Roof leak claims are notoriously difficult. Insurance companies are virtually guaranteed to either offer a lowball settlement number or deny the claim.
What can you do when your roof has leaks and caused damage to your property? Your best course of action is to contact a roof leak claims lawyer.
The damage from a roof leak can be devastating. That’s true whether the damage is focused on just one room or the structure is a total loss because of a catastrophic water leak.
This is because roof leaks are a particularly serious concern. Leaks are known to undermine the stability of the framework, and this means that the integrity of your home or office may be at stake. Damage from a leaky roof can even represent a threat to your health. As water seeps into your home, it soaks into floors, insulation and wood. These conditions are ideal for developing mold and mildew.
That mold gets picked up by heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems vents, enabling the problem to spread to clothing, furniture, rugs, carpets and drapes. People who regularly inhale mold are subject to respiratory ailments, some of which may have life-threatening consequences.
Most people don’t realize that a roof leak can also be responsible for a house fire. These tragedies occur when the water meets electrical wiring in the structure. Sometimes the outcome is a power outage or surge, which can spark a fire.
When your roof is leaking, it’s imperative that it be repaired ASAP. While work on the roof, ceiling or other structural components is underway, you may have to move elsewhere. That’s an expensive and inconvenient proposition.
If given the opportunity, insurance companies prefer to deny roof leak claims every time. They may claim that your roof is too old, especially if it’s been in place for 20 years or more. Alternatively, they may say that you were responsible for the damage because of a missing shingle that didn’t get replaced.
Homeowners who have wood shake roofs may see their insurance claim denied simply because of the material from which their roof is made of. Insurance adjusters may say that a wood shake roof is too financially risky to cover because it’s particularly susceptible to water damage.
People with metal roofs may see their homes develop dents or holes thanks to Florida’s powerful hailstorms. Once again, insurance companies may say that these types of roofs are just too risky to protect. If you have a metal roof that’s leaking, you definitely need to review your policy.
In general, insurance policies cover a selection of hazards that might cause a roof to leak. These run from things that are unlikely to happen in Florida, such as a heavy buildup of snow and ice, to falling tree branches.
Damages caused by wind, hail, lighting, water, vandalism, or an aircraft, electrical power surge or explosion, may all be covered. Even damage caused by a house fire and wildfires are covered by most policies.
However, it is important to note that more insurers are not including weather hazards (like wind and hail )in their generic homeowner’s insurance policies anymore. As a Florida resident, these are major concerns to you, so you definitely want to review your policy and make any necessary additions.
Frequently, the first sign of a roof leak is a water stain on the ceiling or wall. They are typically ringed with an ugly brown color, and can be difficult to see when located in dark corners. Even though the stain may be small, the leak could be quite significant. Further investigation is warranted.
Other times, homeowners report finding a drip or moisture stain on a wall or fireplace. However, the drips and stains aren’t constant. They come and go depending upon how much rain Florida is getting. Intermittent roof leaks can be just as serious and damaging as those that appear to be constant. Get it checked out as soon as possible.
The signs of a leaky roof may also be seen on the building’s exterior. Peer up under the roof line. If you see water spots, then your roof’s flashing may be failing. Similarly, if you see any moss or mold on exterior walls, then a leak may be to blame.
When you periodically look up at your roof, do you see any missing shingles? If so, then you may be experiencing a leaky roof. Perhaps the damage is only in the attic so far, but one heavy downpour may be all that it takes to change that. Get it checked out immediately to prevent further damage.
When it comes to paying out on roof leak claims, your insurance company is unlikely to act in your best interests. They will look for any technicality or loophole that will allow them to pay you as little as possible or to completely deny your claim.
Your insurance company may have served you well in the past, but when you are making a claim, the employees that you’re dealing with have divided loyalties. They may want to do what’s best for you. However, they also have a vested interest in saving their employer money. This usually means that you get unfair treatment.
Contact Your Insurance Attorney before you contact your insurance company when you think you have a leaky roof. Our legal professionals only represent home and business owners, not insurance companies which means we are singularly dedicated to advocating on your behalf.
What’s more, we don’t get paid a penny unless your claim is successful. This ensures that you can trust us to fully investigate your property damage as well as the causes of the roof leak. We also review your insurance policy and fight tirelessly to get you the settlement you deserve.
If your claim is delayed, underpaid or denied, contact Your Insurance Attorney today.
