A damaged roof can be expensive to repair, and many property owners try to handle the problem without any financial help from other sources. However, there are a number of roofing failures that are covered by homeowner insurance policies, and it makes little sense to not take advantage of the coverage. For instance, the cost of most storm damage such as torn or missing shingles is typically a standard feature, and these are issues that need to be fixed as quickly as possible. One reason for this is that insurance policies often have time limitations, but a more important reason is that damage to the roof can lead to further problems including rot in the decking or rafters. Plus, quick repairs can reduce the chance of needing Insurance Restoration for the entire roof.
Roofs can suffer all types of damage, but most of it is from some sort of water problems. For example, shingles can crack, dry out, or curl and allow water to seep underneath them. These problems may not be covered by some homeowner insurance policies, which is why it is important to keep the roof in good repair. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to predict roofing failures like destruction due to ice accumulation. Ice tends to break down roof materials, and the damage may not be noticeable until after the roof fails. Sadly, most ice damage results in the need for complete Insurance Restoration because the damaged materials will also allow rain to get under the roof. Rain and the moisture from ice and snow can ruin the decking that supports the roof by saturating the decking. Most roof decking is an engineered material like OSB (oriented strand board) that breaks down once water saturates its fibers.
It may be difficult to avoid the need for roof repairs and insurance claims. However, there are ways to extend the service life of the roof. The first step is to contact a professional and have the roof inspected. Roof inspections need to be performed frequently. Of course, it can get a bit expensive having a professional checking the roof every time, but the homeowner can also make some of these examinations. If there are any signs of problems, then they can call in an expert. Things that the property owner should look for include damage to the roof covering and water stains in the attic. Get further information from the professionals at Waukesha Roofing & Sheet Metal Inc.
