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.
Learn from Charlotte's trusted roofing experts. Tips on maintenance, repair, replacement, and protecting your home from the elements.
When severe weather hits Charlotte and surrounding areas, your roof often takes the hardest hit. While the storm itself might last just hours, dealing with the insurance aftermath can stretch into weeks or even months of frustration if you're not prepared.
At Best Roofing Now, we've helped hundreds of homeowners navigate the complex world of insurance claims after roof damage. The difference between getting a full payout and leaving thousands on the table often comes down to knowing exactly what steps to take—and when.
Let's turn this potentially stressful process into a manageable one with our comprehensive guide.
Many homeowners make the critical mistake of calling their insurance company first thing after a storm. While promptness is important, there are several steps you should take before making that call to strengthen your position.
Before anything else, ensure your home is safe. If you have active leaks or significant structural damage:
"The first 24-48 hours after a storm are critical not just for documenting damage, but for preventing it from worsening," says James Turner, owner of Best Roofing Now. "Emergency tarping services can save thousands in secondary damage costs that might not be covered by your policy."
Your smartphone is your most powerful tool at this stage:
Pro Tip: If you can safely access your attic, take photos of any water intrusion points from underneath your roof. This provides invaluable evidence of how external damage is affecting your home's interior.
Before calling your insurance company, find and review your policy. Key items to look for:
Understanding the difference between RCV and ACV is crucial:
If you have ACV coverage, expect to pay significantly more out of pocket, especially if your roof is older.
Before the insurance adjuster arrives, have a professional roofing contractor inspect your roof. This gives you an independent assessment to compare against the insurance adjuster's findings.
A qualified roofing contractor will:
At Best Roofing Now, we provide free roof inspections specifically for insurance claims, giving you an expert ally in the claims process.
When you call your insurance company, how you describe the damage matters tremendously. Use these specific phrases:
Avoid saying:
Document Your Communication: Note the date, time, and name of every insurance representative you speak with. Ask for claim numbers and expected timeframes at every step.
The insurance adjuster's assessment will largely determine your claim outcome. Preparation is key:
When meeting with your insurance adjuster, use this script to ensure a thorough assessment:
"Hello, I appreciate you coming out today. Before we start, I want to share that I've had a professional roof inspection done by [contractor name], and they've identified significant damage that requires [repair/replacement]. I have their written assessment here for your records.
I'd like to walk the property with you to ensure all damage points are noted. In particular, there's damage to [specific areas] that might not be immediately visible but has been documented by my contractor. I'm concerned about potential long-term issues if these areas aren't properly addressed.
What's your process for considering the professional assessment I've obtained? And what are the next steps after today's inspection?"
Insurance companies often make initial offers that don't cover the full scope of necessary repairs. When you receive your settlement offer:
If the offer is insufficient:
Many homeowners don't realize that initial settlements can be supplemented if additional damage is discovered during repairs. Your contractor might find:
Document these discoveries immediately and file a supplemental claim promptly.
Be aware of these critical deadlines:
If your claim is significantly undervalued or wrongfully denied despite proper documentation and professional assessments, consider consulting an attorney specializing in insurance claims. Signs you might need legal assistance include:
"The most successful claims we see are from homeowners who document thoroughly, engage professional help early, and aren't afraid to respectfully but firmly advocate for fair treatment," notes James Turner.
While dealing with roof damage is never pleasant, it presents an opportunity to:
At Best Roofing Now, we can help you understand what upgrades might be covered under your policy and how to maximize your claim to improve, not just repair, your home's protection.
Insurance claims for roof damage don't have to be overwhelming. With proper documentation, professional support, and knowledge of how the process works, you can turn a potentially frustrating experience into a manageable one—and ensure you receive the full compensation you're entitled to under your policy.
Remember these key points:
Don't navigate this complex process alone. Best Roofing Now offers a comprehensive Storm Damage Insurance Guide with worksheets, checklists, and more detailed scripts for every stage of the claims process.
Contact us today at Best Roofing Now to receive your free guide and schedule a professional roof inspection. Our experienced team has helped hundreds of Charlotte homeowners maximize their insurance claims and restore their homes to pre-storm condition—or better.
Don't leave money on the table. Get the settlement you deserve with expert guidance every step of the way.
Best Roofing Now
Charlotte's trusted roofing experts since 2019
Need help with your roof? Explore our professional roofing services in Charlotte NC.
Get a free roof inspection and honest assessment from Charlotte's most trusted roofing company.
