Wondering If Your Leaking Roof is Covered Under Homeowners Insurance?

It’s raining again. You hear the tapping drips of water coming from above and see the water damage caused by your leaking roof grow larger. Drip-drip-drip. This won’t become any easier to ignore, and that leak in your roof is not going to fix itself. In many cases, by the time your roof springs a leak, it has sustained serious damage. So, why are you waiting to repair the leak? If you are not sure if your insurance will cover a leaking roof, we can help. Harrell Adjusting Services  has devised this guide to help you determine when a leaking roof is covered under your home insurance policy.

Step 1: What Is The Cause Of Your Leaking Roof

In Edgar Allen Poe’s short story “The Tell-Tale Heart”, a beating sound from under the floorboards drives the narrator mad, leading to him tear apart his house. Luckily, you don’t have to resort to destroying your home to find the cause of your leaking roof. A quick investigation of your home’s roof and/or attic area can easily reveal the source. Here’s where to look:

1. Above The Ceiling: Just because water is pooling in, or dripping from your ceiling does not mean that is where the leak begins. If you see water spots, or stains on your ceiling, check above the sheetrock to trace the origin of the leak. Hint: Do this step when it’s raining to have the most accurate results.
2. In The Attic: Mold likes to grow in dark, humid areas such as a leaking attic. If you see mold or notice damp areas of discoloration, it can often mean there is a weak spot in your roof nearby.
3. On The Roof: Walk into your yard and step back away from your home. From here you can get a good, wide view of your roof. You can also place a ladder against your home and climb to the top – without stepping onto the roof – to get a closer view. Storms and natural wear and tear can cause visible damage to your roofing materials. 
4.  Other: Some causes of a leaky roof are hard to spot. If you are having a hard time inspecting your roof, Harrell Adjusting Services is able to help. Our public adjusters will survey the damage, estimate the full cost of repairs and review your homeowners insurance policy to see if your leaking roof is covered. 

Step 2: Be Proactive About A Leaking Roof

Once you identify a leak, there are steps you can take to mitigate the damage. If there is an active leak, place a container to catch incoming water. Remove and dry up any standing or stagnant water. Next, contact a qualified insurance adjuster, like Craig Harrell, before you file a homeowners insurance claim. 

Unfortunately, roofing repairs can be costly. Failing to act quickly and file your claim correctly, can result in denial or underpayment from your insurance company.

Step 3: Know Your Homeowners Insurance Coverage 

Insurance paperwork is complicated. When reading your policy, you may find it impossible to decipher all the legal jargon. You may not fully understand what your policy does or does not cover. As an experienced, professional public adjuster, Craig Harrell can help you understand the specifics of your insurance policy. Using expertise in the insurance industry, he can determine if your provider will repair your leaking roof. In addition, he can tell you how much to expect in a fair insurance settlement. If your roof damage was incurred during a storm; from hail, tree branches, or high winds, then you’re probably covered. On the other hand, most homeowner policies do not cover roof damages caused by vandalism, neglect, earthquakes, and sinkholes. For a full understanding of what your homeowner’s policy in Florida covers, we recommend that you consult the experts at Harrell Adjusting Services.

Harrell Adjusting Services Can Answer Florida Homeowners Insurance Questions

Quit pretending you don’t hear the dripping, or notice the wet musty smell in your home. A small leak can become a large problem when ignored. If you are not sure if your homeowners insurance will cover your leaking roof, contact Harrell Adjusting Services today. We can help you understand the specifics of your insurance policy, and answer all of your questions. Contact us today for a free consultation. 863-559-3405