplement" process comes in. A professional roofer like Best Roofing Now will look at the insurance estimate. We will compare it to what the job actually needs.
If something is missing, we send photos and code requirements to your insurance company. We "supplement" the claim. Most of the time, the insurance company will agree and send a second check to cover the difference. Don't leave money on the table!
After a big storm, "storm chasers" show up. These are companies from out of state. They knock on every door in your neighborhood. They offer to "pay your deductible" (which is actually illegal in many places).
They use the cheapest shingles and the cheapest labor. They finish the job and leave town. Two years later, when your roof starts leaking, they are gone. Your warranty is worthless because the company doesn't exist anymore.
How to Fix It:
Hire a local, veteran-owned company. We live here. Our kids go to school here. We are certified by manufacturers like CertainTeed and GAF. This means we can offer lifetime warranties that actually mean something.
As James Turner always says, "Integrity is doing the right thing when no one is looking." We treat every roof like it's our own mother's house. Check our BBB A+ rating. Read our reviews from your neighbors in Matthews or Indian Trail.
You might be wondering why we care so much about these steps. Well, your roof is the most important part of your home. It protects everything you love. If the insurance claim isn't handled right, you end up with a "patch job" instead of a restoration.
We use high-quality materials like GAF Timberline HDZ shingles. These shingles are designed to stay put even in high winds. But if the insurance doesn't pay for the right installation, you don't get the full benefit.
We also focus on attic ventilation. If your roof is too hot, your shingles will curl and die early. We make sure your insurance claim includes the right vents to keep your home cool and save you money on energy bills.
Being a veteran-owned business means we follow a code. We are transparent. We don't use high-pressure sales. We act as your consultant. We want to educate you so you can make the best choice for your family.
We have helped over 500 homeowners in the Charlotte and Lake Norman area. We know the adjusters. We know the local building codes. And we know how to fight for what you deserve.
Insurance companies are not the enemy. But they are a business. Their job is to pay out as little as possible. Our job is to make sure they pay exactly what is fair.
Don't let a storm ruin more than just your roof. Avoid these seven mistakes. Work with a team you can trust.
Ready to see if your roof has storm damage?
Don't wait for a leak. Schedule your free, no-obligation inspection today. We will give you an honest assessment and help you navigate the claim process from start to finish.
Call Best Roofing Now at (704) 605-6047 or visit our website to book your appointment!
Q: Will my insurance rates go up if I file a storm damage claim?
A: In North Carolina, insurance companies usually cannot raise your rates for an "Act of God" like hail or wind. However, rates for a whole neighborhood might go up if everyone files claims after a massive storm.
Q: Can I choose my own roofing contractor?
A: Yes! You have the legal right to choose any contractor you want. You do not have to use the "preferred provider" the insurance company suggests. Often, it's better to hire someone local who works for you, not the insurance company.
Q: What if my claim was already denied?
A: Don't give up. Many claims are denied the first time because the adjuster missed something. We can provide a second opinion. We often find damage that was overlooked and help homeowners get their denial reversed.
Q: How much is my deductible?
A: This depends on your specific policy. Some people have a flat $1,000 deductible. Others have a percentage (like 1% or 2% of the home's value). Check your "Declarations Page" to be sure.
Q: Does insurance cover a roof that is just old?
A: Generally, no. Insurance covers "sudden and accidental" damage, like a storm. It does not cover normal wear and tear. However, a storm can damage an old roof just as easily as a new one!
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