A leaky roof is all too common due to aging shingles, storms, and other causes. It helps to be able to recognize the signs of a roof leak and understand what your homeowners’ insurance is likely to pay for and what probably won’t be covered.
Signs Of A Leaking Roof
The following are some of the most common signs of a roof leak:
- Brownish stains on the ceiling – caused by moisture penetrating your roof’s decking and then leaking onto attic insulation and down to the drywall, where it creates a brown ceiling stain
- A musty smell in your home – especially one occurring when you turn on your HVAC system. This can be caused by a leaky roof causing your attic insulation to get wet.
- Damaged shingles – including ones curling or cracking
- Mold or mildew – mold around your vents, ceiling fans, or light fixtures can be caused by a leaking roof
Your Roof Leak Insurance Claim
If you think you have roof damage, you’ll first need to have it inspected by a qualified roofing contractor in the Denver and Fort Collins area. The contractor will let you know if your roof is damaged and recommend a repair or replacement.
After your inspection, contact your home insurance company, who will send out a claims adjuster to evaluate the damage. If you’d like, the roofing contractor who inspected your roof can meet with the insurance company’s adjuster to discuss the damage and support his estimate of the damage.
In general, insurance won’t usually cover leaks caused by general wear and tear over time or those resulting from a failure to properly maintain your roof. It usually does, however, cover leaks caused by “acts of God” such as wind or hail.
Your insurance company can give you the exact details of your particular homeowners’ policy and coverage if you have any questions. They’ll also be able to let you know how much your deductible is. This is the amount of money you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket before your insurance company pays anything toward your claim.
If you’ve noticed signs you have a roof leak, work with Red Diamond in the Denver and Fort Collins area to get the cause of the problem repaired. Our generations-old roofing company treats our customers with respect and provides excellent service. We’ll also work with your insurance company so your claim proceeds smoothly.
