Severe storms can move through quickly, but the damage they leave behind can linger—especially when that damage isn’t obvious to the eye. In the aftermath of a major weather event, it’s always wise to have a look at your home’s condition, and it’s especially smart to focus on your roof given its importance to your protection as well as your property’s curb appeal. Your roof may have been affected by the storm’s high wind speeds, heavy rain, or flying debris, but the damage may be difficult to see for yourself at first glance. And if that quick glance is all you give your roof, there’s a chance that some minor, underlying issues can soon become major ones, whether that’s a big leak or even structural damage that is costly and time consuming to fix.

So, how do you make sure you can spot roof damage after a storm? Let the experts at Lifetime Roofing give you some tips so that you can properly evaluate your roof the next time severe weather rolls through Michigan.

Start With a Ground-Level Inspection

The easiest and safest course of action in the immediate aftermath of a storm is to inspect your roof from the ground. Safety is key, which is why any thought of climbing onto your roof to inspect it is unwise. Rather, you can have a look at your roof and check for common signs of damage, keeping an eye out for missing, cracked, or curled shingles, pieces of material scattered on the ground, bent or detached gutters and downspouts, or branches and/or leaves sitting on the roof. If anything appears unusual, it’s likely your roof was affected by the storm. And while this step in the process is far from the end, it’s important so that you have an overview of the situation without putting yourself at risk.

Check for Warning Signs On the Interior of Your Home

In addition to the inspection you can do of your roof from the ground level outside your home, you can also check on the interior of your property for possible signs of damage to your roof. Because sometimes, the first signs of roof damage appear inside rather than on the surface of the roof itself. Check your walls and ceilings for water stains or discoloration, bubbling or peeling paint, and damp spots or sagging areas. If any of those issues are present, you may have a problem with your roof. Plus, if you have access to your attic, you’ll want to look there for damp or compressed insulation, sunlight coming through the roof boards, and musty odors or signs of mold growth. The presence of any of those problems may also indicate that there is underlying damage to your roof.

Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection

After you’ve had your own look at your roof’s surface and the interior of your home (and its attic), you’ll want to turn to a team of roofing experts for a thorough roof inspection. This is important, as trained and experienced eyes may be able to spot roof damage that you didn’t see yourself. Not only that, but a professional will have unique methods and equipment to employ in order to complete the inspection. And when they’ve fully assessed the situation, you can expect a thorough explanation of their findings, complete with documentation of everything they found. That can come in handy if you’re planning on filing an insurance claim. In some cases, you can even rely on your professional roofing contractor for assistance during the claims process.

Causes of Roof Damage During a Storm & What to Look Out For

There are different elements of a storm that can impact the condition of your roof. Wind damage is one of the most common issues, as strong gusts can lift or remove your roof’s shingles, exposing the layers underneath the system. Hail damage might be harder to spot, but it can be serious considering the dents and bruising hailstones can leave on your roof’s surface. Along the same lines, debris impact can be an issue to be aware of, as falling branches or airborne objects may crack, puncture, or dislodge your roof’s materials.

Water damage is another major concern during a storm. If your roof already has weak spots, water can seep into the system and cause leaks, rot, and mold growth over time. Of course, water damage can also affect other aspects of your home and cause costly damage.

The Team to Turn to for Your Storm Damage Repairs & Roofing Needs

When you need a Michigan-based team you can trust to provide you with a professional roof inspection and storm damage repairs, Lifetime Roofing is the name to know. Our thorough inspections and unparalleled roofing expertise can be a major help to you in the aftermath of a storm, plus we can provide you with reliable assistance as you work your way through the insurance claims process. The aftermath of a severe weather event can cause enough stress for you and your loved ones, and our team takes an immense amount of pride in easing that stress by providing first-class customer experiences to the homeowners we work with in our local communities.

Reach Out Today

If a storm has recently impacted your Michigan home and you want Lifetime Roofing to visit for a roof inspection or possible storm damage repairs, we’re here for you. Contact us today to schedule an inspection as soon as possible.

When you get to a point where you need roof repairs or a roof replacement at your home, you might find yourself wondering whether the upcoming project could be covered by your insurance policy. Of course, the answer is dependent on the reason behind your need for repairs or a replacement. Some homeowners might just assume their policy covers everything, but that’s not the case. To avoid one of the common reasons for a denied claim, it’s important to understand the difference between wind damage and wear and tear—and how insurance providers treat both issues. While both can have their impact on your home’s structural integrity—and especially your roof—they are looked at differently by most insurance companies. Let the experts at Lifetime Roofing walk you through the distinction so that you’re better prepared for your future roofing projects.

What Qualifies As Wind Damage?

Wind damage typically refers more to sudden and accidental damage caused by strong winds. Winds from thunderstorms, hurricanes, or other severe weather events can have major effects on your roof, and because these effects are unexpected and tied to a specific event, most insurance policies will cover it. Some examples of wind damage that tend to be covered by insurance include:

• Shingles lifted, cracked, or blown off your roof
• Trees or large branches falling onto your home
• Broken windows caused by flying debris
• Siding or gutters torn away due to high wind speeds

What differentiates wind damage, especially when it comes to insurance coverage, is its immediacy. You can point to what caused the damage, which makes it easy to identify and document for your claim. It’s important to note, though, that the extent of your wind damage coverage and the details surrounding it will depend on your specific policy. 

What Qualifies As Wear & Tear?

Whereas wind damage has immediacy to it, wear and tear refers to the gradual deterioration of your roof over time. This is naturally occurring damage that happens due to your roof aging, as well as its prolonged exposure to the elements. Some examples include:

• Aging shingles that are brittle, curled, or cracked
• Your roof fading in color and losing its visual luster
• Minor leaks caused by your roof’s age as opposed to a specific weather event
• Warped materials or weakened structural integrity 

Wear and tear happens slowly, and it’s a normal part of your roof’s lifespan. As a result, insurance companies will view it as a maintenance issue rather than an event covered under insurance. So, any roof repairs or replacements needed because of your systems age are generally going to be your responsibility.

How Insurance Companies Will Determine the Difference & Decide On Your Claim’s Approval or Denial

In the event that you have filed a claim with your insurance company in hopes of getting coverage for roof damage, you can expect your provider to send an adjuster to your home to assess the damage. The job of the adjuster is to determine the cause of the damage, and in this case, determine whether it was a sudden event (wind damage) or long-term deterioration (wear and tear). They’ll usually take a look at:

Their Own Inspection Findings

The insurance adjuster will complete an inspection of your roof, looking for signs of impact vs. signs of age. For example, they’ll be able to tell whether a roof’s shingles have been freshly torn or impacted by weather or if they’re brittle and cracking due to regular aging.

Weather Data

You can also expect your adjuster to cross-reference their own findings with recent weather data. If a storm or major weather event didn’t actually occur on the date you reported that your roof was damaged, that’s grounds for an easy claim denial.

Documentation

You’ll want to be sure you have any photos, maintenance records, and inspection reports that support your insurance claim together to share with your adjuster. A well-documented history of roof maintenance and upkeep can work in your favor.

Signs of Neglect

On the opposite side, if you don’t have records of roof maintenance and/or your adjuster notices red flags like longstanding water stains, mold growth, or layers of deterioration—all of which can be signs of neglect—that can lead to disqualification from coverage as well.

Enlist the Help of Your Local Roofing Company When Filing Your Insurance Claim

If a storm has recently rolled through the area and impacted the roof of your Michigan home—whether in terms of wind damage or other damage from the elements—you’ll want to call your go-to roofing company and schedule an inspection. When you have a professional you trust take a look at your roof independently from the adjuster your insurance company sends to your home, you can feel greater peace of mind that you’re getting a fair assessment and receiving the level of coverage you’re rightfully owed under your policy.

Michigan homeowners love turning to Lifetime Roofing for their roof inspections not just because of our expertise and the overall customer experience we provide, but also because we offer reliable assistance with insurance claims. We want to make sure you get what you’re owed, plus we’d love to ease the stress you may be facing in the aftermath of a severe weather event. In other words, we have your best interests at heart.

Reach Out Today

If you’re ready to have Lifetime Roofing visit your home to assess the damage to your roof and help with the insurance claims process, we’re just a click or call away. Contact us today to schedule an inspection as soon as possible.

Hailstorms can come through without much warning, and they can leave behind significant damage. Dents on cars and broken windows are plenty worrisome, but there’s also the chance that hail impacts your roof, whether by weakening shingles, compromising the structural integrity of the system, or creating leaks that lead to risks of water damage. In any case, hail damage to your roof can’t simply be left alone. Let the professionals at Lifetime Roofing provide you with a comprehensive guide on what to do after hail damages your home’s roof:

Step 1: Prioritize Safety

The first order of business after a hailstorm is to make sure you’re safe. That doesn’t just mean ensuring that you’re safe from the hail itself—it’s also about being safe when you go about assessing your roof’s damage. Don’t climb onto your roof and risk danger, as the surface may be wet, slippery, or unstable. Rather, examine your roof from the ground and look for obvious signs of damage. If you suspect that there’s severe structural damage to the system, your safest course of action is to stay clear of the area and reach out to a professional as soon as possible. 

Step 2: Check for Visible Damage

Hail damage isn’t always obvious, but there will be signs to look for. Inspect your gutters, downspouts, and flashing for dents or marks from impact. Check your roof for cracked, missing, or bruised shingles, and be sure to look around the base of your home for any granules that may have been displaced during the hailstorm. And then, inside your home, look for any water stains on your ceilings or walls, as that may be an indication of underlying roof damage that you weren’t able to see from looking at it outside.

Step 3: Document the Hail Damage in Detail

As you’re looking for hail damage to your roof, make sure you’re keeping track of everything. Take clear photos and videos of any areas of the roof that were affected, and get them from different angles. You’ll also want to record all relevant details regarding the storm—its date, time, duration, and the size of the hail if possible—so that you have more to present in the insurance claims process.

Step 4: Take Steps to Prevent Further Damage

After assessing and documenting the damage caused to your roof by the hailstorm, do what you can to prevent further damage. On the one hand, this goes back to ensuring your safety and mitigating the effects of the situation, but there’s also the fact that many insurance policies require homeowners to make reasonable efforts to limit further damage. This can mean tarping off damaged sections of your roof, moving furniture and valuables away from any affected areas indoors, and setting up buckets or containers to handle any water intrusion problems.

Step 5: Contact Your Go-To Roofing Contractor

As much as you may have felt like you gathered during your own inspection of the roof, it’s also worth reaching out to your preferred roofing contractor to get a set of expert eyes on the situation. Not only will your go-to roofer provide their own detailed assessment of the damage, but they’ll also be able to provide thorough recommendations on your next steps, whether it’s repairs or in extreme cases, a full roof replacement. Plus, the right roofing company—Lifetime Roofing, if you’re a Michigan resident—can provide you with assistance and advocacy during the insurance claims process.

Step 6: File Your Insurance Claim

With the help of a reliable roofing contractor, you can then go about the insurance claims process, if necessary. This is where your own documentation and the contractor’s inspection findings will be crucial, as you’ll want to make sure you make a strong case to get the insurance coverage you deserve. Your insurance company will soon send an adjuster to your home for their own assessment of the damage, which is another reason why having a professional roofing company complete an inspection is helpful. That way, you’ll know that you have a fair and honest review of the situation.

Step 7: Review the Claim Estimate & Settlement

Once you receive the claim estimate from your insurance company, review it carefully. You can also have your roofing contractor look at it to make sure everything is in order and you’ve gotten the coverage you’re owed under your policy. If there are any discrepancies, you can request adjustments or offer further evidence to support your case for a higher level of coverage from your insurance provider.

Step 8: Complete Your Roof Repairs or Replacement

After the claims process is finished, you can then trust your roofing contractor to complete the necessary repair or replacement work to get your home back to its pre-storm condition. The good news is that by this point, your contractor will be plenty familiar with the situation at hand and will know exactly what your roof needs to get back to its best in short order.

Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection at Your Home in Michigan Today

If a hailstorm has recently rolled through your area and you suspect that it did damage to your roof or you simply want to take the necessary precautions to make sure everything is OK, Lifetime Roofing is the team to call. We can be trusted to provide you with an expert inspection, any help you may need with a potential insurance claim, and the subsequent repairs or replacement you need. Contact us today to schedule an inspection as soon as possible.

When roof damage occurs at your home, it can cause a lot of stress. Not only is there the initial fear of a severe storm, fallen tree limb, or sudden leak causing damage and potential injury or inconvenience, but then comes the actual recovery process. Deciding on who to partner with in the aftermath, figuring out whether you can get away with roof repairs or if you need a full replacement, and possibly having to be displaced during the repair or replacement process can all be a lot to deal with. All the while, you’ll need to be working through the insurance claims process. That’s an important step in the recovery from roof damage, and it’s essential that you understand how to go about it, as that will make everything smoother and set you up to get the coverage you deserve from your insurance company. That’s why Lifetime Roofing has put together a step-by-step guide that will help you learn how to file a roof insurance claim:

Step 1: Assess the Roof Damage Safely

After your roof is damaged, the top priority should be safety. Avoid climbing onto your roof, for one, as it may be unstable or slippery. Instead, you can complete your initial visual inspection from the ground. Look for obvious signs of damage and get an initial understanding of the severity of the situation, and if things are severe, consider reaching out to emergency services or a roofing professional immediately. 

Step 2: Do What You Can to Mitigate the Damage

You’ll then want to take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage to your roof, which is something that is typically required within an insurance policy. For example, if your roof has any exposed areas, covering it with a tarp is a smart step to take so that you’re doing what you can to prevent further water damage to the interior of your home. Additionally, be sure to move furniture and valuables away from any leaks and set up buckets or containers to catch any dripping water. And if you do have to partner with an expert for emergency repairs, be sure to keep all receipts and documentation so that you can potentially be reimbursed through your insurance policy.

Step 3: Thoroughly Document the Damage

Once you’ve done what you reasonably can to mitigate the damage to your roof, detailed documentation is key. The more evidence you have—pictures, videos, detailed inspection reports, etc.—the stronger your claim will be. Gather and record as many details as you can, whether that’s capturing different angles with your pictures and videos or keeping a written record of the date and time of the incident, as well as any conversations you’re having with roofing experts.

Step 4: Review Your Insurance Policy

Before you make a move to file your roof insurance claim, be sure you take some time on your own to review your policy. Check for specifics on what might be covered, any deductible you have to meet, and whether your policy covers replacement cost or actual cash value. When you take this measure before talking with your insurance company, you can set realistic expectations for the process.

Step 5: Schedule a Professional Roof Inspection

This is extremely important. Your first instinct may be to contact your insurance company before focusing on finding the right roofing contractor to work with. However, it would be wise to turn to your trusted roofing company first. For Michigan homeowners, that’s Lifetime Roofing. There are several reasons this step comes before contacting your insurance provider. On one hand, you’ll get a thorough and expert assessment of your roof’s damage. A professional roof inspection will come with a detailed report of the roofer’s findings, which can be helpful to have when you turn to your insurance company. And beyond that, having a reliable roofing contractor on your side to serve as an advocate for you during the insurance claims process can also be a major help. Most seasoned roofers have experience with the claims process, meaning they can help make sure you get an honest account of your roof’s damage from your adjuster and, in turn, ensure that you get the coverage you’re owed.

Step 6: Contact Your Insurance Company

After having your professional roof inspection completed, you can go ahead and call your insurance company. You’ll want to be prepared, so have your documentation at the ready so that you can give details and helpful answers to any questions you may be asked. From there, your insurance provider is bound to have an adjuster come visit your home to evaluate the damage. That’s where it can be helpful to have your chosen roofing company on hand, too, so that you’re getting a fair assessment.

Step 7: Review the Claim Estimate & Settlement

Once your adjuster has evaluated your roof’s damage, you can expect your provider to provide a claim estimate that outlines the scope of the work that’s needed and the amount they’re willing to cover under your policy. Always review these estimates carefully, making sure all damage is accounted for and that everything aligns with the findings from your contractor’s inspection. Again, this is where it helps to have a roofing company like Lifetime Roofing at your side to help you through the claims process and make sure the estimate you’ve been given is fair.

Step 8: Complete Your Roof Repairs or Replacement

Once the insurance claims process is complete and you’ve been awarded what you’re owed under your policy, you can then get to work on the next step of the recovery process. That would be the actual roof repairs—or the roof replacement—you need to get your home back to its previous condition. The good news is that because you’ve already found a trustworthy roofing contractor to team with for the inspection and insurance claims process, you’ll have a partner you know you can count on for the work, too. Not to mention, that partner will already be plenty familiar with your situation and the work that is needed.

Schedule a Roof Inspection at Your Michigan Home Today

When you need to schedule a roof inspection at your Michigan home and need subsequent assistance with your insurance claims process, Lifetime Roofing is here for you. Contact us today to get on the right path toward the coverage you’re owed and the high-quality roofing solutions you deserve.

Your roof is one of the most important components of your home, as it protects everything beneath it from the elements. So, when your system suffers from damage, you’re going to want to act on it and make sure you’re investing in the right repairs whenever necessary. However, repairs can be expensive, which might leave you wondering about your homeowners insurance. Whether damage has occurred due to storms, falling debris, or general wear and tear, you’re bound to as yourself at one time or another, “Does homeowners insurance cover roof damage?”

Ultimately, the answer to that question is that it depends. It’s not always a straightforward answer, as there are many cases in which homeowners insurance does cover roof damage and there are some cases in which it doesn’t. ultimately, there are several factors that come into play in a given situation. The cause of the damage, the age of your roof, and the details of your specific policy are all going to lead you to the answer that you’re looking for. But for now, let the experts at Lifetime Roofing guide you to a better understanding of how coverage works and what to do when roof damage occurs.

When Homeowners Insurance Typically Does Cover Roof Damage

Generally, a standard homeowners insurance policy will cover roof damage that is caused by sudden and accidental events. These are often referred to as “covered perils,” and are defined as unexpected situations outside your control. Some examples include:

· Storm damage

· Falling objects or debris

· Fire or lightning strikes

· Weight of snow or ice

Typically, damage caused by any of these events will be covered under your insurance policy, meaning you can expect coverage for repairs and—in severe cases of damage—a roof replacement. And in that same vein, if roof damage leads to any damage inside your home, any interior repairs you need may be covered as well if it occurred due to an event that is covered by your policy.

When Roof Damage May Not Be Covered By Homeowners Insurance

Homeowners insurance is helpful, but it doesn’t cover everything. You’ve likely heard plenty of horror stories about denied claims, especially related to roofing. But it’s important to remember that insurance is meant to protect against unexpected events and resulting damage, not routine maintenance. So, normal wear and tear usually isn’t covered under your policy. Not only that, but issues that come from a lack of maintenance or neglect, improper installation or poor workmanship, or a roof that’s nearing the end of its lifespan are unlikely to be covered as well.

How Your Roof’s Age & Condition May Affect Your Coverage

As you’ve likely guessed by now, the age and condition your roof is in is bound to impact the level of coverage you’ll have—or if you’ll have coverage at all—under your homeowners insurance. Newer roofs are typically more likely to qualify for what is called replacement cost coverage, which tends to pay for the full cost of replacing the roof, minus your deductible. On the flip side, an older roof is usually going to be subject to actual cash value coverage, which means a reduced payout based on depreciation.

In more extreme cases—such as when an older roof is in poor condition—you may get minimal coverage or have your claim denied completely. That’s why regular inspections and repairs are so worth it, as they not only protect against damage, but also protect your eligibility for insurance coverage.

What to Do If Your Roof Is Damaged

When your roof is damaged, acting quickly is key. Assess the damage safely, take steps to prevent further damage, and then document everything. From there, you’ll want to contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the issues and begin the claims process. Then, you can go about scheduling your roof inspection with a professional. If you live in Michigan, that’s where it pays to partner with Lifetime Roofing.

How to Maximize Your Insurance Claim

When it comes to maximizing your insurance claim in the process of fixing roof damage, working with a team like ours at Lifetime Roofing is paramount. On the one hand, you’ll need an expert opinion on the extent of the damage, the condition your roof is in, and the level of repairs you’ll need. Having an expert voice and professional documentation of the damage your roof has suffered is key, as that helps strengthen your case for coverage during the claims process, for one.

And on the other hand, our team at Lifetime Roofing takes pride in offering assistance with the claims process, and the fact that we’ve been there and done that with so many of these insurance companies over the years can give you some peace of mind knowing you have an experienced partner on your side to help make sure you get the level of coverage you deserve.

Contact Us Today

If the roof of your Michigan home has been damaged and you have questions about your homeowners insurance policy and the coverage it offers you, you’ll want to check your documents and contact your insurance company for the specific answers you’re looking for. However, partnering with Lifetime Roofing can set you up for success in the claims process, so reach out today and we’d be happy to provide you with the inspection and claims assistance you need. Then, when you’re ready to address the damage with expert roof repair work, we can help on that front, too.