In
This Article, You Will Learn:
1. 5 Common Reasons for Roof Insurance Claims
2. When to File a Roof Insurance Claim in Ontario
For many Canadian homeowners, property insurance offers an important layer of protection to the safety and security of their homes.
While monthly insurance fees aren’t exactly fun to keep up with, they are certainly worth every penny when unexpected problems occur.
From
major storms to extreme weather conditions, roof damage can cause a great deal
of stress for residential property owners – and rightfully so.
As your property’s first line of defense against the outdoor elements, unresolved roof damage can present a number of structural risks that continue to accumulate the longer they are left unresolved.
While it is not uncommon for Ontario homeowners to feel intimidated by the process of filing an insurance claim, we at T. Simpson Roofing Ltd. have put together the following article to address the 5 common reasons for roof insurance claims, as well as how soon you should be filing a claim for a property in Ontario.
Canadian weather patterns can be harsh and unpredictable, which is why most Canadian homeowners opt for comprehensive insurance policies to best protect their assets.
While weather-related property damage is often quite minor, there is the rare occasion where the unpredictable forces of nature are simply out of our control.
In fact, here are 5 common weather-related reasons for roof insurance claims in Ontario:
Although it may sound surprising, wind can be considered one of the most destructive forces on earth with recorded speeds of up to 115 km/h in Ontario.
In addition to blowing off loose shingles, gutters and roofing components, high winds also present the risk of knocking over trees and/or power lines causing a great deal of damage to any surrounding properties.
Each year, hailstorms present an increasing risk of roof damage across many Ontario households.
With hailstones ranging in size from small pebbles to oversized golf balls, it is very important that homeowners inspect their roofing structures immediately after a storm to account for any dents, dings or damages that must be immediately repaired.
Unfortunately, roof damage is not always visible to the untrained eye.
In many cases, homeowners might not even realize their roof is damaged until they begin to spot water streaks along their interior ceilings and walls.
By maintaining a routine roof inspection with a trusted roofing professional, homeowners can rest assured that their roof is always in top condition without the risk of hidden damage.
With an abundance of heavy snow and ice accumulation, it is essential that Ontario homeowners monitor their roof’s ability to melt, move and relocate water away from their property.
As pooling water and heavy snow can severely increase the risk of a roof collapse, it is no surprise that neglected roofing structures suffer the most damage during the winter months.
Another common roof insurance claim is often caused by fallen branches or trees.
While trees are beautiful to look at, we highly recommend that homeowners keep their trees and branches a safe distance from their windows and roofing structures to avoid any damage during extreme weather conditions.
From high winds and hail storms to heavy snow and ice, there are a number of weather-related reasons to inspect your property for damage at least a few times a year.
If you are noticing signs of roof damage after a storm, it is very important that you file a roof insurance claim as quickly as possible.
Whether the damage seems large or minor, you can never truly know the full extent of any roof damage without a full inspection by an experienced roofing professional.
While you do not necessarily need to hire a professional roof inspector before contacting your home insurance providers, it is definitely highly recommended as a certified roofer can:
As one of the most common mistakes with property insurance is waiting too long to file a claim, avoiding delay will not only prevent any damage from spreading, but it will also reduce the risk of having your insurance claim denied.
While each insurance provider may differ in their policy coverage and insurance claim processes, it is important to contact your personal provider to confirm coverage amounts, deductibles and preferred method of filing.
However, we do recommend that homeowners prepare the following information to confidently proceed with their insurance claim process:
– Summary of Roof Damage
– Photos of Roof Damage
– Age of Existing Roof
– Date of Storm
– Quotes, Receipts or Estimates from a Certified Roofing Company
– Status of any active roof manufacturing or installation warranties
While dealing with insurance claims may seem like a challenging task, it is essential to note that many insurance companies have a limited timeframe where homeowners can file a claim.
At T. Simpson Roofing Ltd., we are proud to support our clients with safer, more reliable roofing services on and beyond their insurance claims.
If you are interested in learning more about our roofing services, click here or call 1-800-925-3044 for more information.
