A major storm just rolled through. You look outside, and thankfully, no trees are on your house. You glance up at your roof from the driveway, and it looks fine. But is it? If not, you may consider contacting your insurance agent; but may hesitate to go through the roof damage insurance claim process.
According to Zach Harmon, a Senior Project Consultant at Mr. Roof with over 8 years of experience restoring homes, this is the moment most homeowners make a critical mistake.
“Storm damage to your roof can be stressful… but a lot of times, this stuff cannot be seen from the ground. Most homeowners don’t even know they have storm damage until it’s too late.” — Zach Harmon, Mr. Roof
If you want to protect your biggest investment, you need to look beyond the obvious. Here is your expert guide to identifying hidden damage and navigating the insurance claim process the right way.
The Hidden Dangers: What You Can’t See from the Driveway
While a missing shingle is obvious, the most costly damage is often invisible to the untrained eye. Zach notes that professionals look for specific forensic evidence that homeowners often miss:
- Hail Damage: It’s not just about holes. Hail causes “bruising” or dents in shingles that compromise their integrity. Zach advises looking at your gutters, downspouts, and siding first—if you see dents in these soft metals, you almost certainly have damage on your shingles.
- Wind Damage: Strong winds can lift shingles, breaking the adhesive seal. “You’re looking for loose or missing shingles that may have flapped up and down,” says Zach. Even if they lay back down, that broken seal is an open invitation for water intrusion.
- Lightning: Strikes can leave tiny, pinhole punctures in shingles that lead to slow leaks and fire hazards.
“Storm Damage” vs. “Normal Wear & Tear”
This distinction is the make-or-break factor for your insurance claim.
- Wear & Tear: An older roof (15–20 years) will naturally show aging. Insurance companies will deny claims based on normal deterioration.
- Storm Damage: This is sudden, accidental damage from a specific event.
A “storm chaser” might tell you an old roof is damaged just to get a contract signed. A true professional like the team at Mr. Roof can distinguish between a shingle that is simply old and one that has been compromised by a recent event, ensuring you don’t file a claim that is destined to be denied.
The 5-Step Action Plan: Filing Your Claim Correctly
If you suspect damage, do not call your insurance agent yet. Follow this specific order of operations recommended by Zach to ensure your claim is supported by evidence.
Step 1: Call a Reputable Contractor First Before involving your insurance company, have a trusted local expert perform a full inspection. This prevents you from filing a “zero-pay” claim that stays on your record without getting you any money.
Step 2: Get the “Photo Report” Don’t settle for a verbal “it looks bad.”
“We give you a detailed photo report of everything we discovered while we were up there, along with an estimate to coincide with that report.” — Zach Harmon
Step 3: File Your Claim With your photo report in hand, you can now confidently call your insurance carrier to file the claim.
Step 4: The Adjuster Meeting This is crucial: Do not let the adjuster inspect the roof alone. Mr. Roof’s policy is to meet the adjuster on-site. We walk the roof with them to point out the specific damages we found, ensuring nothing is overlooked.
Step 5: Review & Restore Once approved, you will select your new materials. This is the perfect time to upgrade your defense against future storms.
The Best Defense: The ThunderGuard™ Roof System
If you are replacing your roof, Zach recommends upgrading to a system designed to withstand the very weather that damaged your old one. At Mr. Roof, we offer the ThunderGuard Roof System.
- Class 4 Impact Rating: This is the highest possible rating for impact resistance. It is designed to withstand hail that would destroy standard shingles.
- Insurance Discounts: Because it is so durable, many insurance companies offer a premium reduction for homes with Class 4 shingles.
- Wind Resistance: Featuring the patented Owens Corning SureNail® Technology, this system has wind ratings up to 130 MPH.
A Warning: Beware the “Storm Chaser”
After a storm, you may be approached by door-to-door solicitors offering to “cover your deductible” or “put cash back in your pocket.”
“Most unaware homeowners don’t realize that… this is completely illegal and it constitutes insurance fraud.” — Zach Harmon
Always choose an established contractor who offers a warranty and follows the law.
Don’t Wait for the Leak
“One of the most common mistakes we see is waiting too long,” warns Zach. Hidden damage causes slow leaks that rot your decking and insulation long before you see a water spot on your ceiling.
Don’t guess about the health of your roof. Contact Mr. Roof today for a free, professional inspection and let us give you peace of mind.
