When a severe storm rolls through, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Downed trees, missing shingles, and dented siding leave homeowners anxious to “get things back to normal.” In that moment of stress, the instinct is often to pick up the phone and file an insurance claim immediately.
However, as a homeowner, the very first step you take after a storm shouldn’t be calling your insurance company. It should be getting the facts. we believe in protecting your home and your financial future. Filing a claim when you don’t yet know the full scope of the damage—or whether it meets your deductible—can impact your premium unnecessarily. Here is the safe, strategic approach to storm recovery.
Step 1: Get a Professional Storm Damage Assessment
Before you sign any repair contracts or open a claim, you need to know exactly what you are dealing with. We recommend getting a storm damage assessment from a qualified, professional contractor—or if you are comfortable and safe, doing a visual assessment yourself.
A professional assessment identifies:
· Cosmetic vs. Structural Damage: Is it just a few shingles, or is the decking underneath compromised?
· Hidden Leaks: Water intrusion that hasn’t yet stained your ceiling.
· Code Upgrades: This is the most overlooked aspect of storm repair. If your roof is damaged, local building codes may require you to upgrade to current standards (such as ice and water shields or new flashing) that weren’t code when your home was built.
Step 2: Determine if You Should Contact Insurance
Once you have a clear estimate of the repair costs, you can make an informed decision. If the damage is minor and falls below your deductible, it may be best to handle the repair out-of-pocket. If the damage is extensive, it’s time to involve your insurance carrier.
Step 3: Let Us Help You Navigate the Review
This is where Elvis Roofing.stands out from the rest. We don’t just fix roofs; we help homeowners ensure they are made whole again.
We have an in-house insurance specialist on our team. When you work with us, we review your scope of work to ensure nothing is missed—especially code items. Many homeowners are shocked to find out that their insurance settlement didn’t account for mandatory city code upgrades, leaving them with a hefty out-of-pocket bill. We help identify these gaps so you know what should be included.
What We Do (And What We Don’t Do)
It is important for homeowners to understand the legal boundaries of contracting work. As your contractor, we are your expert in technical damage assessments and honest repair estimates. We will be on-site to document the damage with photographic evidence to assist the insurance adjuster.
However, we do not negotiate coverage or advise on policy language. Our role is to be the technical expert on the construction side, ensuring the scope of work is accurate so you can focus on working with your adjuster on the coverage side.
Don’t let storm damage stress you into making a rushed decision. Get the facts first.
Contact us today to schedule a professional storm damage assessment.