Roof & Restoration Answers

Most homeowners and commercial property policies cover "sudden and accidental" damage. Storm damage falls in that category. A roof that is simply old, or that leaks because of poor maintenance, typically does not.

Your deductible, your roof's age and how your policy values the roof (replacement cost or actual cash value) all affect what you receive. Read the declarations page or ask your agent.

Stay off the roof. Inside, move valuables away from leaks, catch water in buckets and keep clear of wet electrical fixtures.

Take photos and video of damage outside and inside, including dates. Insurers expect owners to prevent further damage, so arrange temporary protection quickly and keep every receipt.

On shingles, hail leaves dark circular bruises where granules are knocked off, and sometimes cracks the mat underneath. On metal roofs it leaves dents; on membranes it can cause punctures or fractures.

Hail damage often does not leak right away, which is why owners miss it until the claim window is closing. A free inspection documents it while it is fresh.

A rule of thumb: if repairs would cover more than about a quarter to a third of the roof, or the roof is past roughly 80 percent of its expected life, replacement is usually the better value.

On commercial roofs, a moisture survey tells us whether the insulation is wet. Dry insulation can mean a coating or recover is possible; wet insulation usually means replacement.

Weather, roof pitch, the number of layers to tear off, and deck repairs all affect the schedule. Tile and slate take longer than shingle.

Commercial projects add steps such as staging cranes, protecting tenants and phasing work around operations. We give you a schedule before work starts.

Tarps are held down at the edges with boards or sandbags, and wind gets underneath them. After a hurricane, many tarps fail within weeks.

Shrink wrap costs more up front but often lasts months, which covers the time it takes to settle a claim and schedule permanent repairs.

Drywall, insulation, carpet pad and wood all hold moisture. If they stay wet for a day or two, mold can start, often out of sight inside walls or ceilings.

Stop the water source, remove standing water and get the area dried with proper equipment. Moisture readings confirm when materials are truly dry.

If the ceiling is bulging with water, it can collapse. Keep people away. Placing a bucket below and poking a small hole at the lowest point can release water in a controlled way.

Move furniture and valuables, photograph the damage, and call us. We stop the leak at the roof and start drying the interior.

Restaurants and industrial buildings often choose PVC for its resistance to kitchen exhaust and chemicals. Warm-climate buildings often choose white TPO for its reflectivity and cost.

EPDM has a long track record and handles freeze-thaw cycles well. The right choice also depends on your existing roof, budget and how long you plan to own the building.

Coatings seal minor leaks, block UV and reflect heat. They are not a fix for a roof with wet insulation, failed decking or widespread damage.

We take core samples or run a moisture survey first. If the roof qualifies, a coating can also lower cooling costs on large buildings.

These are typical ranges with good installation and maintenance. Climate matters: intense sun, coastal salt and frequent hail all shorten roof life.

On tile and slate roofs, the underlayment and flashing usually wear out before the tile or stone itself, and can be replaced without replacing the whole roof.

We look for storm damage, wear, failed sealants, ponding water and ventilation problems. Where we can, we check the attic or ceilings below for leaks.

You get photos of what we found and a recommendation of no action, repair, or replacement. There is no cost and no obligation.

Many policies require "prompt" notice, and some states set specific deadlines for weather claims. Your policy documents list the requirements.

Getting an inspection soon after a storm creates dated documentation that links the damage to that event.

Adjusters inspect many roofs after a storm, and damage can be missed. Having your contractor there helps make sure the full scope is recorded.

We are a roofing and restoration contractor, not a public adjuster. Coverage decisions are made by your insurer under your policy.