Our homes are not immune to damage, and there is nothing more dangerous than a damaged roof over your home. Damaged roofs can lead to breaks, leaks, and much more. As such, it is important to know when it is time to replace a roof – how can such a decision be made?
To determine if the wind damage on your roof needs replacement, insurers may conduct tests. If the damage amount exceeds the company’s repair factor, they will opt to replace the roof instead of carrying out repairs in favor of cost-effectiveness.
Do you want to learn more about how insurance companies determine when or not to replace your roof? This article will look at how such a determination is made, what to do when you notice wind damage on your roof, and how to prevent such damage in the future.
What Amount Of Wind Damage Means Replacing My Roof?
Sometimes, after facing strong winds, you may notice that your roof is suffering some damage. However, if you are worried about replacing the roof, there is a certain level of damage your roof has to suffer to get the entire roof replaced.
When you notice the wind damage, your best bet is to contact your insurance company and let them make an assessment of the amount of damage and what needs to be fixed or replaced.
A little bit of damage in some of the shingles on your roof may not warrant replacing the whole thing. It is important to know that the shingles on your roof are layered on top of each other, along with water-resistant layers, to prevent any leaks.
Typically, smaller damages to a few shingles can be taken care of without upending the entire roof. However, talk of replacement can come up when multiple sites have damage and risk of leakage.
The insurance company will determine how much the roof has been damaged by storm or wind. This is usually done by involving a method called the Test Square. A square measuring 10 inches on either side are drawn on the roof, and the amount of damage in the square is calculated on each slope of your roof.
While there may be some inconsistency depending on the company on how much damage correlates to what, there are some standard ways in which the damage is assessed.
Each insurance company has a different repair factor. This indicates how much more cost-effective it is to repair something compared to replacing the item altogether. Depending on what your insurance company defines as that factor, they may opt for either a repair or a complete replacement of the roof.
The insurers may examine whether there is any granular loss on the roof. This term means that the fiberglass on the roof has been broken and there are chances of further leaks.
If the determination is that the roof needs a replacement, you will need to change the roof entirely. In some cases, this may mean one of the slopes, whereas, in others, the insurance company can determine that both sides of the roof need to be replaced.
What To Do When You Notice Damage On Your Roof
When you have been through a severe storm or strong winds, checking your roof for damage is always the best course of action. Here’s what to do when this happens:
- Assess your roof for damage: ensure you have a clear idea of what has happened. Take pictures and note down the extent of damage and keep it in a safe place.
- Call your insurance company: reach out to your insurance company to let them know what has happened, and share details you have recorded during your inspection.
- Make temporary repairs: if the damage is severe enough, you may need to make temporary repairs or temporarily vacate the property.
- Contact a contractor: if necessary, you can hire a private contractor to fix or replace the roof. However, this will be a more expensive endeavor.
How To Prevent Wind Damage To Your Roof
Now that you know what to do when you notice damage on the roof, it is important to look into what you can do to prevent such a disaster in the future. Here are some ways you can prevent wind damage to your roof:
Regularly Maintain Your Roof
If you want to keep your roof safe from disaster, the best way is to ensure it is sturdy enough to withstand strong winds and storms. Inspecting the roof regularly and getting any upcoming damage fixed early on can prevent further damage during a storm.
Trim Nearby Trees
Another preventative measure is to ensure that nearby trees are trimmed and maintained. Overhanging branches can easily break off during strong winds and fall onto the roof, causing damage.
Install Proper Roofing Materials
Additionally, ensuring that your roof is made of sturdy materials such as metal or asphalt shingles can help prevent wind damage. Using higher-quality materials will help your roof stay sustainable in the long run.
Have a Professional Inspect Your Roof
If you are unsure about the state and strength of your roof, it is always a good idea to have a professional come and inspect it for you. They will be able to give you advice and suggestions on how to make your roof more resistant to wind damage.
Final Thoughts
Wind damage to your roof can be a nightmare, but by taking preventative measures and knowing what steps to take when it does happen, you can minimize the damage and get your roof back in tip-top shape.
Should you face the kind of damage that warrants a replacement, you now know how insurance companies make such a determination and how to get help when disaster strikes.