Here you will find some answers to common questions regarding your home repair and restoration, particularly regarding the insurance claims process. You will also find common roofing definitions.
Is my roof damaged? Without physically getting on the roof, it is difficult to know if you have had hail or wind damage (rarely visible from the ground). If you are not sure whether or not you have sustained damage, contact Danny at GA In Home Services for a FREE, no obligation inspection and/or estimate. Some insurance companies have strict timelines for you to file a claim (six months with some carriers). The age of your roof does not matter.
In order to properly file insurance claim on your roof, be sure to take the following steps:
Danny Diulus
Georgia In Home Services
TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF MOST MAJOR INSURANCE COMPANIES ARE LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE.
Here you will find answers to common questions regarding your home repair and restoration, particularly regarding the insurance claims process. You will also find standard roofing definitions.
Without physically getting on the roof, it is difficult to know if you have had hail or wind damage (rarely visible from the ground). If you are not sure whether or not you have sustained damage, contact Danny at Georgia In Home Services for a FREE, no-obligation inspection and estimate. Some insurance companies have strict timelines for you to file a claim (six months with some carriers).
To properly file an insurance claim on your roof, be sure to take the following steps:
Danny Diulus
Georgia In Home Services
Tips for filing a claim:
Check to make sure the roofing company you choose is licensed and insured.
Have the contractor meet with your insurance adjuster to ensure that the insurance company will cover the total cost of repairing or replacing your roof. If you don’t get the full amount needed to fix your property, ask your contractor to get involved with your insurance adjuster to fight on your behalf for a fair settlement.
That is not true at all. You can use the contractor of your choice. Pick the best contractor you can and pay only your deductible!
If your policy provides replacement cost coverage, the loss settlement conditions state that the replacement cost is paid only after repairs are completed and that money has been spent towards the repairs.
In most situations, under the terms of your insurance policy contract, any loss payable for damage to your building may be paid to both you and your mortgagee, as both have an insurable interest in the home. Your insurance company cannot remove the mortgagee from your check without written permission. To endorse the check, contact your mortgage company, and they will guide you through their procedures to endorse insurance checks.
Select a contractor you are comfortable with and trust. Georgia In Home Services will provide you not only with customer references but also with suppliers. Call our previous customers to see how pleased they were with our services. Check with our suppliers and ask them if we pay on time. You should check any contractor's references and professional organizations they belong to. Remember to present a copy of your insurance estimate to your contractor.
In most cases, your contractor will work off this estimate. If there is any discrepancy between your insurance company's recommended scope and your contractor's recommended scope, get your insurance company's approval to work with your contractor to negotiate and settle on a scope of work before commencing any repairs. This also ensures you are following the scope of your insurance company to make sure you qualify for the recoverable depreciation upon final billing.
Your insurance company's adjuster may have missed some items or may not have the most current market pricing on items. Most differences between estimates can be settled over the phone between your adjuster and your contractor. Additional damages are often found in insurance claims.
You do not have to get three estimates. You have the right to choose whichever contractor you are most comfortable with and who you believe will do the best work. Use who you want to use! Your insurance company may be trying to get you to accept the lowest bid to do the work instead of who you feel is the best contractor to do the job.
Remember, your deductible stays the same, whether you use a qualified contractor or a low bidder. Go with quality, and don't cut corners on your roof.
If you have any questions or need help with your insurance claim, contact us today and speak with Danny, our Claim Specialist.
With Georgia In Home Services, you will get top-of-the-line products installed on your home and superior craftsmanship, have the peace of mind that our quality control managers will inspect the installation process. You will get 1st class service all for the price of your deductible.
We are here to assist you 24/7, so call Danny at 404-434-2436 for any roofing emergency.
Roofing Definitions
CHIMNEY BASE FLASHING: A corrosion-resistant sheet metal installed at the base of a chimney to prevent leaks.
EAVES: The lower border of a roof that overhangs the wall.
FASCIA: The vertical board at the eaves, oftentimes covered with vinyl or aluminum.
HORIZONTAL SIDING: Provides style and functionality. Available in various materials, colors, textures and designs.
HOUSEWRAP: Material designed to allow moisture to escape and to prevent air from coming in.
LOOKOUT: A horizontally positioned board used to brace the trusses of a roof (also see 13.)
RAKE: The outer edge of a roof from the eave to the ridge.
RIDGE BEAM: The top support beam between opposite slopes or sides of a roof.
RIDGE SHINGLES: Shingles used to cover the horizontal external angle formed by the intersection of two sloping roof planes.
DRIP EDGE: A narrow strip of non-corrosive, non-staining, finishing material installed along the eaves and rakes to allow water run-off to drip clear of underlying construction. On eaves where gutters are present, this material is commonly called gutter apron.
ROOF SHEATHING (boards): The structural base of a roof. Also called the roof deck, or decking.
ROOF SHEATHING (plywood): The structural base of a roof. Also called the roof deck, or decking.
ROOF TRUSS (rafters): The framework that supports a roof.
SHINGLE SIDING: A siding option typically manufactured from red cedar, which weathers to a silvery gray or medium brown, depending on local climate; and white cedar, which weathers to a silvery gray.
SHINGLES: The outermost covering of a roof. Composition shingles are manufacured from materials “composed” of fiberglass, modified asphalt and mineral granules. Wood shingles and shakes (shakes are split rather than sawn) are made from western red cedar. Other roofing options include clay and concrete tiles, slate, metal, mineral roll roofing, and tar and gravel.
SOFFIT: The finished underside of the eaves. Soffit panels are available in wood, vinyl and aluminum.
STEP FLASHING: A corrosion-resistant sheet metal used to waterproof the angle between a chimney, skylight, dormer, etc. and a sloping roof.
UNDERLAYMENT: An asphalt-impregnated felt laid under most roofing materials as a secondary water barrier. Felt is classified by weight per “square,” (100 sq. ft.) usually 15 or 30-pound. Underlayment is also called tar paper or felt.
VALLEY: The intersection of two sloping roofs joining at an angle to provide water runoff.
VALLEY FLASHING: Made from aluminum or galvanized steel, this additional water barrier is installed after the roof and valley have been covered with underlayment.
VENT FLASHING: A flat piece of pre-cut sheet metal installed on top of the underlayment to prevent leaks from occurring where roof vents are present.
VERTICAL PANEL SIDING: Plain, patterned, or grooved panels of plywood or hardboard that provide style and functionality.
WALL SHEATHING: The first covering of boards on the outside wall of a frame house.
WALL STUD: An upright piece of wood used to frame a house and support the walls of the structure.
We hope this information has proven helpful.
Danny Diulus
Georgia In Home Services
info@georgiainhomeservices.com
404-434-2436
In many cases, you will need to contact your agent directly, but the numbers listed below will allow you to gather more information regarding your claim.
Phone: 404-434-2436
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